A pedophile is a person attracted to children, not just someone who acts on that attraction. One of many problems with the disorder is that those seeking professional help to not abuse children must take extremely big risks because of mandatory reporting laws.

As the clip from public radio show “This American Life” below explains, therapists in many states are obligated to report anyone who may be a threat to children, which obviously includes those actively trying not to be a threat to children.

The 19-year-old subject of this interview sought help as a young teenager, having never acted on his desires, and was met, he says, with revulsion by a therapist who refused to treat him. Thank his extraordinary mom for being there, and having the courage to help her troubled son.

If nothing else, the story below is an eye-opening, frank discussion from a class of person normally too hated and intimidated to speak frankly. You’ll also hear from others, including an expert in the field who explains that we don’t even know why certain people are attracted to children.

Of course this is all potentially very upsetting to anyone listening, and you should brace yourself before hitting play.

HT to Upworthy.

— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer