Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
12 p.
Publication Date
4-2003
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Source Publication
Journal of Counseling Psychology
Source ISSN
0022-0167
Abstract
Descriptions by 12 therapists of their experiences receiving tangible gifts from clients are examined. Using consensual qualitative research (C. E. Hill, B. J. Thompson, & E. N. Williams, 1997) therapists’ overall gift encounters and specifically identified gift events were explored. Results indicated that although clients rarely gave gifts, all of the participants had accepted gifts. Problematic gifts (i.e., ones that raised concern for therapists) were given at more provocative times than were unproblematic gifts (i.e., ones that evoked few concerns for therapists). Both types of gifts were given for various reasons (e.g., appreciation, manipulation, equalization). Participants reported positive and negative internal responses to both types of gifts, but more often discussed unproblematic than problematic gifts with clients. Problematic gifts were more often discussed with others than were unproblematic gifts. Gift episodes of both types facilitated therapy process.
Recommended Citation
Knox, Sarah; Hess, Shirley A.; Williams, Elizabeth Nutt; and Hill, Clara E., "“Here’s a Little Something for You”: How Therapists Respond to Client Gifts" (2003). College of Education Faculty Research and Publications. 20.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/edu_fac/20
Comments
Accepted version. Journal of Counseling Psychology, Vol. 50, No. 2 (April 2003): 199-210. DOI. This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the APA journal. It is not the copy of record.