Professional Organizations' Codes of Ethics On Gifts in Psychotherapy and Counseling, by Ofer Zur, PhD., offered by Zur Institute for Psychologists, MFTs, SWs and Counselors

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Professional Organizations' Codes of Ethics
On Gifts in Psychotherapy & Counseling

By Ofer Zur, Ph.D.
Revised 2008

This article is part of an online course for CE credits on Gifts In Psychotherapy and Counseling. It covers the aspects of gifts that are cited in the professional organizations' codes of ethics.

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) - (2001)
Principle III, Professional Competence and Integrity, states:
3.10 Marriage and family therapists do not give to or receive from clients (a) gifts of substantial value or (b) gifts that impair the integrity or efficacy of the therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Zur's note: We must be aware that whether the gifts are of substantial value or not, is not always the most important aspect of the gift, from a clinical or ethical point of view. Obviously, very expensive gifts are often counter-clinical and may be unethical. However, even very cheap gifts, such as a suggestive image or a condom are inappropriate. Additionally, what constitutes ‘substantial value” is a very vague and broad term.

American Counseling Association (ACA) - (2005)
Section A.10.e., states:
Counselors understand the challenges of accepting gifts from clients and recognize that in some cultures, small gifts are a token of respect and showing gratitude. When determining whether or not to accept a gift from clients, counselors take into account the therapeutic relationship, the monetary value of the gift, a client's motivation for giving the gift, and the counselor's motivation for wanting or declining the gift.
Dr. Zur's note: The 2005 revision of the ACA Code of Ethics represents thoughtful and appropriate guidelines in regard to accepting gifts from clients. It acknowledges the importance of culture and other context related factors.
National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) - (2004)
Section Principle 7, Dual Relationships, states:
I shall not accept substantial gifts from clients, other treatment organizations, or the providers of materials or services used in my practice.
Dr. Zur's note: It is important to remember that gifts by themselves, in most situations, do not constitute dual relationships. It is not clear why the reference to gifts is placed under the title of Dual Relationships. As was noted above we must also be aware whether the gifts are of substantial value or not is not always the most important aspect of the gift from a clinical or ethical point of view.
The following professional associations' Codes Of Ethics DO NOT mention "gifts" in their texts:
American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) - (1994)
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) - (2000)
American Psychiatric Association (ApA) - (2006)
American Psychological Association (APA) - (2002)
Association of State And Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) - (2005)
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) - (2008)
Canadian Counseling Association (CCA) - (2007)
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) - (2000)
Feminist Therapy Institute (FTI) - (1999)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) - (1999)
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) - (2005)
Northamerica Association of Masters in Psychology (NAMP) - (2000)
The United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) - 2007

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