Is it ever permissible to receive gifts from clients?

• A. Yes, if the client insists.
• B. No, Never permissible.
• C. Yes, if the gift is of nominal value.
• D. Yes, with supervisor approval.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining professional boundaries is the key idea here. Accepting gifts from clients can create a sense of obligation and blur the line between being a helper and being influenced by a client. This can affect how you assess, plan, and carry out treatment, and it can be misinterpreted by the client or others as favoritism or coercion. For these reasons, the safest and most ethical stance is not to accept gifts from clients at all.

The other options veer into boundary risks. If a client insists, that pressure doesn’t negate the boundary issue; it just makes it more problematic. A nominal-value gift might seem harmless, but even small tokens can shift the power dynamic and create expectations. Even seeking supervisor approval doesn’t fully solve the problem, because the fundamental concern is maintaining neutrality and avoiding any appearance of impropriety. If a gift is offered, it’s typically best to decline and thank the client for their sentiment while reiterating the boundary.