Fetishes and Philias

When is it time to get help?

When these behaviors start to become overwhelming, and/or infringe on your day-to-day activities, these behaviours then move into the problematic and distressing area. If your fetish or philia is interfering with your sex life with your partner, or you are feeling excessive shame, then it’s time to get help.

Problematic fetishes and philias treatment methods

To gain control over an out-of-control fetish or philia, there are several treatments that may work. Your therapist will talk with you to determine the best method for you and your unique needs. Some that have been effective include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
• Sex therapy is the treatment of sexual dysfunction and also includes working with concerns about sexual feelings and intimacy, less common alternative sexual practices, kink, gender issues, sexual offending issues, or work on optimizing or exploring new experiences. Sex therapy can also include distressing sexual behaviour, sexual abuse, and trauma.
• Solution focused therapy views people as inherently strong and resilient, and capable of creating change and discovering solutions to their everyday problem.