You’ve likely been taught that it is unethical to accept gifts from clients. But are there ever any exceptions to that?
Here’s what the 2014 ACA (American Counseling Association) Code of Ethics says:
A.10.f. Receiving Gifts
Counselors understand the challenges of accepting gifts from clients and recognize that in some cultures, small gifts are a token of respect and gratitude. When determining whether to accept a gift from clients, counselors take into account the therapeutic relationship, the monetary value of the gift, the client’s motivation for giving the gift, and the counselor’s motivation for wanting to accept or decline the gift.
Therefore, the decision as to whether or not to accept a gift is not a simple one.
Let’s break it down.
- Culture. Some cultures, such as Chinese, show appreciation by giving a tangible gift. Whereas your American client may thank you verbally for helping them, a Chinese client may give you a small gift. Therefore, it is important to consider the client’s culture.
- Therapeutic relationship. If someone you’ve only met once or twice brings you a gift, or you have a shaky alliance with them, you could send them the wrong message by accepting it. On the other hand, if you’ve been working with someone for a few months, and have developed a strong alliance, then it is safer to accept a small gift. Not only is it less likely the client will interpret the acceptance as a boundary crossing, but you could insult the client and damage the relationship by refusing it.
- Monetary value. It should be obvious to you that it is improper to accept gifts with a high monetary value. Although setting an exact dollar limit is problematic, it seems to be standard practice to not accept anything more valuable than a small box of chocolates, small stuffed animal, or a mug. When considering value, you must also consider a client’s economic circumstances. For example, the gift of a mug from an impoverished person could have the same value as a higher priced item from a wealthy individual.
- Client’s motivation.I think this issue is probably the most important consideration. What does the client hope to accomplish by giving you the gift? Is he or she simply thanking you for the help, or is there a hidden motivation? For example, is the client trying to manipulate you somehow? Are they trying to get something from you, such as special treatment if they are late for appointments, or a good forensic evaluation? If we are talking about a couple, is the gift from both of them or just one partner?
- Your motivation. Hopefully you have learned to never make any client interaction about you. Except when you have a client who is boundary-challenged, you should never refuse a gift to punish a client, or try to “teach them a lesson.” Or because you are in a bad mood. On the flip side, you shouldn’t accept a gift in order to establish or repair a therapeutic alliance. Or because you really like it and want it! Don’t allow greed or laziness to color your judgement because you can risk exploiting your client.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
