[slbest]

I really want to get a holiday gift for my therapist. She has been helping me so much and I really want to show my appreciation!!! Any ideas?

[NowhereUSA]

I gave my T a book of inspirational quotes and a card for his birthday. He does a lot of mindfulness stuff so I think he'd get some mileage out of it (and at the very least, his bookshelf was looking a bit bare). It's from an author we both like.

Some people recommend something you made as a gift if you're crafty that way.

[HowDoYouFeelMeow?]

I'm giving T some diet coke with lime because I know she likes it and has a hard time finding it. I'm also giving her some treats for her dog. Thoughtful, yet not expensive to stay within boundaries.

[slbest]

good ideas! i'm getting her a llbean tote bag monogramed with her name on it and then i am going to fill it with random little things such as tea, a scarf, a journal... do you think that would be ok?

[Arha]

It sounds very thoughtful, but to me, perhaps a bit much?
The bag, the journal the scarf, each on their own would be enough to convey that you appreciate your T. If you feel you need to convey more, perhaps one of those with a handmade card and message?

[grimtopaz]

I gave her a small box of "fancy" swiss truffles and can of loose leaf jasmine green tea. We 'processed it' for a little bit - why I gave it to her, and why Thanksgiving. I told her I chose Thanksgiving because I was grateful and I just thought it would be a nice gesture - that I had no agenda. She accepted it.

I think most therapists would be thrilled with a thoughtful card. I'm assuming that something like a small box of chocolates, cookies, etc. would be appreciated. I would not give a therapist clothing/jewelry because asking someone to wear something seems very intimate - just my opinion.

[nottrustin]

Not sure yet what I will get her. I don't buy her a gift every year but when I do it is a gift card card to her favorite restaurant.

[nottrustin]

Originally Posted by slbest

good ideas! i'm getting her a llbean tote bag monogramed with her name on it and then i am going to fill it with random little things such as tea, a scarf, a journal... do you think that would be ok?

I think it is great but is probably too much. When I buy my therapist a gift card it is usually $30...pretty much buys a meal for 2 people at her favorite restaurant. She originally said it was to much but no longer does...

Considering the LLBEAN will cos about that everything else would be overboard.

[Freewilled]

I've never given my T anything....in fact, I don't think I've ever even said happy whatever as I've pretty much just ignored the holidays existed lol This year, I acknowledged it with my T and I found that it was very special and meaningful. It was a lot coming from our particular T relationship since I've always had him pushed far back with a 10 foot pole. It felt like......hmmmm.....I guess a connection maybe idk.....

So I think it depends on your relationship with your T. I thought about giving him a card but I realized I'm not ready to do that yet. I imagine that if I am blessed with a proper goodbye session, I will give him a meaningful card then. For me, I think that will end up being enough as far as gifts go, but that could change.

Another thing is that I believe gifts mean different things to different people. I think it's nice that you want to give your T a gift, but you might want to be sure you know the gift policy (if you haven't checked already) and that you've explored with yourself why you want to get her the gifts so you are prepared should she want to talk more in depth about it.

[slbest]

good point about maybe all the gifts would be too much. the monogramed bag and a handwritten would be enough right?

[Freewilled]

Originally Posted by slbest

good point about maybe all the gifts would be too much. the monogramed bag and a handwritten would be enough right?

What are your concerns? You seem contemplative about it....I think you should do what you feel is best for your T relationship.

[slbest]

Yeah I guess I'm unsure about giving her a gift. If she'll appreciate it.

[slbest]

Other thoughts? Keep them coming!

I give her fun stuff like silly socks and bright colours of nail laquer

[smmath]

Yesterday I wrote my T a letter of thanks and then I read it to him. It was an assignment for my psych class and I chose to write the letter to him. It might not be a "real" gift, but I think it was good enough. I know he liked it. So maybe words are enough when they are genuine. I don't think I will give him a tangible gift because I am too afraid of the possible rejection.

[tuxyjenn]

I was in the store last night and saw candles and thought I might get my therapist one or maybe 2 of the $1.99 ones but I don't know what scent she would like. I love vanilla.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I don't gift for holidays, but I have given gifts to my T and Pdoc. I have given a painting I made on glass, a lightbulb container filled with marbles, a baby blanket I made, a normal blanket I made, a survival kit, flowers, muffins, and papers I wrote in college. I've also sent a ton of heartfelt emails. My T will accept any gift so long as there's no expectations attached (and it doesn't cost a lot). My Pdoc will only accept gifts valued under $25. I think simple gifts, especially homemade gifts are more appropriate than a bought gift.

My T feels the same. She's going to give me something when we terminate, but she doesn't want it to just be anything. She wants it to have meaning relating to our relationship. What that could be? No clue. But termination isn't in the near future (least we both hope not).