Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 360159

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Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue? » Believe

Posted by daisym on June 25, 2004, at 23:07:54

In reply to Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?, posted by Believe on June 25, 2004, at 21:27:37

Yes, as a matter of fact I do. She delivered my babies and has been my MD and my friend for 19 years. I tell her nearly as many personal things (though different things) as I do my Therapist. We were preganant at the same time (our middle kids) and I gave her a music box for the baby. She still has it and that "baby" is 17. We actaully talked about it last time I saw her.

I also give gifts to my kids pediatrician, and his nurse. At one time I believe we had a chair in the waiting room with "our" name one it. (I have a kid who was diabetic at age 3 so we were there A LOT)

I used to also give small holiday gifts to the school bus drivers, our phamacist and other important people (my dry cleaners!) in our life. Just because they get paid to provide a service doesn't mean they don't like or need to be recognized and thanked.

 

Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?

Posted by Believe on June 25, 2004, at 23:22:15

In reply to Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue? » Believe, posted by daisym on June 25, 2004, at 23:07:54

But do you know your therapist like you do the people you mentioned? The therapeutic relationship is a one way relationship. If it isn't, then (IMHO) the therapist is having counter-transference issues. Better to spend your gift giving energies on a real relationship. One that you don't have to worry about 1) what if they retire? 2) what if they move? 3) how many patients do they have? 4) what if they see me driving past their office?

 

Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?

Posted by lifeworthliving on June 26, 2004, at 1:29:35

In reply to Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?, posted by Believe on June 25, 2004, at 23:22:15

>>>>>But do you know your therapist like you do the people you mentioned? The therapeutic relationship is a one way relationship. If it isn't, then (IMHO) the therapist is having counter-transference issues. Better to spend your gift giving energies on a real relationship. One that you don't have to worry about 1) what if they retire? 2) what if they move? 3) how many patients do they have? 4) what if they see me driving past their office?>>>>

i don't know about anyone else here, but i'm so in love with my therapist that i think i'd forfeit my us citizenship and follow her to the ends of the earth. this is where i would agree to be her personal slave and shopper (but not until after i turn over my savings acct and add her to my checking). in fact, i'd be honored to wash her feet with my tears and dry them with my hair. i've spent hours thinking of and longing for her... if i understand your post/question, i'm thinking you want me to believe that my energy and resources could be better spent elsewhere? BAHAHAHA, i don't think so. she can wipe her butt on my sleeve if she ever runs out of toilet paper. i can't believe u don't think i'm capable of sorting this kind of mess out.

 

Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?

Posted by lucy stone on June 26, 2004, at 3:09:03

In reply to Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?, posted by Believe on June 25, 2004, at 21:27:37

> I just have one question -- do you take gifts to your gynecologist as well? Yes, your therapist knows you in a way no one else does, but it is their job.
>

When I had a hysterectomy I took baskets of cookies to the people in my gyns office. Yes, they were doing their jobs but they did them with kindness and caring that went beyond what they were paid to do. I used to have a job that touched people's lives in a very deep way. It was an honor to do the job and although I was paid I cared deeply about my clients. A client would often bring a gift or a card to us and we were always touched. Just because people are paid for their jobs it doesn't mean that they also put themselves into them. I think good Ts try to understand why clients give them gifts. Exploring that can be a part of therapy.

 

Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?

Posted by lucy stone on June 26, 2004, at 3:14:50

In reply to Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?, posted by Believe on June 25, 2004, at 23:22:15

> Better to spend your gift giving energies on a real relationship. One that you don't have to worry about 1) what if they retire? 2) what if they move? 3) how many patients do they have? 4) what if they see me driving past their office?

My T would not be happy to hear our relationship discribed as not real. It is asymetrical by definition but it is real. Exploring the above questions with my T has been an important part of my work. He is not the only person I have had transferrance issues with and sometimes they have harmed me greatly. In my therapy I am learning why I do this and what I am looking for in these relationships. I am at the point where I think I will never have that kind of harmful transferrance realtionships and that will make my life better. It is one of the things I needed from therapy.

 

The Perfect gift... » Miss Honeychurch

Posted by tinydancer on June 26, 2004, at 4:19:15

In reply to Therapy and gifts, posted by Miss Honeychurch on June 25, 2004, at 8:23:17

This has been quite the source of discussion many times. I've talked to my T about how I must give the perfect gifts because if they aren't perfect, its not reflecting the love I have for the person recieving it. I talked about how I could shop until I was shaking and sweating but would not give up until I found the gift that "magically" spoke to me and I felt a click inside that "this" was it.

