[soccerball]

I found out yesterday that I am going away for treatment for two months. I am scared, guilty, hopeful, overwhelmed...pretty much don't know what to do.

Anyways, it means that I won't be seeing my regular T for awhile. She has been encouraging me to seek treatment, and when I saw her today was extremely supportive of my choice. She also made sure I knew that she would welcome me back as soon as I return (and hopes that I will).

This means SO much to me...the fact that she is willing to continue treatment after, that she is supporting me in this tough decision, and most of all, the time and guidance she has given me that has lead me to be in a place where I can accept and want help.

I want to give her something small to express how grateful I am... I'm thinking of maybe giving her a collage I make, or a poem, or something simple like that, but just so she knows how much her work means to me. I know that gifts are a very tricky topic in the therapeutic relationship, and I'm wondering if anyone has given gifts to their therapists or has any advice about what is appropriate...or if it isn't ever really ok.

Thank you!!

[sunrise]

I think something homemade and heartfelt like a poem or collage is very appropriate. Some Ts don't accept gifts under any circumstances, but I think it is rare these days. Your gift is a gift of gratitude and I think most Ts would graciously accept.

Good luck with your new treatment program.

i think small gifts are always appreciated........especially something you make yourself. I have given my t of 4 years lots of cards that i have made, a little silver butterfly, a little glass angel, a little bronze elephant and a small soap heart. I have given them at xmas or when i have been away a while. I am sure she appreciated it..........as i appreciate her.....

[Elysium]

I just terminated with my old T and I got her a card and a gift. She's told me before, just in conversation that she is not supposed to accepts gifts from clients or their family members so I told her when I gave it to her that it wasn't a gift.

I told her it was to help foster the therapeutic milleu of her office. It was just a little placard with a quote on it, but she laughed and accepted it. She said she loved it.

I'm sure your T would accept something...as long as it wasn't something real lavish. If you have concerns, just tell her it's not a gift, it is a tool to foster and encourage a therapeutic environment. That way...it's not a gift.

[KUREHA]

I think a poem or collage, it a good idea.
I've only gave my psychologist a card (not 1 I made) and she liked it

I think you should and I think she'll be cool with it

(((((((((((((((((((soccerball)))))))))))))))))

It must feel so reassuring to know that your T will be waiting for you when you come home from treatment. I'm glad you are letting yourself get the help you need, even though it might feel scary. Good for you...

As for gifts, I've given my T small gifts before, like a book I thought he would like, little carved fish for his desk back when our motto was "keep swimming", just little things. I've also brought him things I've baked for my family a couple of times.

I definitely think something small and symbolic, or something you've made yourself, is a nice idea

good luck, soccerball!!! we'll be here when you get back, too

[deliquesce]

most Ts will appreciate something small and meaningful.

but things like - tickets to a concert, or the footy might be a grey area.

and (true stories) - a baby grand piano, a vacation house, or a (eww) condom are inappropriate.

so - LOL - unless you were planning on the last three, i am sure you T will be pleased . i have given pdoc a gift only once, and i was very scared about doing so, but he was really excited about it and carries it around in his brief case all the time now.

[soccerball]

Thanks so much for the feedback, everyone...I feel more reassured knowing others have given gifts and gotten positive responses. Mostly I just want to make sure she knows she has been greatly appreciated, and that all that she has put up with from me has not gone unnoticed!

And no, condoms and vacation homes weren't on the list of options,

[cmac13]

My therapist has always accepted my gifts to her. She accepts gifts because she says the rejection of a gift hurts her clients way too much. She says she has learned this through experience. So she is totally cool with it.