[ecl39]

So I'm new to therapy, as I've only been going for about two months now. But I feel like I've really connected with my therapist. A few weeks ago she made a comment about hammering nails into a wooden board and then doing something creative with it as an outlet for my emotions and as a way to express myself. Long story short, I tried this out and got pretty into it. I'm now finishing the wood (sanding, routing, staining) to make it look nice, nailing patterns into it, and using thread to create pretty cool string art pieces. Some of my friends have even put in requests to purchase them. Since my therapist is the one who got me into this and she was incredibly impressed with and excited about the boards I've done so far, I was going to make one to give to her to hang in her office-- just something simple like an uplifting word or short phrase (she really liked the one I made that says "this too shall pass"). Would it be inappropriate for me to make a board for her though? I've heard some therapists have no problem accepting gifts like this with sentimental value while others don't accept any gifts. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!!

[stopdog]

You could ask her if she accepts gifts

[ScarletPimpernel]

If she accepts gifts, I think it would be an appropriate and meaningful gift to give her. But I would ask first. And don't assume she'll hang it in her office. Gifts shouldn't come with conditions.

[atisketatasket]

In your case it seems like a reasonable, appropriate gift, if she accepts them.

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[Gavinandnikki]

I think that is a lovely gift. I used to paint pictures for my therapist. It never occurred to me to ask her, in advance, if she accepted gifts.

I'm glad she did because I would have been devastated if she refused my paintings. As in, would never come back for another session, devastated and deeply hurt.

[msxyz]

What if she takes it but doesn't hang it up?

[musinglizzy]

Originally Posted by Gavinandnikki

I think that is a lovely gift. I used to paint pictures for my therapist. It never occurred to me to ask her, in advance, if she accepted gifts.

I'm glad she did because I would have been devastated if she refused my paintings. As in, would never come back for another session, devastated and deeply hurt.

I've done the same thing. I didn't ask her. She did tell me later that her main boundary is that she doesn't accept gifts. I thanked her for accepting mine. She has since accepted another painting, so I guess that's another boundary that doesn't apply to me (saying in a joking manner). I don't plan on pushing that boundary anymore. Well, when I started, I didn't know it was one.

[aetheorist]

I would just ask how she feels about gifts. No biggie. Glad it's going well.

[ecl39]

Thanks, everyone, for the input! If she does accept the board and chooses not to hang it in her office, it wouldn't be a big deal to me. My feelings wouldn't be hurt or anything. I just thought it may fit well in her office because she does a lot of art and play therapy, and her office definitely reflects that.