IPA Live Workshop - Seattle, WA - July 17-19, 2026
Please register today so we can make our five-person minimum prior to June 17, 2026.
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: Roger Merritt, LCMHC, Shy Bladder Center Member, and past IPA Board Member. Learn more about Roger through his video link on our Shy Bladder Center page.
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: Register at least one month in advance of the event and automatically save $50 on any ticket. 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.
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, we'll finalize the event venue - typically in the metro area near lots of good practice spots. Hotel accommodations are not included in the registration fee.
MEALS:
We'll provide all the water you need to keep fluid loaded. Meals are on your own - lots of great choices will be 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.
