Gifts and Bartering

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, because gift giving and bartering can interfere with the power relationship between the counselor and client, professional organizations and licensing authorities place strict guidelines on the acceptance of gifts in these practices. The author points out that gift giving in the therapeutic environment may represent issues, such as a perceived imbalance in the professional relationship or as a tip, homage or sacrifice for professional services. The paper discusses a model for assessing a gift-giving situation and determining an appropriate response based on the interaction of therapeutic meaning and significance and ethical concerns. The paper also explains that, although bartering can be appropriate in the cases of economically deprived clients and may be used as a therapeutic tool, it can present significant therapeutic and ethical concerns due to its inherent nature to produce dual relationships.

Table of Contents:
Gifts
Bartering

From the Paper:

"Most therapists do not view client's gifts of small value as an ethical problem; however, expensive and inappropriate gifts are universally viewed as an ethical problem. Despite the gift, therapists need to evaluate all gifts on a case by case basis to establish the client's potential motivations and clinical implications. The client's personality, culture, economic status, and history need to be evaluated. A client may simply offer a gift as a ritualistic gesture during a holiday or as a means to express gratitude. Such gifts usually enhance the therapeutic alliance."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2003). Issues & ethics in the health professions. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
• Gerig, M. S. (2004) Receiving gifts from clients: Ethical and therapeutic issues. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 26, 199-210.
• Spandler, H., Burman, E., Goldberg, B., Margison, F., & Amos, T. (2000). 'A double edged sword': Understanding gifts in psychotherapy. European Journal of Psychotherapy, Counseling & Health, 3, 77-101.
• Woody, R. H. (1998). Bartering for psychological services. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 29, 174-178.
• Zur, O. (2007). Boundaries in Psychotherapy: Ethical and Clinical Explorations. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

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