Therapy can be risky for pedophiles

For many people, going to therapy when they have mental health concerns seems like a no-brainer. At worst, they might encounter prohibitive costs or a therapist who doesn't quite get them. But for pedophiles and other minor-attracted people (MAPs), the decision isn't so simple. For them, seeking professional support often means risking their careers, relationships, and wellbeing, even if they've done nothing wrong. This renders therapy's mental health and child protection benefits inaccessible to many MAPs. The dangers MAPs face when seeking professional support stem from various sources, but all are ultimately rooted in stigma. This was documented in a 2018 study , which identified stigma as a significant deterrent to MAPs who are considering therapy. The scope of the problem can be seen in a 2011 survey , which found that 58% of MAPs want professional support but are unwilling to pursue it, with the most common reasons related to risks associated with therapy for M