> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://handbook.helendelovely.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Gifts From Clients

> When a client offers a gift.

Clients sometimes want to give something: a card, cookies, a book, a plant. In a therapy relationship, a gift is clinical material as much as it is a kindness. Handle it thoughtfully.

## The rules

* **Small, token gifts** (a card, a homemade treat, something under about \$25) may be accepted when refusing would harm the relationship. Document it in the record with a brief note.
* **Anything of meaningful value** (cash, gift cards, jewelry, electronics, services, anything over about \$25) is declined, gently and with an explanation that it's a professional standard, not a rejection of them. Document the offer and the conversation.
* **Never solicit** a gift, favor, or discount from a client.
* **Never accept** a gift that's conditioned on anything, or from a client in a state where accepting could be exploitative.

## How to decline

"Thank you. That's really thoughtful. I'm not able to accept it, and that's a rule for every clinician, not about you. I'd love to hear what made you think of it, though." Then explore it, because it usually means something.

## Gifts to clients

Don't give clients gifts, beyond something trivial and clinically appropriate in rare circumstances, and never without discussing it with Helen or your supervisor first.

## When you're not sure

Bring it to Helen or your supervisor. This is a common consultation topic and nobody will think less of you for asking.