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Workshop

Beyond Fear and Mistrust:
Toward Open Communication between Mental Health Professionals and Minor-Attracted People
March 20, 2008
Westminster, MD

The goals of this first workshop organized by B4U-Act were:
• To define the communication problem that exists between mental health professionals and minor-attracted people in society;
• To promote understanding of the harmful consequences of this problem, and the benefits of eliminating the barriers to communication;
• To develop mutual empathy among mental health professionals and minor-attracted people;
• To help mental health professionals see minor-attracted people as diverse in their characteristics and behaviors;
• To form a working group that would develop and carry out plans to promote communication between the two groups over a period of time, and on a larger scale.

A total of 19 participants attended, including four minor-attracted people. Social workers, psychologists, and professional counselors and therapists received continuing education units through Baltimore Mental Health Systems.

The morning began with opening remarks by a board member of B4U-Act who spoke about the goals of the workshop: to understand the barriers to communication between minor-attracted people and mental health professionals, to promote mutual empathy and understanding, and to change the way minor-attracted people and mental health professionals interact. He explained how he became convinced of the importance of this work as an activist for peace and non-discrimination and as a result of getting to know a minor-attracted person as a friend.

Then a psychodramatist coordinated an enactment of a mental health professional and a minor-attracted person meeting for the first time. Attendees were asked to describe what they thought the each actor might be thinking or feeling during this meeting. The discussion brought out preconceptions, fears, and other factors that may act as barriers to communication. Quite a bit of time was spent discussing the implications of mandatory reporting laws.

Then a minor-attracted person gave a short presentation on facts and myths regarding attraction to minors. He made the following points: research suggests that most people may have some feelings of attraction to minors, estimates are that 0.5% to 7% of all males are preferentially attracted to minors, the cause is unknown (as is the cause of attraction to adults), attraction to children becomes apparent at puberty, and attempts to change these attractions are as ineffective as they were with gay people. The presentation refuted the myth that all or most minor-attracted people are child molesters, use violence or deceit, exhibit various forms of psychopathology, or "groom" children for sex.

After a break, the psychodramatist led an enactment of a therapy session where a minor-attracted person seeks help in finding a supportive environment where he can be himself. Discussion addressed the awkwardness and fears he feels when he discloses his sexuality, the need for safe avenues for addressing concerns, the fact that minor-attracted people don't want to hide, and the therapist's concerns about how to respond in an ethical and helpful way. Attendees talked about how barriers can be broken down by both parties getting to know each other and understanding each others' humanity. There was also discussion of the therapist's conflict between wanting to know whether the client has interacted sexually with a minor in order to help the client, and not wanting to know since she would have to report it.

After lunch, attendees watched a presentation on the stereotyped and often hateful messages the media, politicians, and sometimes professionals give the public about minor-attracted people, the abusive treatment programs that young minor-attracted people are sometimes placed in, and quotes from minor-attracted adolescents and young adults as they try to deal with the rejection and hatred of society. This was followed by a presentation on what was missing from these messages: stories of minor-attracted people who contribute to their communities, and opportunities for minor-attracted people to participate in the development of policies, laws, and programs that affect them. The speaker advocated mental health services that focus on self-worth, dignity, and a meaningful life. His presentation also listed the venues in which mental health professionals give messages about minor-attracted people (e.g., in legal and legislative testimony), and asked attendees to think about what kinds of messages they should be giving and what kind of language they should be using: "predators" and "monsters" vs. contributing members of the community.

This led into a work session where participants brainstormed ideas for future work. It was decided that B4U-Act would plan another workshop for late summer or fall of 2008 and that each person attending Thursday's workshop should invite at least one colleague to attend it. In addition, it was suggested that a listserv be started for continued discussion, and that additional mental health professionals and minor-attracted people be invited to join. Other ideas included holding additional workshops in different parts of Maryland, writing articles for publication in newsletters and professional journals, involving university professors who educate practitioners, starting an educational or anti-stigma/anti-hate campaign, and giving presentations at training programs and conferences.

Throughout the day, there was respectful communication between mental health professionals and minor-attracted people, and some new friendships and partnerships were forged. One social worker offered to work with a minor-attracted person to write a paper for possible publication, and another suggested that minor-attracted people and mental health professionals give a presentation at a training session for people who work with juvenile sex offenders. The organizers hope that minor-attracted people and mental health professionals will work together to find ways to fight false stereotypes, to help others see minor-attracted people as contributors to society rather than as potential offenders who need to be controlled, and to make accurate information and compassionate services available for minor-attracted people who need help in finding hope and fulfillment in their lives.

Downloadable Power Point shows from the workshop

Attraction to Minors: Myths and Facts

Messages from the Media, Politicians, and Professionals

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