Yes, pedophilia is classified as a mental health disorder in clinical settings, specifically under the category of paraphilic disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. In the DSM-5, the term "pedophilic disorder" is used to describe a person who has recurrent, intense sexual fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviours involving sexual activity with a child under the age of 18 years old and has acted on these urges, or the urges or fantasies cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
It's important to note the distinction between pedophilia (the disorder) and child sexual abuse (the criminal act). Not all individuals diagnosed with pedophilic disorder act on their urges; some may seek therapy to manage their thoughts and prevent harmful behaviours.
Treatment and management of individuals with pedophilic disorder can involve psychiatric interventions, psychotherapy, and, in some cases, medications that help reduce sexual urges. The focus is often on reducing the risk of acting on these urges and promoting the individual's mental health.
Child sexual abuse extends beyond direct, in-person contact and can manifest in various forms, including online abuse. This can involve grooming behaviours, where an adult builds a relationship with a child through online communication with the intent to exploit or abuse them. Making, possession, and distribution of explicit images involving a minor are also classed as child sexual abuse.
Additionally, cyberbullying, exposure to sexual content, and solicitation can all contribute to the victimisation of children in digital environments. The prevalence of technology means that children can be vulnerable to manipulation and abuse even in seemingly safe online spaces, highlighting the need for vigilance and protective measures to safeguard their well-being.
To Note:
The term "making of images" in the context of online child sexual abuse refers to the production or creation of visual content that exploits or depicts a child in a sexual manner. This can include various forms of media, such as photographs, videos, or digital content that involve minors engaged in sexual acts or in sexually suggestive poses.
The creation of such images is a serious violation of child protection laws, and it contributes to the ongoing abuse and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. It is important to recognise that both the act of creating and the distribution of these images further perpetrates harm and facilitates a cycle of abuse.
Andy attends clinical supervision a few times a month where he's given the opportunity to discuss patient cases, raise concerns and ask for input from a registered mental health supervisor. Andy doesn't take every patient case to supervision. Personal details related to a patient, such as name, date of birth and any other identifying details are not discussed. Only content and story is shared.
During the booking stage of your appointment, and during your first session, Andy will discuss the Terms & Confidentiality of your time in therapy.
This highlights, 'Should during the course of our work together, I consider that you are likely to endanger or cause harm to either yourself or another person, I retain the right to consult or inform an outside authority. For example, these may include your GP or the Police. I will endeavour to inform you of my decision and explain my reasons why prior to carrying out this action.'
It is extremely rare to break confidentiality in this way, and Andy encourages all of his patients to share their reasons for attending therapy in as open and honest way as they can.
Andy has been in clinical practice for over 26 years and is a senior registered Psychotherapist with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society NCPS . Andy abides by the ethical practice standards of this governing body.
Your appointment will take place at our clinic, Sophia House, 28 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9LJ. Alternatively you have the choice to take your appointment online or via the telephone.
The online options include, Skype, Teams, FaceTime and WhatsApp.
Most therapy appointments last approximately 50 minutes, though this can vary and will be confirmed with you at the time of booking.
You will first need to have a telephone conversation with Andy (this can take 10 minutes), so you can decide together, your suitability for commencing therapy. Generally, Andy will book out 4 appointments in advance with a two week gap between each session. This is done to ensure there's continuity once your therapy commences. You are asked to pay for only the first appointment in advance - this confirms your appointment with us.
We will then send you a payment link via a text message, and dates and times for your appointments will be confirmed. An email confirmation will be sent to you.
Should you cancel your initial appointment at anytime (for any reason), the full session fee is payable, and cannot be postponed. Andy will highlight this with you during your phone call. Please see our Terms & Confidentiality page for more information.
To contact the clinic you can call 02921 203 103 or email clinic@andygarland.co.uk
All missed appointments are payable at the usual fee. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours* (Saturday, Sundays and Bank holidays do not count towards this) notice are also charged at the session fee rate. We're happy to reschedule your appointment with at least 48 hours* notice.
(a) an administration charge of £15.00 is payable for each cancellation where a refund is processed
(b) the full fee is payable where a block of sessions are cancelled (3 or more)
(c) on the third consecutive cancelled session the full fee is payable
(d) should you cancel your initial appointment at anytime (for any reason), the full session fee is payable, and cannot be postponed
Vitamin shot appointments: Once your appointment date and time has been confirmed no changes or refunds are available for these treatments.
Please see our Terms & Confidentiality page for more information.
We only run a scheduled appointments system, and do not operate an emergency service nor an out of hours service.
If you feel you need to speak to someone urgently please call the Samaritans at any time on 116 123. If you feel you are at immediate risk you can speak with your G.P for an emergency referral to your local adult mental health crisis team. You can also call the emergency services on 999 or present at your local hospital A&E department where you'll be assessed by a mental health crisis nurse.