International Paruresis Association, Inc.

The IPA is a wonderful organization, offering so much support, compassion and resources to people who are recovering from paruresis or shy bladder syndrome.
I found out about the IPA earlier this year and attended one of their virtual workshops. It was brilliant! I now have so much more confidence in my recovery journey, and I am excited for my future. Thank you IPA!

The International Paruresis Association is a great organization. I discovered IPA in 2012 and they helped to get my life back. They have a fantastic support structure and the workshops are beneficial for overcoming paruresis. Thank you!

Very helpful for what can be an issue that's as embarrassing as it is debilitating. It's one of those issues that one doesn't share and feels alone and frustrated about.
IPA is great for support, learning, and advocacy. It's just not to advocate awareness but change; as urine analysis can be required for eligibility for employment, federal programs, and investigations (among many other things). It's important to have this condition recognized and make alternative analysis options accepted (saliva, blood,hair).

This organization offers a vital service. The leadership and staff continue to provide key information and support to paruresis sufferers, IPA members, and the general public on both a national and international basis. I applaud their nearly 3 decade commitment to bringing awareness and understanding of this condition to a worldwide audience. Thank you!!!

IPA gives comfort to people with paruresis by letting them know they are not alone, providing support and educational services, and reducing the stigma. Thank you IPA!

IPA is the only organization in the world focused on making a better world for people with paruresis. Their education, advocacy and support have made a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of people.

I struggled for decades with paruresis before getting help. I didn’t even know it was a thing. Or that help was an option. I just knew from college or earlier that I’d spend lots of time out of class trying to find a bathroom with privacy and being able to relieve myself. It wasn’t until many years later I found IPA and a local therapist with experience in this area (thank you internet) that I found out there was hope. Even after I found IPA and started talking to the therapist I was very skeptical. I can tell you today that it’s very rare that I go into a bathroom these days and get anxious or have any trouble relieving myself. I learned so much from the workshops and support from others and I can guarantee I never would have been able to do it myself. I no longer avoid concerts, games, social outings, travel, fishing, etc like I did for years and as a result have a much fuller like. This is absolutely been one of the best things that have ever happened in my life. Thank you all.

I attend free monthly zoom support groups, online resources, and have done in person workshops. Great organization.

Incredibly helpful and caring folks. They have ample resource and are truly concerned about paruresis sufferers.

The IPA changed the course of my life 22 years ago when I first attended a workshop. I learned from them that I was not alone, and importantly, that just about everything that I had been doing to try to help myself was in fact wrong, but easily correctable. The workshop put me on a good trajectory and my continuing practice and work on myself has made me feel like a new person--a happy individual who cares only the appropriate amount about what others are thinking of me!

I thank goodness that I found the IPA--they have helped me so much!

They have helped me a great deal with my problem. Their website is full of good advice and information that you can really use to get over this condition. You are not alone anymore.

Very quick to respond with appropriate help and extremely supportive to the community

Life changing organization for a much larger percentage of the population than you would think

Fantastic organisation. Committed and caring. Always there for you

Great support network and resources to help with a problem that many avoid or don't understand well enough to be able to seek support/help they need. IPA makes this process easier to manage and achieve what ever level of improvement an individual is willing to work to achieve.

IPA changed my life. I was worried I could never take my children anywhere. I was worried I would live the rest of my life sneaking away to find a private restroom. I thought I could never advance my career. I would always be rushing to the airport and last on the plane fretting about the length of the trip. All those thoughts left after meeting new friends at my very first IPA workshop. Just sharing my anxieties and knowing I was not alone helped immediately. I am still apprehensive in certain situations but nothing that prevents me from leading a “normal” existence. No pills, hypnosis, tricks, or lies. This organization offers anyone who needs it real answers and real solutions. This is no exaggeration. Happiness. Confidence. Hope. Life.

The IPA is essentially the only resource for people with Paruresis. Until finding the IPA I thought I was the only one with this issue. They have helped on my my way to recovery. Without this organization I would not know how to handle this.

For over 40 years, starting in 1960, I suffered from a severe case of Shy Bladder Syndrome - the inability to urinate in the presence of others. The physicians and psychologists who my parents and later I consulted were unfamiliar with the underlying condition of social anxiety and how best to treat it. Until I discovered the International Paruresis Association and registered for its excellent workshops, I thought I was the only person in the world who had this affliction which, at times, could be debilitating. The help and support I received from the compassionate members of this organization were instrumental in my recovery, and as a result , I regained my life.

