Law and Ethics Practice Exam

How should a therapist ethically respond to a gift from a client?

1. Call the client thanking her for the card and gift.

2. Wait until the next session to politely decline the gift.

3. Call the hotel to ask the monetary value of the gift.

4. Consult with a colleague before making a decision.

The correct answer is: Wait until the next session to politely decline the gift.

A therapist's ethical response to receiving a gift from a client typically involves carefully considering the implications of accepting or declining the gift. The ethical standards in many therapeutic practices advise maintaining professional boundaries and ensuring that the therapeutic relationship remains focused on the client's needs rather than personal exchanges. Politely declining the gift, particularly in the context of the next session, demonstrates sensitivity and respect for the professional nature of the therapist-client relationship. It allows the therapist to address the gesture without dismissiveness, giving room for discussion about the client's feelings and the reasons behind the gift. This response helps maintain clear professional boundaries and minimizes any potential discomfort that could arise from unequal power dynamics. In contrast, simply calling to thank the client could blur those boundaries, potentially leading the client to misinterpret the therapist's receptiveness and perhaps placing undue emphasis on the gift rather than on the therapeutic process. Asking the hotel about the gift's monetary value could also be inappropriate and could create the impression that the therapist is focused on material aspects rather than the therapeutic relationship itself. Consulting a colleague could be useful in some contexts, but resolving the situation directly with the client demonstrates professionalism and clarity in the therapeutic setting.