I have given my T one gift. It was kind of a big one, but it was really special. I framed this picture:

http://www.villastjean.com/images/Little%20Prince%20Images/lp30.gif

You see what I mean about PERFECT gifts? I like the ones that sort of tear your heart out and make you weep. Ha! Now I have to top myself because our one year is coming up. I love the snowglobe idea.

 

When *getting* gifts has been an issue

Posted by Racer on June 26, 2004, at 4:53:19

In reply to Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?, posted by Believe on June 25, 2004, at 23:22:15

My first example involves the first non-profit I was involved with. I was both on the board and in the trenches -- we were running on such a short budget we defined the phrase "working board." (Our board members were required to perform a minimum number of hours each year volunteering for our program, as well, which I've always thought was a great policy for any org that has volunteers.) The first time I sat through the volunteer training, and the issue of gifts from clients came up, I was thinking, "oh, how silly, never be an issue." I continued to think that every time I gave the training, too. The training did explain why we were never allowed to accept any form of gift and suggested a few ways to deflect them, but I'd never seen it on my own sites, so didn't think it was really an issue. Then, one year, during my volunteer time, I had just finished with a client who was both excited that she wouldn't be back because of a new job that meant she'd no longer need us and no longer qualify for our services (special blessings for that employer, who did hire a lot of our clients away from us with excellent wages, training and benefits), but she was also sad since she'd been coming to us for years and knew and liked a lot of us. She was even someone I recognized, despite the limited contact I'd had with that site. When we were done, and I had congratulated her on her new position, and she had walked away, I got up to get a soda from the vending machine. I didn't notice her come up to me until she said, "Oh, please, let me buy that for you -- you've always been so nice to me!" It was a very difficult moment, because our rules really did have to be very strictly enforced on the subject, which was a matter of some discussion at board meetings, but I didn't want her to feel rejected by my saying no. I ended up doing that, "hey, it doesn't make any sense but THEY say we can't accept anything like that, I wouldn't be able to come back if any of THEM find out." It didn't feel good, although it did seem to work in that she didn't feel rejected by me. Our rules had to do with tax law, and because of a very specific policy of that agency regarding immigration status -- basically, don't ask, don't tell -- we were a little paranoid about investigations. (We were also providing a very similar service to a federal program which DID do immigration checks, so that fear was probably well founded.) Had anyone involved with our program ever been proven to have accepted even that thirty five cent soda from a client or former client, we'd have lost our non-profit status, some of our board could have ended up in jail or losing licenses. There are times when someone really may be unable and not unwilling to accept a gift, but not able to tell you why.

The second example is much easier -- the only time a student ever gave me a tangible gift was when a couple of Japanese boys gave me a little gift before going home to Japan. They'd only been with me a short time, I was a little uncomfortable, but knew it was well meant and I still have it. (A little pin with horses on it.) If they'd been staying here, though? That would have been uncomfortable for me -- would their feelings have been hurt if I didn't wear it often enough? If I wore it too often would they think it meant something? What's too often? What's not enough?

You know the things that students and clients did give me, though? MEMORIES, and those I cherish. (Oh, and the crafts projects the little girls from summer camp used to give me! I still have every single one ever given me, and mostly still remember every single shining little face that gave it to me. Remember that every time you wonder if your T will remember you, OK?) I remember a woman who came to her first computer class with me afraid to touch the keyboard without someone next to her for fear she'd break it -- the last class session I was worried because I could see her beckoning me and someone else grabbed me before I could get there. No fear, she had learned that she wouldn't break anything that couldn't be fixed willingly, and figured it all out on her own! Seeing how much that chuffed her? Priceless, and something I'll never forget.

I've just deleted a long paragraph, because I realized I could go on with these memories all night -- insomnia -- but they're all the same thing: sure, I got paid for what I did. Sure, the relationship was not one of equality. Whether you look at it as me providing a service for a wage, or bestowing a service on a client who did not have access to a For Profit alternative, or have some other view on the whole student/teacher thing -- the relationship itself was *always* personal.

Thank you and good night...

 

Re: Therapy and gifts

Posted by bent on June 26, 2004, at 12:13:26

In reply to Therapy and gifts, posted by Miss Honeychurch on June 25, 2004, at 8:23:17

I think that giving a gift is ok as long as you keep in mind that it might not be accepted. And as hard as it might be to not feel rejected by that I think it's important to see it as the therapist's way of protecting you and your relationship. Maybe talk about it first? Tell the T you'd like to give them a little gift and feel out the situation.
I gave my therapist a little gift (like a stuffed animal) but it was very specific to my job (perhaps my subconscious way of wanting her to think about me more??). She took it quite readily. I didnt wrap it or anything just handed it to her. Of course we had to talk about what it 'meant', which was nothing other than I was thinking of her around the holidays. She was satisfied with that answer. It's in her office and I see it everytime I am there...or course I worry that she will throw it out when I am finished with therapy.
Sorry to go on. Just my two cents about gifts! If you are worried about it, talk about it first.