An Internet search connected me to IPA when I was anticipating--with dread--an overseas trip. Paruresis was part of my life five decades before I could name it (and I was 50 when I made my lifesaving discovery). One conversation with then-executive Steven Soifer made me realize for the first time that I was neirher alone nor lost. The mere existence of IPA gives me hope every day, every successful visit to a public restroom.

I am a college student, who has suffered from paruresis for as long as I can remember. The IPA website proved to be a gift from God in my journey to recovery. Finally being able to find a shy bladder certified therapist helped me tremendously, and I was only able to encounter him through this wonderful website.

They do a great job sharing information and trying to make positive change to help those of us with paruresis. I attended a support group they offered and it was invaluable.

Very beneficial to me. I recommend it to anyone needing their services.

Terrific organization, working to better the people it serves

Helpful, supportive information. Workshops, videos and books all provide great insight into this social phobia and methods to improve attitude and performance.

International Paruresis Association, Inc serves those who suffer from a common social phobia which interferes significantly in their lives, an estimated 7% of men and women. Paruresis is a fear that one will be unable to urinate in public facilities. This fear then triggers that inability. As a consequence, sufferers may avoid doing many things, both personally and professionally. IPA has developed a program for people to overcome this fear in small, graduated steps. I've participated in an IPA workshop in Doral Florida in 2010. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I've participated in seven IPA workshops held virtually through Zoom. These workshops are excellent! IPA has now begun to conduct in-person workshops, but also plans to serve a wide audience through the virtual Zoom format.

IPA raises awareness about an important issue that affects 7% of the population and provides strategies for navigating life with paruresis. I'm happy to support them.

IPA is vital source to me for both continued learning and growth relative to this social phobia condition. The assistance that this organization has and is providing for many similar to me with this condition is unlimited. Through their support groups and conferences they offer practical assistance. The IPA blog and newsletters and general information on this condition is very important to me. I cannot underestimate the importance of this organization. I plan on being more involved in the future and to donate more resources to this organization. IPA is a blessing to me and many others.

This nonprofit takes the secrecy and shame out of a situation that millions silently suffer alone thinking they are the only person feeling the inability to urinate in public restrooms or around other people. Some people are driven to the verge of suicide while others face insurmountable anxiety over a condition that seems hopeless. Thankfully the IPA does offer the help and hope needed to take practical steps in facing this problem. I am very grateful for the organization's existence.

I have struggled with "shy bladder syndrome" most of my life. Recently the condition has caused me great distress in drug testing for probation and sober living programs. After a failed drug screening due to inability to give a urine sample, I joined IPA. Through the literature they provide, virtual support group meetings, and connection to therapy for the condition, I now feel much more on-track to overcoming this social phobia and living a full and complete life.

I’m an individual who grew up with Paruresis. I’ve had to dig deep to find the cause for this stigmatizing condition. It may not be listed in the DSM-V and support it’s future updates under the classification of psychological disorders.
Men & women struggle with this condition and are often categorized as liars for not being able to provide urinalysis while being supervised. In my observation, protocol needs to be updated in this country. The IPA provides excellent resources and support to those who have Paruresis.

IPA helped me learn how to self cath in stressful situations such as public places and airplanes.
I learned the self cath techique and what catheters to buy. Suffered for 40 years before I found IPA!

The IPA is doing valuable, healing work with those dealing with paruresis. I've been afflicted with it for 50 years and it has hindered my ability to travel and take part in social settings. Their workshops have provided me with the tools to better understand my condition and to take steps to overcome it. The executive director and volunteers are performing a valuable service.

Although I didn’t know the name for it at the time, I began suffering from “Shy bladder syndrome” when I was in Junior High School in the early 1960’s. I was able to manage it for most of my life, but was so happy to find IPA, Inc. around 2008 by doing a Google search for “can’t go pee in a public restroom”. It was wonderful just knowing that I was not alone. IPA is doing a great job through research, workshops and support groups to help people like me.

This excellent organization does excellent and pioneering work in its field.

This is a great non-profit organisation that promotes advocacy, and helps people recover and significantly improve from this social anxiety and neurological disorder.

IPA is an outstanding organization devoted to people who suffer from paruresis. They are possibly the only organization in the world which is focused on this issue, and they've been instrumental in advancing awareness and governmental policies. In addition, they provide direct support to people dealing with parurersis through workshops and support groups. Their work cannot be underestimated for its impact towards society. Outstanding organization!

