Dear Ann Landers,
am a 30-year-old mother of two young chil-dren. At first, I fell into this frightening habit to get rid of my anger. Now I do it for excitement. My thing is starting fires in trash cans in alleys. No one ever has been hurt, nor has any property been dam-aged-so it does seem like a harmless way to have a little fun. But in my quieter moments, I worry that maybe I will go further and set fire to a building and cause some serious damage. When crowds gather to watch the flames extinguished (someone al-ways calls the fire department), I feel very important. Then, there are times when I want to run to the nearest policeman and say, "I did it!" but I'm afraid of what might happen if I confess. I know I'm a person who needs to feel important or I wouldn't be doing such things. I also get a feeling of power when I see what I can stir up. I admitted all this to my therapist several months ago, and he told me to stop-but I can't control myself. I am writing to you because you are a level-headed person, and I think you can set me straight. Please try. -A Harmless Firebug in a Western City

Dear Friend,
My first suggestion is get another therapist. Your present one sounds weak and ineffective, to say the least. WAKE II I' AN I) SMELL THE CIIF FEE! 203 You have a mental illness called pyromania, which most authorities believe is related to a sexual problem. People who are emotionally dis-turbed, as you are, can be extremely dangerous not only to society but to themselves and their families. I urge you to call the Mental Health Association in your area or the American Psychiatric Association in Washington at once. Describe your problem, and ask that they recommend a therapist who special-izes in this illness.