Therapy for the psychopath is not without consequence, however.  There are many benefits to exploring the self under the guidance under a trained mental health professional, but there is great caution that must be exercised due to society’s distrust of the antisocial.  It is up to the individual to determine whether the knowledge gained is worth the risks involved.

There are two primary problems with seeking growth through a psychotherapist as an antisocial.  First, the mental health system is often unwilling to treat antisocials.  Second, a formal diagnosis that is recorded may be grounds for consequence in the future.

Even if the psychopath is willing to give therapy ago, many therapists will discontinue the professional relationship once the client mentions their antisocial side.  While this is ludicrous given that it essentially means that the medical profession gets to choose which illnesses to treat (regardless of one’s reception to being treated), it is a reality.  The very people whose job it is to help eradicate pain caused by various behavior choose whose pain is worth taking away.

The real poltergeist in the room is the long term effects of having a formal diagnosis on paper.  Reporting laws vary depending on jurisdiction and “immediacy” of “specific” threats to others, but my understanding is that there is a lot of discretion left to those in power as to what these entail.  Moving beyond that, a formal diagnosis could ruin job chances where psychiatric clearance is concerned.  I’m not saying that all of these potential consequences should be a concern to everyone.   I’m not one to work in areas where psychiatric clearance is needed and, in general, I could care less about the opinion of others.  I’ve also developed a rapport with my psychotherapist where she can tell when I’m a threat to others and when I am lying.  For me, the potential consequences of diagnosis did not mean much.  However, others need to evaluate their own lives and the areas they live in.  I do not subscribe to paranoia, but a healthy dose may be in order for most.

So, yes, I may speak of the benefits of therapy a lot, but it is not truly available to everyone and there could be consequences for any antisocial-spectrum diagnosis.  I have been lucky to have a non-alarmist therapist and no real consequences for my diagnoses, but I realize that even I may not have this luck forever.  Regardless of the route you take, always strive to learn more about your self and your thoughts.  You should expect no less from yourself.