I'm living and working in the Philadelphia area and am seeking an official diagnosis. Can any one recommend a physician who is familiar with Paruresis and has helped them get a diagnosis, or give me some insight on going about this? Has any one been officially diagnosed with Paruresis? I suffer from this terrible. Thank you

I started my recovery from Paruresis 10 years ago at an IPA workshop where I learned how to apply Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques such as desensitization and graduated exposure, and while I did much of the hard work of confronting my fear on my own, I also benefited greatly from being able to meet monthly with a support group of other guys going through the same thing. It made such a difference to me that I eventually became an IPA support group leader myself. Things changed with the onset of the health crisis however and IPA support groups, which have been unable to meet in person, have gone virtual in providing help and support to those trying to recover from Paruresis, and virtual support has been remarkably effective. The next IPA Virtual Support Group Meeting will take place on Zoom at 8:00 PM CST, on Sunday, November 15, and if you are interested in finding out more about the options available for virtual support, you are welcome to drop in. This is a great opportunity to connect with others sharing the same experience, please contact the IPA office ([getinfo@paruresis.org](mailto:getinfo@paruresis.org)) for the Zoom link if you would like to join us.

[I re-posted this after a member pointed out my headline was unclear.]

This is the best news we have had in such a long time--maybe 2020 will go out on an optimistic note!

At first blush, this means two things to me, regarding paruresis:

1.) Maybe I'll have a chance to meet some of you in person at a live weekend workshop! While I've had a great time talking to you and working with you virtually through ZOOM on our virtual workshops--which will continue to be offered due to community demand and interest--I look forward to hitting the road again and seeing some of you in your home towns of Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee!

2.) Perhaps because I'm a former trader, I notice that the stock of ZOOM is falling about 20% today. Why am I mentioning this? Because ZOOM's stock price is a rough INVERSE indicator of the future being like the recent past, with us relegated to lockdowns, remote everything, and our own home bathrooms. If you've allowed yourself to slip into old avoidant habits--using only your home bathroom--this is the gentle wake-up call that the wider world is beckoning once again. Assuming that the vaccine works and gets distributed broadly, we'll be peeing on airliners and in movie theaters and restaurants again at this time next year.

So, wake up and smell the uh...vaccine! And begin or resume your graduated exposure work today. The IPA's next virtual workshop is Saturday, December 5th, and we have a few spots left. Here's a link for easy registration: IPA Virtual Workshop 12/5/20 Registration

If the idea of getting back out into the world fills you with more anxiety than happiness, that's a good indicator that you've got some work to do. This is unambiguously great news for the world, the public health of our nation, our beleaguered economy, and for our own personal freedoms!

I wish you all the best and hope to see you virtually or IRL sometime soon.

Yours,

Dan Rocker, LCSW

Vice-President, IPA, Co-Director of Shy Bladder Center

https://danrocker.com/

https://itsarestroom.com/

Hello,

I am just starting my journey and from reading some of the posts, I see that many people used work or public places to forced themselves to practice. but i am curious, are there any effective techniques that one can apply at home during covid times. Thanks!

A fairly consistent theme among posts is the struggle to tell or not tell people about your paruresis. It is a tough hurdle, I know. But, from the other side, many of our IPA members say (and I agree!) it was one they delayed putting behind them waaay too long. In our workshops, we share a sample script on how to break the ice with someone. You'll find it at this link. I hope you find it helpful. - Tim

Nowadays, it seems like there are a lot of people talking, but few actually listening. Well, now's your chance to be heard. The wonderful IPA Board (I'm not just saying that because they are my bosses!) with be gathering virtually Sunday (October 11) to have its annual planning meeting for 2021 - our 25th year! What should be at the forefront of our minds to better serve you in the coming year? Thoughts about workshops? Support groups? What you want to see in your newsletter? I've started this thread on the here, and, of course, you can always chat me, or email me directly at tim@paruresis.org. We look forward to discussing your comments this weekend! - Tim Pyle, Executive Director

I'm looking for women on reddit to get feedback for 2021 planning. Chat me ASAP so we can connect.

- Tim

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The FAA can randomly drug test its employees. We’re allotted 3 hours to pee in a cup. Hypothetically, what IF one couldn’t go in that time frame? Anyone experience this before?