The IPA has greatly helped me in trying to overcome my paruresis. After attending both a virtual and in-person workshop, I have seen a great improvement. I would not have had this success without the help of this wonderful nonprofit. I can’t say enough good things about the people and their mission!

I first discovered IPA, Inc. in 2007 through an article in a men’s health magazine that provided me with a source of information for helping those of us with paruresis, commonly known as shy bladder. At the time, I did not know the extent to which this condition affected others and was excited to find a resource that could provide information and cognitive exposure therapy to lessen the impact of shy bladder. I was able to attend three of the graduated exposure therapy group sessions sponsored by a local IPA support group where about 20 of us shared our stories and practiced techniques to increase the success of peeing in public with others nearby. I have been a benefactor and supporter of IPA, Inc. since 2007 and believe that IPA is a great resource and may be the only organization dedicated to education and treatment of paruresis.

For one, they educated me about a not-so-widely known condition. But more importantly, the workshops that they host provide an opportunity for people to make huge strides in their condition over the course of a weekend. It is incredible seeing how much this organization helps peoples' lives. It is a wonderful non-profit that is a doing great work every day.

When I found the IPA in January of 2021 my life literally changed forever. The IPA has provided a community for me and others to feel welcome and encouraged to be a beacon of light for one another when dealing with various life challenges. The IPA's impact on me is so valuable and I am proud to be a member of such an amazing association.

IPA is an incredible organization that has made a profound impact on my life.

I have been a member of IPA, Inc. for twenty years and find it a robust, dynamic and invaluable resource for individuals with shy bladder. IPA, Inc. provides individual counseling, group workshops, group meetings and regular newsletters to its members, advocates for "restroom rights" and workplace equity for its members, and works tirelessly to reach new members, both nationally and internationally, who by the very nature of this condition do not want to be public about it. In its 25+ years, IPA, Inc. has grown in membership and services and its dedicated leadership is to be commended for doing excellent work.

For people with shy bladder syndrome there is no other organization like IPA. I was at my wits end when I found them. I had struggled for fifty years hiding this affliction with no one to turn to for advice and sharing. Doctors and psychologists don't understand how this works like IPA. The help is there. It's easy and works. I still have paruresis but it doesn't run my life. I don't spend every minute worried about where my next safe opportunity will be.
I can't imagine how my life would look today if I had not found IPA 15 years ago.

Paruresis can be rather debilitating. The Internation al Paruresis Association has done an excellent job of dissemulating information to assist in overcoming the problems caused by this condition and geting back to living a normal life.

I found IPA years ago, and have attended one of the seminars. They and the forums have been a great help in dealing with my paruresis.

I am a long time paruresis sufferer. I remember when I first heard that there was a local group right in my city and how nervous I was attending my first meeting. I was surprised that there were 5 or 6 of us in the group.
When I went to a regional workshop in Baltimore I was really surprised at the number of people who attended.
While I can’t say that I am totally “cured”, my experiences with IPA have all been very positive ones and they have emboldened me to this day

the IPA has done a marvellous job of serving so may people who have been challenged by this affliction

The International Paruresis Association (IPA) plays a vital role in serving the almost 20 million people in the U.S. suffering from paruresis (shy bladder syndrome). I have attended two of their workshops and found them to be life-changing in terms of reducing the severity of my paruresis. IPA also lobbies Congress in support of legislation to make alternative ways of providing urine samples for drug testing, for example, saliva or blood. IPA also lobbies for more paruresis-friendly public restrooms. There is no other organization I know of that does this work. I am also a health care provider and former U.S Public Health Service Officer and IPA's work does a tremendous public health service for the millions who suffer from paruresis. Their extraordinary efforts should not go unnoticed.

My son was in prison. He was unable to urinate in front of the guard for the drug test. Failing to provide a sample was considered the same as failing the drug test. Prison is bad, but the consequence of failing a drug test was solitary confinement. He was in solitary confinement for over six months. Solidarity confinement is much worse than being in the general prison population. I found the International Paruresis Association (IPA) on the internet and reached out to them for help. IPA wrote a letter to the warden of the prison explaining the condition of Paruresis. The warden removed my son from solitary confinement and placed him back in the general prison population and used an alternative testing method. My son was not using drugs.

I have been suffering from shy bladder for 40 years. This is the one and only community that could make a difference in my recovery from it. It's an amazingly supportive group where all are welcome and free to share their stories. It's truly a great community of empathic individuals helping each other. I've been to countless workshops both in person and online and it is the only real way to make progress in my recovery to this paralyzing condition.

