Fetishistic Disorder
Fetishistic Disorder: When a Preference Becomes a Problem
Are you or your partner struggling with intense, persistent sexual urges related to specific objects or body parts that are causing distress or affecting your life?
A fetish is a sexual interest in a non-living object (like shoes, leather) or a non-sexual body part (like feet or hair). Many people have fetishes, and that is not a disorder. However, when this preference escalates and leads to significant personal distress, impairment in life functioning, or harm, it becomes a serious mental health concern: Fetishistic Disorder.
The moment a fetish causes you or your partner to feel shame, secrecy, or interferes with a healthy relationship, it’s time to reach out.
At SG Counselling, we understand the sensitivity and stigma surrounding paraphilic disorders. Our approach is discreet, non-judgmental, and focused on helping you regain control and achieve a healthier sexual and relational life.
Take the courageous step towards healing—Book Your Confidential Appointment with SG Counselling Now!
Common Types and Examples
There are countless kinds of fetishes, with feet, underwear, and shoes being among the most common. Other parts of the body, including hair, navels, noses, arms, and legs, can also be fetishised, as can the wearing of certain kinds of makeup or body piercings.
Examples of other common fetishes include:
- Lingerie
- Leather and rubber
- Certain clothing colours or materials
- Costumes
- Body fluids
The Distinction: Fetish vs. Fetishistic Disorder
| Feature | Fetish (Not a Disorder) | Fetishistic Disorder (Clinical Disorder) |
| Nature of Interest |
| Persistent, intense sexual arousal from the use of inanimate objects or non-sexual body parts. |
| Impact on Life | Does not cause significant distress, functional impairment, or harm to self or others. | Results in significant distress or impairment in the person’s life (e.g., relationship breakdown, job loss, intense shame). |
| Sexual Activity | Can be incorporated into a healthy, consensual, partnered sexual life. | May lead to a preference for solitary sexual activity or compulsive incorporation of the object into partnered sex, regardless of the partner’s consent or comfort. |
While many people have fetishes, the presence of a fetish is not inherently a mental disorder. Fetishes only become a clinical mental disorder when they cause significant distress, functional impairment, and/or harm to self or others.
What is Fetishistic Disorder?
Fetishistic Disorder is a subcategory of paraphilic disorders. It is characterized by the persistent and intense sexual arousal from the use of inanimate objects or traditionally non-sexual body parts, resulting in significant distress or impairment in the person’s life.
During sexual activity, including masturbation, the fetish object may be held, tasted, smelled, or used to stimulate the genitals. Some people with the disorder may prefer solitary sexual activity even when in a reciprocal partner relationship. Others may incorporate the fetish object into partnered sexual activity, often by asking a partner to wear or touch the object in order to achieve arousal.
Our Clinical Approach to Fetishistic Disorder
Due to the shame and stigma surrounding paraphilias, many individuals delay seeking assessment or treatment, which allows the disorder to worsen. Our clinical approach is designed to provide a safe space to explore these issues:
Exploration of Onset and Context: We explore the history of your symptoms, especially any changes in situations or cues that have led to an escalation of fetishistic thoughts or urges.
Mindfulness and Behavioural Techniques: The focus of treatment is to offer coaching on mindfulness and behavioral techniques that can be explored either individually or as a couple. These techniques help manage the urges and reduce their compulsive power.
Co-occurring Conditions: We assess and treat any related psychological conditions, such as mood disorders or hypersexuality, which often exist alongside the primary concerns.
This is a treatable condition, but only with professional support.
You deserve to live a life free from compulsive urges and distress. Start your journey to recovery by booking an appointment with SG Counselling today.