IPA Live Workshop - Detroit, MI - May 1-3, 2026 • Celebrate our 30th Anniversary with this "No Excuses" Weekend!
This event is a GO! Special pricing until April 1 only.
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: Dr. Steven Soifer, Ph.D., MSW is IPA co-founder, co-director of the IPA's Shy Bladder Center, and the "godfather of paruresis recovery."
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 up to two business days for access to members site.
Special "Early Bird" Offer: To celebrate the IPA's 30th Anniversary and the longevity of the Detroit event, the early bird price for this event only is $350. Members can combine these savings.
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. And, yes, that means returnee members can save up to $250 (Just $150 total for this special event!)
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:
We're excited to share that this year's event will be in the Socrates Room at the downtown Atheneum Suite Hotel (1000 Brush St., Detroit, MI 48226, Tel (313) 962-2323, our contact: Shawn, sbuchanan@atheneumsuites.com) This is the link to register for your room with special pricing of $239 a night and $25 for parking. IPA, Inc. Room Reservation Reminder: accommodations are not included in the workshop fee. There is no obligation to stay at the venue.
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.
