[This event has met its minimum and is a "GO!"] Here are details about the content of the event and activities. Early Bird Promo Codes, Member Pricing, and Hotel information follow at the bottom. This event is always a very popular one, so register early!:
WORKSHOP LEADER: Roger Merritt, MA, LCMHC – Shy Bladder Center Therapist, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and experienced Workshop Leader. (Meet Roger thru this short video!)
WORKSHOP INFO:
A workshop sponsored by the International Paruresis Association (IPA) is a safe, structured program to help you begin to recover from paruresis. Much of what happens involves relearning how to urinate in the presence of others. Yes, you will practice peeing near others in a structured, discreet, and safe environment. (See this video featuring Dr. Steve talking about our methods.)
RELUCTANT TO SIGN UP?:
Many attendees report that they were nervous before the workshop and quite reluctant to sign up, but after the first few hours wondered why they hadn’t sought help for their paruresis earlier. The fearful feelings are normal, so don’t worry too much about them, just bring them with you to the workshop and anticipate meeting a group of people just like yourself. You’ll feel at ease right away.
Your registration is 100% Money Back Guaranteed. If the IPA does not hold this event due to not meeting our 5 participant minimum, we will refund your registration fees. Women: if you require a female "pee buddy" and we don't deliver, we'll refund your fee, as well. Learn more at the bottom of our "What is a Workshop" page.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
At the beginning of each workshop (Friday night, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.), participants share, often for the first time, their stories of what it has been like living with paruresis. This usually proves to be a very cathartic experience, as people realize that they are not the only person in the world who suffers from this anxiety disorder. Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) sessions involve:
- Information sharing by the workshop facilitator and sometimes an assistant;
- Practice sessions involving graduated desensitization exercises, usually with one or two other people (people always practice at a level that feels comfortable and that will ensure success); and
- Group sharing about what the practice experience was like. For more information about graduated exposure and what that entails, see our About Avoidant Paruresis page on the IPA Website.
PRICING (US Dollars):
Basic Fee: Registration for the weekend event is $795.
Current IPA Members save $100. Find the promocode on the members site here. Not a current member? Make a donation of $100 or more to IPA to join here. Please allow 2 business days for access to members site.
Special "Early Bird" Offer: Register 30 days in advance and save using promocode IPA-Early-Bird to save $50. Members, there is an early bird code for you as well here. Don't forget to add the Promocode at the top of the registration page!
Don't let financial considerations keep you from attending a workshop. Inquire about scholarships at getinfo@paruresis.org.
HOTEL DETAILS:
As the Mall of America is an ideal practice area, the workshop will be at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, 2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN, 55425 952-881-5258. They aren’t giving us a break on the hotel rooms, so you are free to book whatever is best for you. Currently, on their website they are offering $200/night. Accomodations are not included in the cost of the workshop. Parking at the hotel is $24 a night, but alternate parking is available at MOA lots.
MEALS:
We'll provide all the water you need to keep fluid loaded. Meals are on your own - lots of great choices nearby!
COVID-19 NOTES:
The IPA recommends that all participants be fully vaccinated prior to attending. Masks are optional (pending any local requirements). Attendees have a shared responsibility for event safety. High-risk attendees should take extra consideration before joining in person. Please ensure that you do not have symptoms, have not recently been diagnosed with or had direct contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case or other communicable illness. The IPA will comply with any local, state or federal guidelines.
QUESTIONS? SPECIAL REQUESTS?: Email Tim Pyle, Executive Director, IPA tim@paruresis.org
Please Note: The information presented during the Event, including but not limited to ideas, suggestions, techniques, trainings, exercises, processes, activities, downloads, instructions, and other materials is educational in nature and is not medical or psychological advice or psychotherapy. A signed waiver and release form is required prior to attending. If you are having trouble urinating, you should always contact a physician since difficulty with voiding can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