 

Re: Therapy and gifts

Posted by Believe on June 26, 2004, at 13:08:29

In reply to Re: Therapy and gifts, posted by bent on June 26, 2004, at 12:13:26

to me all this gift giving is either pathetic or pathological. like a really sad stalker.

 

Re: Therapy and gifts

Posted by lifeworthliving on June 26, 2004, at 14:43:30

In reply to Re: Therapy and gifts, posted by Believe on June 26, 2004, at 13:08:29

>>>> to me all this gift giving is either pathetic or pathological. like a really sad stalker.>>>

if giving a gift causes you to feel that bad, then i'm thinking it's probably something you shouldn't do. lucky for me (and my shrink?) i don't have those feelings... sure makes gift giving a lot easier!

 

Re: Therapy and gifts » Believe

Posted by daisym on June 26, 2004, at 15:01:08

In reply to Re: Therapy and gifts, posted by Believe on June 26, 2004, at 13:08:29

...such a sad commentary on your outlook about people's motives.

I don't want to debate this with you, I just think you've labeled the whole lot of us in such a negative way. I could say a whole lot more but ultimately I guess I feel sorry for you that you don't "get" anything out of giving and see the theraputic relationship as a sterile, oneside, "take and not give" endeavor.

No offense intended. To each his own.

 

Re: Stalking comparison » Believe

Posted by TofuEmmy on June 26, 2004, at 15:42:43

In reply to Re: Therapy and gifts, posted by Believe on June 26, 2004, at 13:08:29

Surely you don't mean to call these sweet people pathetic?

Their T's have helped them improve their lives, thus they feel gratitude. Many people when feeling this gratitude, like to express it. Some do it verbally, some do it other ways.

How is that at all similar to stalking behavior? Please elaborate on the comparison

Emmy

 

hmmmm » Believe

Posted by karen_kay on June 26, 2004, at 18:54:30

In reply to Re: Therapy and gifts, posted by Believe on June 26, 2004, at 13:08:29

so, you've never given someone you've considered a friend a gift? is it pathetic or pathological to give a friend a token of your appreciation?

i wonder, have you ever seen a therapist yourself? (now, i don't mean to imply that you 'need' to, i just wonder if you realize the bond you form with one. also, a therapist is helpful in retraining your thoughts and not speaking before thinking... and i think we all need guidance in that department, don't we?)

 

I love gifts and I love giving (life is a gift):) (nm)

Posted by shadows721 on June 26, 2004, at 20:11:23

In reply to Therapy and gifts, posted by Miss Honeychurch on June 25, 2004, at 8:23:17

 

Re: I love gifts and I love giving (life is a gift):)

Posted by rs on June 26, 2004, at 20:21:42

In reply to I love gifts and I love giving (life is a gift):) (nm), posted by shadows721 on June 26, 2004, at 20:11:23

Have to share on gift giving. When started with this therapist other parts did not like him neither did I. Anyway would hear many times how he was disliked inside. One day while was out shopping saw the perfect thing. This little bear and the saying was "I hear voices that say they do not like you." On the bottom was stamped with Sybil. It was just perfect and it sits on his shelf. So this was perfect at the time.

 

I am sorry

Posted by Believe on June 27, 2004, at 0:12:51

In reply to Re: Stalking comparison » Believe, posted by TofuEmmy on June 26, 2004, at 15:42:43

I am sorry for the posts I wrote earlier. All I wanted was a cyber spanking from Dr. Bob (transference much, huh?)

I've been lurking around this site for a couple of months now, and I picked this thread because I think - no, know - if I gave a gift to my therapist he would either reject it or want to talk about the "why" and "what was I hoping to get out of it". So I guess I envy those of you who can be that open with their therapists. And if I am brave enough I will let my therapist know about this and then one day post again.

Again, I am really sorry. It was bratty, rude and irresponsible behavior.

 

Re: I am sorry » Believe

Posted by fallsfall on June 27, 2004, at 8:34:43

In reply to I am sorry, posted by Believe on June 27, 2004, at 0:12:51

Welcome to Babble.

I accept your apology.

I hope that you will want to post on Babble to get support, information and validation. We really are pretty good at those things.

It can be frustrating when the therapist always wants to know "Why do you want to do this?" or "Why now?". If you can be honest with your therapist and really try to answer those questions (as annoying as they are...) you can often learn a lot about yourself.

I'm hoping that you can start focusing more on learning and less on seeking punishment.

