Mother's Day... in advance

I agree with Divine. Either she is naive and doing a really poor job or she is being intentionally manipulative. No paid professional would ask a client for a gift or ask a client to do an unpaid favor. Not a T, not a dentist, not a fitness trainer, not a mail carrier, not a dog walker, etc. it's simply unprofessional. She asks Growli because it's easy and convenient and she knows she'll come running when she calls. That's the transference. It also sounds like Growli's life coaching revolves around LC deciding what she thinks would be fun or cool to do with Growli. The LC enjoys having Growli dress up in clothes she picks out. But does it help with Geowli's issues? Does it heal childhood trauma? Reduce anxiety? I doubt it-- not to mention Growli couldnt afford to buy the clothes even if she wanted to.

Just by way of comparison around gift giving, my T allows things like cards and handmade gifts. She does not allow store bought gifts. Last week, I recommended a book to her that I had just read. She ended up deciding to recommend that book to her book club and mentioned she was having trouble locating a copy of the book. I offered her my copy and she turned it down. I had already paid for it, read it, and no longer had a use for it. She clearly wanted the book, and had a use for it. Still, her ethics prevented her from accepting it. That may be a little extreme, but that is what is considered "ethical" to prevent a T from potentially abusing the client's transference and desire to please.