Do you view or have urges to view pornography featuring children or teens? Do you experience shame or isolation related to these urges or behaviors? Do you worry that you may be tempted to commit a sexual act against a child or teen? If you are considering seeking treatment, you may find yourself asking some of the following questions:
Why do I do this?
Traditionally, compulsion to consume pornographic images featuring children and teens, and pedophilia in general, has been viewed as a moral failing for which the only remedy is long-term incarceration and/or community ostracism. This approach assumes that the individual chooses to access the content and does not wish to stop. We now know that this perspective is not only inaccurate, but also dangerous in that it offers no hope for those who hope to avoid offending. Most convicted child pornography offenders report they WANTED to stop the behavior, but felt powerless against their compulsions. The pain associated with this powerlessness is immense and sometimes deadly. In fact, research shows that people who struggle with these unwanted urges die by suicide at significantly higher rates than the general population.
Newer research has identified a number of factors that increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a sexual attraction to children or a compulsion to view child pornography. These factors include experiencing sexual abuse as a child, neurological or developmental disorders, learning disabilities, poor problem-solving skills, and even biological conditions such as brain tumors. Some individuals become addicted to adult pornography and are gradually introduced to sexualized images of children. In these instances, child pornography is an escalation of pornography addiction, in part because of the taboo against it.
While we do not currently have a thorough understanding of why these compulsions develop, researchers are continually revealing information to assist mental health providers and sufferers with reducing risk of harm and improving quality of life. Regardless of the causes of one’s sexual attraction to children and teens, it is the responsibility of the individual to seek treatment in order to reduce risks to themselves and their community.
Will treatment work? Am I doomed to commit and act of sexual violence against a child or teen?
There is a pervasive myth in American culture that pedophiles and consumers of child pornography do not benefit from treatment. Current research supports the notion that treatment can help sufferers reduce their unwanted behaviors and urges as well as improve their mental well-being.
Not everyone who is attracted to children becomes a sex offender. In fact, there are vast online and real-life communities of individuals who choose to tackle their sexual attraction to children through treatment and support structures, versus risk harming a child. To learn more about these communities and to read personal stories about recovery, visit https://www.virped.org/
Is it safe for me to talk to a therapist about this?
The fear of being judged or reported to the authorities keeps many sufferers from seeking the treatment they need. While laws vary from state to state, in North Carolina, psychotherapists are not mandated to report clients who disclose viewing of child pornography. In fact, our professional licenses require us to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of our clients, with the following exceptions:
- You report that you intend to do harm to yourself or someone else.
- You provide written and informed (meaning you know exactly what information will be disclosed, to whom, and for what purpose) to release information.
If you seek treatment outside of North Carolina, take the time to familiarize yourself with the legal statutes surrounding mandated reporting by mental health professionals. Alternatively, you can always contact a local provider directly to ask about mandated reporting requirements before disclosing any specific information.
What will treatment look like?
Treatment typically involves reducing risk factors including stress, social isolation, and substance abuse, as well as developing healthy outlets for intense emotions. You may spend time in treatment addressing traumatic experiences in your past or exploring unhelpful patterns in thoughts and behaviors. Your therapist may refer you to a medical provider to explore pharmacological interventions (drugs to reduce symptoms of PTSD, OCD, or other contributing conditions or to reduce intensity of sexual urges).
What do I do next?
If you live in or near the Durham NC area, Bull City Psychotherapy offers services for individuals who have not committed “hands-on” offenses against children but are seeking help to stop viewing child pornography.
At Bull City Psychotherapy, we specialize in the treatment of sexual disorders, including pedophilia (for non-offenders) and sex or pornography addiction. We understand that seeking treatment takes courage and we strive to provide our clients with the respectful and compassionate treatment they deserve.
To schedule an appointment with Lara, please call the office at (919) 382-0288 or her direct line at (919) 884-7836, or email at Lara@bullcitypsychotherapy.com.
Lara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in working with clients who struggle with unwanted behaviors and compulsions, including pornography and/or sex addiction, pedophilia, and self-harm. Lara is also trained and experienced in trauma work. Lara’s approach is heavily influenced by her training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which teaches clients how to fully experience their emotions and manage behaviors through coping skills.