 

Re: nope, I am sorry » Believe

Posted by karen_kay on June 27, 2004, at 9:01:47

In reply to I am sorry, posted by Believe on June 27, 2004, at 0:12:51

i spoke out of anger and without thinking.

i think sometimes (for me, more than sometimes) we post things were we didn't mean, didn't actually read well enough for the intended mesage, or just plain didn't think about. i'm not suggesting you did, i'm suggesting i did and i'm sorry for that. i really am.

please don't think that babble isn't a very forgiving and understanding place. it certainly is, or i might not be around still.

please don't let this stop you from posting more. we all make mistakes, and i did this time.

if you need anything, please to feel free to email me at karen_kay12 at yahoo.com

i hope to see you around very soon! or, at least hear from you via email (ha ha ha! so i can tlak you into coming back :)

take care,
kk

 

Re: I am sorry » Believe

Posted by TofuEmmy on June 27, 2004, at 10:18:41

In reply to I am sorry, posted by Believe on June 27, 2004, at 0:12:51

Wow - dang good apology! I love those. Welcome to the "Oy, Did I Mess Up Club"! I was once given their Lifetime Achievement Award. And an excellent job of self reflection. I'm impressed. :-)

Em

 

i am a card-carrying member » TofuEmmy

Posted by karen_kay on June 27, 2004, at 10:58:58

In reply to Re: I am sorry » Believe, posted by TofuEmmy on June 27, 2004, at 10:18:41

what mistakes can we make today? let's try to find out, shall we? oy! perhaps they aren't as bad if we make them together?

 

Re: I am sorry » fallsfall

Posted by justyourlaugh on June 27, 2004, at 14:07:56

In reply to Re: I am sorry » Believe, posted by fallsfall on June 27, 2004, at 8:34:43

"i hope you can start focusing more on learning.."
wow, i feel this statement was uncivil..
what makes you think because b has a point of view that is not like yours, she/he is not "focusing on learning"?
i hope b was not feeling put down and will return.
jyl

 

Re: I am sorry » justyourlaugh

Posted by fallsfall on June 27, 2004, at 15:25:52

In reply to Re: I am sorry » fallsfall, posted by justyourlaugh on June 27, 2004, at 14:07:56

Wow, JYL, your post has certainly taken me by surprise.

I did not say (or imply, as far as I can tell) that Believe was not "focusing on learning". I DID mean to imply that I thought that s/he was focusing MORE on seeking punishment than s/he was on learning. I based this assumption on his/her own statement "All I wanted was a cyber spanking from Dr. Bob (transference much, huh?)" If I misinterpreted his/her post I certainly apologize to him/her.

I guess I'm also confused as to which points of view you think that s/he and I disagree on.

It was certainly not my intention to be intolerant of his/her views (although I do have a tendency to believe that if people disagree with me that they are "wrong" and I am "right" - this is something I work very hard on, and still have a long way to go with...). My intention was to welcome him/her to Babble and to encourage him/her to look for support here. I guess it didn't come across the way I wanted it to (since, at a minimum, you got the opposite message from my post).

So, my deepest apologies to Believe. I thought his/her apology was really wonderful, and I hope that s/he decides to be a regular poster.

 

Re: I am sorry » Believe

Posted by daisym on June 27, 2004, at 18:41:02

In reply to I am sorry, posted by Believe on June 27, 2004, at 0:12:51

You know what? I'm going to do something completely out of character for me. You really hurt my feelings and caused a great deal of upset. Self-reflective or not, your apology doesn't make it better for me. I guess I'm just not "enough" to get past it right now. I have too much of this kind of stuff to deal with IRL.(Maybe this is my own transference.)

Please don't post to me if/when you return.
(I've never asked anyone that before)
Daisy

 

Re: Therapy and gifts » Miss Honeychurch

Posted by Pfinstegg on June 27, 2004, at 21:39:16

In reply to Therapy and gifts, posted by Miss Honeychurch on June 25, 2004, at 8:23:17

My analyst does not accept any gifts. There are times when I really want to give him something, and get so excited thinking I have found something he will really like, but instead, I get to talk about how grateful and loving I am feeling, or worse, that I might be trying to undo hostile or negative feelings- that's all, unfortunately! But I do love hearing about all the delicious and happily received cookies, etc.!

 

Re: posting under more than one name » Believe

Posted by Dr. Bob on June 28, 2004, at 7:43:36

In reply to Re: Yikes, are gifts really a boundary issue?, posted by Believe on June 25, 2004, at 21:27:37

> I just have one question...

Please don't post under more than one name at the same time. If for any reason you feel you need to change your posting name, follow these steps:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#names

Thanks,

Bob


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