IPA Live Workshop - Baltimore - Sept. 11-13, 2026 - Register today so we can meet our minimum of 5 participants by August 11 to make this event 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 LEADERS: Dan Rocker, LCSW, MA – Co-Director, Shy Bladder Center; Shy Bladder Center Therapist; President, Board of Directors – International Paruresis Association; and experienced workshop leader (Meet Dan thru this brief video!); and, Dr. Daniel Chazin, PhD, ABPP, A-CBT - Director, Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a past workshop favorite!
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 at least one month in advance of the event and automatically save $50 on any ticket.
Returnee "Rebate" Offer: Previously attended any IPA workshop? Sign up one month in advance, let us know the date of your last workshop, and get a $100 rebate after validation and attendance.
Student Pricing: $295. Current undergraduate or technical school students, please add your current institution and valid student ID number where indicated. Student tickets are limited, so register early.
Don't let financial considerations keep you from attending a workshop. Inquire about scholarships at getinfo@paruresis.org.
HOTEL DETAILS:
Once we meet our minimum of 5 participants, we'll finalize the venue details, pricing, and reservation links. Typically, this event is be held in the Chesapeake Room at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Columbia, MD (8320 Benson Drive, 21045 Phone: 410-872-9200). Our longtime venue, the hotel is easily accessible from Interstate 95 and is near the intersection of Routes 175 and 108. (North on 108, left on Lark Brown Drive, stay straight for Benson; hotel on right.) If you are coming by train, the BWI Station is your stop. BWI Airport is nearby as well. An easy Uber ride from either.
Although it is not required, we encourage the use of the host hotel as we use participant rooms for breakout practice sessions and it helps us to keep the meeting room cost down. It is very convenient to stay at the event venue. Parking is free. Reminder: accommodations are not included in the workshop fee.
MEALS:
We'll provide all the water you need to keep fluid loaded. Meals are on your own - lots of great choices nearby!
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.
