Sexual Fetishes, Paraphilias &
Erotic Conflicts
A fetish refers to the experience of sexual arousal from a non-living item or sexual desire associated with a body part that is not genitals or typically used in sexual activity.
Examples of fetishes may include arousal to certain types of materials such as leather, enjoyment of role play and partialism, such as an arousal to feet.
Sexual paraphilias are sexual interests that, when acted on, may cause harm to yourself and others.
Examples of sexual paraphiliac include exhibitionism, voyeurism and pedophilia. Many people are troubled by their sexual paraphilias, even if they do not act on their thoughts and interests.
An ‘erotic conflict’ exists when an individual’s sexual desires, fantasies and behaviours are, or feel, inconsistent with their personal values, belief systems or the commitments they have made to others.
Some erotic conflicts are internal, meaning that an individual experiences difficulty making sense of or accepting what they find erotic in their own mind. Others are external, meaning that they cause strain on interpersonal or intimate relationships.
Treatment for erotic conflicts is based in principals of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. That is, accepting that inconsistencies or multiple truths can co-exist within an individual even if they are seemingly in conflict with one another can lessen distress and help individuals to make decisions more consistent with their own personal values.
Many people have fetishes that they enjoy and find partners that share their fetishes. Fetishes can be a healthy, exciting and creative way to explore your sexuality.
Sexual paraphilias refer to excitement or arousal that you might experience to unusual or uncommon objects, situations or individuals.
There are treatment options that can help you to successfully manage these sexual thoughts and urges.
Time for Change
I have worked with many clients to help them develop the skills they need to gain better control over these interests.
I can also help you to talk to your doctor about different medications that may help you to manage these thoughts and urges.
There is help and hope!
Change is possible.
It can be a difficult decision to seek treatment for sexual difficulties and it is important to seek treatment from an experienced, skilled and compassionate therapist. I welcome any questions you may have to support you to achieve better control.