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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by daisym on December 20, 2004, at 1:41:32
I have a dilemma. I found two cool things for my therapist for Christmas and I can't choose. One is a neat wood chest with little drawers in it (like an old fashion apocathery). The drawers have stone fronts and are different colors. I call it "Pandora's Box." It is a joke between us that we didn't just open Pandora's Box, we blew it up.
The other thing I found is a desk set with a large magnifying glass and a letter opener. Both have world maps on the handles. It is sort of antiquey looking and neat. I think he would get the symbolism...more tools of his trade. Things to "open up" and "closely examine" and "guide the journey."
I don't know which to give him. What do you guys think?
Posted by messadivoce on December 20, 2004, at 1:58:43
In reply to Can't make a decision, posted by daisym on December 20, 2004, at 1:41:32
You should have put "may trigger" in the subject heading!! J/K. Although when I read your message I had the overwhelming wish that I could pick something cool like that for my former T. Sigh....
I would have to vote for the box, but only because I have a particular love for boxes. All those little drawers sound very cool. And the Pandora's Box story will make him think of you every time he looks at it.
Posted by Aphrodite on December 20, 2004, at 6:49:59
In reply to Can't make a decision, posted by daisym on December 20, 2004, at 1:41:32
I like the pandora's box idea. You are so thoughtful to care so much to find the right thing! I'm sure he would appreciate either gift.
Why not buy both so you have the next occasion covered?
Let us know what he thinks!
Posted by fallsfall on December 20, 2004, at 8:35:13
In reply to Can't make a decision, posted by daisym on December 20, 2004, at 1:41:32
I vote for the box, too.
Lucky you that you can give him gifts!
Posted by gardenergirl on December 20, 2004, at 9:26:51
In reply to Can't make a decision, posted by daisym on December 20, 2004, at 1:41:32
I like the box idea, too, but probably because I really wanted to get something similar from Pier One when I was decorating my office. Budget didn't allow at the time, but someday...
Both ideas are cool. But I like both the symbolism and the groundedness (from the stone) of the box.
gg
Posted by littleone on December 20, 2004, at 14:50:34
In reply to Can't make a decision, posted by daisym on December 20, 2004, at 1:41:32
They both sound lovely daisy. Would your T accept a gift? Have you given him stuff before?
Posted by Poet on December 20, 2004, at 18:20:26
In reply to Can't make a decision, posted by daisym on December 20, 2004, at 1:41:32
Hi Daisy,
I vote for the wood chest. Assuming he keeps it in his office, it'll remind you of *blowing up Pandora's box, too.*
Just don't try to lock any pain inside it, okay? You can always mentally send anything to the invisible box of pain in my therapist's office.
Poet
Posted by Daisym on December 20, 2004, at 23:09:56
In reply to Re: Can't make a decision » daisym, posted by littleone on December 20, 2004, at 14:50:34
He has accepted small gifts from me before. I gave him a "Knight in Shining Armor" last year, which was one of those nesting dolls that get smaller and smaller. It symbolized the work we were doing going deeper and deeper.
At the one year marker, I gave him two books, one full of phrases and quotes, to symbolize the words we had shared and one was a blank journal, to symbolize what was still left to say. He loved them both, especially because he keeps a dream journal.
I know many therapists have a very strict "no gifts" policy. But somehow I think these little things help cement the relationship for people like me who worry about it so much. I would feel rejected if he said no, and I think he knows that. But I am careful to keep them inexpensive and symbolic of the work we are doing and not personal. AND, I find the funniest cards I can. Last year I found this great card of a little kid all dressed up in a business suit, with a brief case and everything. She was about 3 feet tall and talking on a pay phone. I said, "this is ME when I call you." He laughed and laughed.
Posted by Daisym on December 20, 2004, at 23:12:46
In reply to Re: Can't make a decision » daisym, posted by Poet on December 20, 2004, at 18:20:26
I was leaning towards that anyway. Thanks for all your input. If I had more time, I'd put a bad therapist joke in each of the drawers.
Actually, since one of my coping mechanisms has been baking, I should make him a basket of stuff and let him eat them instead of me!
Now I just have to figure out how to wrap it.
Posted by annierose on December 21, 2004, at 6:45:10
In reply to OK! The box it is., posted by Daisym on December 20, 2004, at 23:12:46
I know what you meant, but your last sentence could of taken the context of
"I want him to eat the cookies instead of him eating me." Just had to share my chuckle. (I don't know how to do the cut & paste thing with this chat box format.) But I like your gift ideas. Very thoughtful. I also bought my T a present. And she has accepted gifts in the way past (I'm the one that saw this T 20 years ago, and began seeing her again this year).
Posted by annierose on December 22, 2004, at 17:11:18
In reply to OK! The box it is., posted by Daisym on December 20, 2004, at 23:12:46
This is the end of the thread.
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