Happy graduation season! What better way to support a counselor you know as they start their practice than with a thoughtful and practical gift?
Not sure what to get? HPSO is here to help. We’ve outlined some great gift ideas that a counselor in your life will truly appreciate.
Noise Machine
Creating a comfortable environment for clients to discuss confidential matters is essential. Counselors can use a noise machine to create a private, relaxing ambiance during their sessions, and it comes in handy for just about any practice setting (individual, offices with multiple clinicians, telehealth sessions, etc.). Noise machines can also offer multiple tranquil sound options, such as rainfall or forest noises, that may help soothe clients.
Counseling Specialty Reference Book
Many counselors specialize in working with clients dealing with a specific condition, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Having a therapy reference book on hand in their specialty can help counselors in multiple scenarios, such as new client intake, researching a client diagnosis, or quickly referencing clinical facts that may arise during a session.
A good add-on for this gift is a notebook and pen to jot down notes or observations to share with the client.
Donation on Someone’s Behalf to a Mental Health Organization
Not all gifts need to be products. Making a donation on someone’s behalf is a meaningful way to show your appreciation by supporting a cause they care about. Now more than ever, mental health is being destigmatized. There are numerous organizations focused on helping people access mental health resources. Counselors are passionate about their work and may have an organization they wish to support, such as:
Whether the organization is related to mental health or something else, counselors will truly appreciate you supporting a cause near and dear to them.
Office Plant
Office plants are another great option to create a more relaxing and nurturing office environment. Plants can symbolize growth and tranquility and help put clients at ease to talk through difficult topics with their counselor. Even better, the counselor doesn’t even need to have a green thumb! There are many small succulents and cacti that are great options for a low-maintenance office plant.
A nice pairing for this gift is an aromatic candle to foster a more calming atmosphere.
Professional Liability Insurance
Counselors dedicate their time to help clients feel safe and heard, often dealing with confidential and sensitive topics. While counselors may never picture being sued, it can happen to anyone. Common allegations facing counselors include violating client boundaries, breaching client confidentiality, or improperly terminating a client. Lawsuits can be devastating, putting a counselor’s practice, license, and finances at risk.
Newly graduated counselors can safeguard their futures by investing in professional liability insurance. Also known as malpractice insurance, this coverage helps protect counselors from claims that allege an error related to their professional services resulting in harm or damages. Professional liability insurance offers coverage for costs related to covered claims, including legal fees, settlements, and other expenses.
Counseling practices may offer malpractice insurance, but the policy may prioritize the business’ position over individual practitioners. With an individual policy, your needs are put first.
HPSO is proud to offer professional liability insurance to counselors and counseling practices. Learn more about our counseling malpractice insurance program and get the highlights here:
- Insuring more than 100,000 counseling professionals
- Endorsed by the American Counseling Association (ACA) since 2003
- Offering customers access to the HPSO Risk Advisor Helpline, a free risk management resource
- Broad 24/7 coverage (including Professional Liability, Licensure Defense, Telehealth, and more)
- Risk management resources
- New graduates may be eligible for a discount on coverage
Counselors who have worked hard to earn their degree will value this added layer of protection.
Give the gift of peace of mind as they start their practice.
ACA Membership
Joining a professional association like the American Counseling Association (ACA) can offer all sorts of opportunities to counselors, particularly those just embarking on their careers: professional development and continuing education, networking and community, industry advocacy and resources, consumer discounts, and so much more.
HPSO has been a proud partner of ACA for more than 20 years. Among other benefits of our partnership, ACA members may receive up to a 10% discount on their individual HPSO professional liability insurance premium.
To learn more about ACA membership, visit their website.
Conclusion
Counselors work hard to make a difference in their clients’ lives by helping them navigate complex issues. Whether through a gift, donation, well wishes, or a simple thank you – showing gratitude to a counselor you know will never go unappreciated.
HPSO is proud to advocate for the counseling profession and community through insurance solutions and risk management resources designed to their unique risks. Get a quick quote for coverage in just a few minutes.