The IPA has been an incredibly valuable source of information for me over the years as I educate myself on the most recent information related to paruresis. I attended an IPA workshop, which was the start of my recovery process, and knowing that I am not alone and that there is a path to healing has given me the courage to move forwards. My progress would not have possible without the IPA!

IPA does a fantastic job supporting the people with this condition! They provide resources, workshops, and emotional support. I am glad I found them and will continue to work on my recovery with them.

I've worked with the International Paruresis Association for over 20 years and I have seen the great work that they do everyday. They have helped countless people from all over the globe who had no where else to turn to for assistance.

The International Paruresis Association has hosted workshops that changed my life for the better. I would not be able to live the same quality of life without the support of the IPA and the education they provide to so many individuals. I am grateful that the nonprofit leadership takes their roles seriously and strives to make the IPA work for its members.

I attended two IPA sessions which were well organized, conducted in a sensitive manner and, most importantly, helped myself and others with a personal difficulty. I would go so far as to say this organization changed my life in a very positive way.

The IPA has been helping me and other Portuguese-speaking people to find guidance on dealing with Paruresis and to connect with other community groups. With monthly updates and incredibly fast responses it has been instrumental in my recovery.

The IPA is a great foundation helping those who suffer from shy bladder syndrome. Most people don’t understand the difficulties of this condition. This foundation helps to inform and treat those affected by this troublesome condition. I am most grateful to be apart of such a wonderful association.

I have had increasing difficulty urinating in washroom s other than in my home. This reduced my enjoyment of life and limited what I was able to do. After attending an IPA weekend session, a lot of my anxiety lessened. While still not as at ease as I would like, I can at least use stalls in public rooms and be comfortable relieving myself in other homes.

Paruresis limits so many people from living a "normal" life. The association has been a godsend for countless folks.

I have suffered from Paruresis for over 28 years. The IPA has been such a wonderful and supportive organization for me and has helped me begin my recovery. It has been and invaluable resource for myself and others.

This is a great organization advocating for people with shy bladder syndrome and offering workshops to assist those who have the problem. I have taken several of their workshops, and they are all of very high quality, and helped me enormously.

Great workshops and information source to help over come paruresis.

The International Paruresis Association is the first stop for many people suffering with the social anxiety of paruresis. Here they get information about the disorder, including access to an active web community, treatment workshops, and tips on overcoming this disorder which has many people quite baffled and unnecessarily ashamed.

I am honored to be part of the IPA, the organization that truly saves the lives of people with paruresis!

IPA is an amazing nonprofit with amazing people. I am grateful for their assistance!

I’ve attended an in-person and virtual workshop both of which have been extremely helpful in my recovery. Just meeting other people and hearing their stories itself was an amazing experience. IPA gives voice to those embarrassed by their condition and hope to those wanting to move forward without being dominated by the fear of public restrooms. They are critical to the emerging dialogue in public policy and workplace drug testing surrounding shy bladder syndrome. I highly recommend reaching out, attending a workshop or reading the invaluable information on their website. Thank you, IPA!

I attended one of the very first virtual workshops and it really helped me dealing with my Shy Bladder Syndrom (Paruresis). We worked in breakout sessions with people all over the world, shared our stories and learned from professionals. It was a great experience for a very reasonable price. The IPA is a great leader in terms of digitalization of support groups!

I have been living with paruresis for the past 45 years, but have always been able to get by by using safe bathrooms. However, something terrible happened early last year and the paruresis took a tremendous turn for the worse and it was actually debilitating. I even had to resort to self catheterizing a number of times. I participated in the IPA virtual workshop in April 2020, and it was a tremendous help - literally life changing. I learned that this is not an uncommon issue, and was given a number of very helpful pointers that I have put to good use ever since. I am so very glad I participated in the virtual workshop. It far exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended.

I was looking for an organization that would provide some information and support with my problem. IPA provides a clearinghouse for information and resources for help with paruresis.
They also are trying to get legislation passed to give people with paruresis an alternative to urine drug testing.

Ten years ago I attended an IPA workshop, and my life changed. I not only started down the path toward overcoming a condition that I had kept hidden most of my life, I learned how to put this condition in perspective and accept (and respect) myself for who I really am. I now proudly serve on the Board of Directors and hope to help guide others toward that same path.

Amazing organization that's helped me a lot with working with my paruresis.

The IPA was very helpful to me in my recovery. They gave me support, the information I needed and their workshops gave me successes that I needed to start my recovery. Thank you. Brad K.

