Short answer: Maybe in some cases, but evidence is limited and results are unpredictable. Use caution.
Detailed points to help you decide:
What research says
There are a few small clinical reports and case studies suggesting hypnotherapy can reduce the distress associated with paraphilic interests or change unwanted sexual behaviors in some people. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically testing hypnosis to “change fetishes” are essentially absent.
Hypnosis is better supported for treating related problems such as anxiety, some sexual dysfunctions (e.g., performance anxiety), and reducing compulsive behaviors when used as an adjunct to psychotherapy—but evidence for reliably changing core sexual interests is weak.
Clinical reality and likely outcomes
Hypnotherapy may reduce distress, shame, and compulsive acting-out connected to a fetish, and can help a person develop alternative responses, reduce urges, or strengthen impulse control.
Changing a deeply ingrained sexual attraction or fetish is often difficult. Many clinicians report modest or partial changes rather than complete elimination of a fetish.
Success depends on factors such as: how long the fetish has been present, whether it co-occurs with other psychiatric conditions (depression, OCD, trauma, substance use), the person’s motivation, and the therapist’s skill and approach.
Ethical and legal considerations
Consent and goals must be explicit. Attempts to “erase” a sexual preference raise ethical issues; treatment should focus on reducing harm and distress, improving functioning, and obtaining informed consent.
If a fetish involves illegal or non-consensual behavior, therapy must prioritize safety, harm reduction, and legal obligations. Clinicians may be mandated reporters in some situations.
Typical therapeutic approaches that include hypnosis
Hypnosis as an adjunct: used with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or relapse prevention to manage urges, decrease anxiety, and reinforce alternative behaviors.
Imaginal exposure + hypnotic suggestions: to reduce arousal or change associations, sometimes tried for paraphilic interests.
Hypnosis for impulse control: strengthening coping skills, self-monitoring, and use of post-hypnotic cues to interrupt urges.
Risks and limitations
No guaranteed outcome; some people may feel worse if expectations aren’t managed.
Poorly trained practitioners can unintentionally implant suggestions or encourage shame.
Hypnosis is not a standalone “cure”; best results are when it’s part of a structured psychotherapy plan.
Practical recommendations
If you or someone you know is considering this:
Seek a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker) experienced in sexual behavior therapy and trained in clinical hypnosis.
Clarify realistic goals (reduce distress/compulsive behaviors vs. eliminate attraction).
Use evidence-based adjuncts (CBT, relapse prevention, medication when indicated).
Screen for co-occurring conditions, trauma history, and legal/ethical risk.
Monitor progress and adjust treatment; get a second opinion if unsure.