I used the example of web design because that was the first service I could think of that my T would really need. I can't imagine doing gardening or housepainting for him, or cutting his hair, lol. But he is kind of computer-inept and has mentioned a few times how he really needs to get a website up. We talked briefly about it and I gave him some tips on how to go about finding an inexpensive web designer and also some info on how to do it himself if he felt up to that (I don't think he does). I could put together a quickie site for him, but I don't think it would be as good as he needs. But I did not offer to do this. Later I thought, what would that arrangement even look like? Would I do it for him for free, as a friend might? As an expression of gratitude for how much he has helped me? Would I expect to be paid? Would I barter for that service? What if I did a site for him, and he hated it? It was too complicated to think of all that, plus he really needs a professional's services, not mine, so that is as far as that back-of-my-mind idea went.

He did ask me to respond in writing to some questions he gave me for a presentation he was giving. He wanted an example of a client's view on certain things. So I said sure I would do this, but I said I would really like to have his "prompts" or questions in writing as that would make it easier for me to respond to. (I tend not to able to commit to memory very well things that people tell me unless I take notes.) So he said he would email me the questions. Next session, he asked again if I would answer some questions for him, and I reminded him that yes, I would, and I was still waiting for his email. So he did send it to me then. And I wrote an essay for him, about 2 and a half pages. He loved it and has indeed used it significantly in his presentation and will be using it again next month. (He doesn't cite my name but keeps the source anonymous.) So I did this favor for him outside of the session. It wasn't a service I provided, just a favor. It is outside of the therapy fee arrangement so there was never any question that he would not have me pay for a session, and I would have felt weird if he suddenly turned it into a barter situation. I think of it as a favor. Anyway, I can see the line between barter and favor is a continuum. And maybe what one person would consider a favor, another might consider a service that should be compensated. It's interesting. I certainly know that professionals do exchange services, like drawing up a will or other legal documents in exchange for orthodontia, etc. Recently a criminal defense attorney provided my daughter with free legal assistance as some sort of favor for my sister. I felt uncomfortable about that, but he insisted. It's an interesting ethical area to me. I am glad the APA is flexible enough to not prohibit bartering, as in some situations, it might be very appropriate (as pinksoil described).