The IPA has given me the direction to recover from paruresis. They also advocate for different ways to drug test for employees.

I thought there was something special and wrong about me for 50 years until I found the IPA and the wonderful people who started it and understood how my life has been a private self berating struggle with shame and desperation. They showed me many suffered like I have and empathized with me . I am grateful for the oranization and count myself lucky to have found their support and advocacy for all who have this condition

The IPA is great organization. I have experienced and witnessed the good work of the IPA through its website, workshops and counselors. They truly help people get there life back. Paruesis is a silent phobia and most sufferer's never get help. The IPA is spreading the message that help and recovery are available. Through the website and workshops people's lives are being changed for the better every day.

I had a Paruresis problem for 36 years. I attended my first IPA workshop at age 49 and had immediate success. By attending 3 more workshops and volunteering to lead a support group, I no longer suffer from the psychological effects of this condition. The IPA has changed my life and I am truly thankful for the support they offer.

Thanks again IPA for another successful year in helping others overcome this condition.

They have been instrumental in bringing a social and mental health issue that has been so hidden out into the open and given those of us that suffer from it an outlet to process our experience and to begin to heal and obtain the hope of leading a normal life.

The IPA provided the much needed support I needed in a difficult time in my life. Without them my recovery would not have come so far. Dr. Soifer, who leads the IPA, personally made sure I go the help I needed, and I can't thank him enough. I now regularly participate in a IPA support group which is a very valuable component of my recovery.

Learned about this organization about 10 years ago on an internet search. Found members to be extremely helpful and caring. Glad I found them.

The IPA champions people like me who live with pee-shyness or paruresis. My particular symptoms show up in airplane bathrooms where I just cannot relieve myself. Through the IPA I have been able to learn to manage this social phobia and pee in almost any public bathroom or airplane bathroom. Steven Weinraub, Santa Monica, CA

The IPA has truly changed my life. Being a paruretic is quite the ordeal and I'm glad that the IPA is there with their support groups, workshops, and numerous materials that have been helpful in my recovery of shy bladder. Their website https://paruresis.org/ is full of many other resources to help other paruretics.

No other non-profit organization supports this condition. It remains the best support for anyone anywhere to get help regardless of ability to pay. The organization makes very good use of its resources to help as many people as need it.

When I found IPA over 15 years ago, I finally realized I was not the only person with a shy bladder and whose life was affected by it to a great extent. I did not realize recovery was possible. I attended a workshop and from that point on have been treating this condition as a social anxiety and working on my recovery. The IPA, with its message board and workshops that offer support and help, have been my lifeline.

The IPA is one of the best in serving people with shy bladder. From workshops to support groups the IPA has been incredibly helpful for me.

The International Paruresis Association has literally changed my life. I spent decades trying to understand this social phobia, knowing that it was irrational and still being unable to overcome it, until I found the IPA and was able to start the process of overcoming it. The IPA has a network of caring volunteers who provide information and guidance in how to overcome and recover from Paruresis, and their statement that "you are not alone" is from the heart.

I have been involved with the IPA as a member and board member. The organization changed my life many years ago. I want others to get the help and support that I received from this great organization. That is why I continue to serve with this excellent non-profit.

This is a great group to be a member of if you suffer from shy bladder! They hold workshops all over the world to help people deal with and reduce the anxiety associated with Paruresis!

The IPA does an excellent job at raising awareness of paruresis and without them I wouldn't even know that it existed, that other people went through the same problem and that there's a pathway for getting better. I've attended one of their workshops and I would recommend it to anyone that might be suffering from the shy bladder syndrome

Provides great workshops and connection to others for support. Along with organizing support groups crucial for recovery. The IPA made all the difference for me and I don’t how I could have made it without it.

Currently, I serve on the board of the International Paruresis Association (IPA). The IPA is a wonderful organization that has helped me tremendously with my shy bladder. As a member of the board, I hope to give back by helping others with paruresis to live their lives to the fullest. In addition, the IPA as an organization provides resources such as workshops and educational materials, and most of all a caring and compassionate community to assist you on your road to recovery. I love the IPA!

The best organization of its type. IPA is committed to helping people who have shy bladder with emotional support, recovery techniques, advice for dealing with medical personnel, and advocacy for legal and legislative issue related to this condition. The best decision I made was to attend a workshop 15 years ago. Travel is so much easier, events are not anxiety-inducing, and I no longer judge myself for a condition that is surprisingly common.

