The offering of gifts and tokens of appreciation can occur during the termination processes of counseling. Community Counseling Clinic (CCC) counselors should be aware that the acceptance of gifts and tokens must follow consideration of the motivations behind the offering of gifts. The CCC endorses the following policy for the acceptance of gifts and tokens:
CCC 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" (A.10.f.; ACA Code of Ethics, 2014).
CCC counselors must not accept gifts or tokens of appreciation that exceed $50.00 in monetary value.
CCC counselors must consider the cultural implications of accepting or denying a gift, the potential effects of accepting or denying a gift on client wellbeing, and the congruency between presenting concerns and the gift offered.
For example, if a client's presenting concern is difficulty with boundaries, extravagant or repeated gifts may be interpreted as clinically relevant to counseling and not be accepted as such.
CCC counselors must consult with their Practicum Instructor or Clinic Director if unsure whether accepting or denying a gift would be appropriate and beneficial to the client.
CCC counselors can accept gifts that are handmade or hold significant meaning to clients, but only after considering the ethical standards articulated above.