Addressing your concerns: will I be reported by TFC for sharing my troubling thoughts? 

Confidentiality is an important aspect for individuals struggling with their sexual thoughts towards children. At Talking for Change, clinicians are required by law to keep the information you share confidential and take confidentiality very seriously.  

Of course, there are times where we are not able to keep information that you share confidential, such as situations where we believe there is a risk to your safety or to the safety of someone else. In other words, if you tell us that you are thinking of hurting yourself or someone else, we are required to share that information outside of our meeting with you in order to keep you, or another person, safe.  

Additionally, there are laws that require clinicians to share information about an identifiable child whom they suspect was abused or neglected, or when a child may be at-risk of being abused or neglected. Clinicians do not need to report clients who disclose a sexual interest in children, unless they believe there is a risk of harm to an identifiable child. Clinicians are also not permitted to report when someone discloses having used child sexual abuse material (also known as child pornography). 

All these limits would be discussed with you during the screening call and at the first appointment. We recognize that these limits of confidentiality may prevent people from reaching out for help, but of course it is our priority to keep individuals safe. You can also anonymously ask questions about limits of confidentiality via our helpline. Please see more information on the privacy section of our website.