The workshops that Steve and his team have been immensely helpful for me in dealing with my phobia. Thank you all soooooooooo much!!!!

Exceptional workshops, volunteerism and support to those suffering from a relatively common condition, paruresis, often referred to as shy bladder syndrome. This non-profit works to change regulations to support the building of bathroom that provide more privacy for individuals and for drug testing methodologies, i.e., oral fluid analysis, to substitute for urinalysis where people are watched as they provide a sample. As someone who has paruresis the organization has helped me to reduce the severity of issue (it may always be there to some extent but I live more comfortably now) and meet and work alongside others in support sessions who also identify as paruretics. This condition can have an enormous negative impact on people's lives if one can imagine not wanting to go anywhere where there might not be a "safe" bathroom or not taking a long plane flight due to discomfort with using the restroom on the plane. IPA is the only organization addressing this issue.

I have suffered with this condition for 41 years. It has severely affected me and in many ways defined who I am. I learned of IPA perhaps 12 years ago and was too afraid to take action. Last month I finally decided to attend a workshop and I can't even believe what happened. By meeting and connecting with others with this same condition in an environment with an outstanding leader, in one weekend my life has changed dramatically. I would consider myself 80 percent recovered and I know what to do to work on the remaining 20 percent. For anyone even considering attending, take the plunge. You won't regret it!

I found out about the organization after I read a book by the Exec. Director. Once I found out that there were other people with the same type of problem, that knowledge alone helped me get started to reduce the phobia I have had for over 50 years. This is a wonderful organization and is helping a lot of people who have paruresis.

Living with Paruresis is really difficult... especially in silence! The IPA's existence and continued efforts has helped greatly in this internet age because before you even tell the 1st person in your life about your problem you have already been met w/ the fact that you are not alone. The IPA plays an indispensable role in recovery from Paruresis as it is a keystone to build around and look to for guidance through this difficult journey.
Thx

I have had paruresis during my entire adult life. Using public restrooms was always a challenge, and it made my life so much more difficult than it seemed to be for my friends who were able to function easily and without stress. Thanks to the coaching of IPA and its local chapter I was able to overcome my paruresis and now no longer have that great interference in my life -- which is important since in my work life as well as in my personal life I am in public places almost every day and this always caused anxiety for me. I can never thank IPA enough for their care in publicizing this rarely-talked-about subject and for providing nonjudgmental support and coaching for us ordinary citizens.

I just wanted to say thank you to the international Peruresis association for helping me with my shy bladder syndrome. I attended a workshop in Detroit Michigan in 2018 and it helped with my understanding of the condition and also improved my fear of urinating in public

I have worked with and for non-profits large and small, and have never met another that does so much with such a modest budget. Ethical in its spending and accountability, decade after decade, IPA pursues new avenues and persists at long standing ones, to improve the lives of paruretics around the world.

Excellent organization! Great tools and information at a minimal cost.

I attended an IPA workshop many years ago. It was at an airport hotel in Los Angeles. And it helped, a LOT! I have been pee-shy ever since my mother scolded me MANY years ago, for peeing on a hedge in our backyard. (I'm now 83.) By no means did the workshop "cure" me, but it has made an enormous difference in my life. I am much emboldened now and, given the "modesty panels" that most rest rooms have these days, I have little or no trouble peeing (urinating sounds too "clinical"). I have supported IPA with a donation most every year, I believe. And hey, it's tax deductible.

The IPA workshops that I attended with Dr. Soifer and his team were extremely helpful. I was so happy that I could find a group that could help me work through these pee shy issues that I suffered from for years and years.

Great group. Dr. Steve Soifer has put together something not available anywhere in the world!

IPA is truly a fantastic organization. They provide a service to so many that no one else does and do a great job. I have donated to them since 2012 when I found them and will continue to do so. Keep up the great work IPA!

IPA is an amazing non-profit dedicated to dealing with a social anxiety called paruresis. They address the hidden phobia that no one wants to talk about with an excellent website, education materials and workshops. They have made a huge difference in thousands of lives.

I first met Dr. Steven Soifer in 1997 when he was the President of the National Paruresis Association, which now is the International Paruresis Association. I sought Dr. Soifer out after my then-boyfriend revealed to me he had paruresis. As a writer, my initial intent in requesting a meeting with Dr. Soifer was to interview him for an article. By the time I left his office, his passion and dedication to the education about, and treatment of, paruresis was so persuasive that I accepted his invitation to be a Board Member of the association on the spot. I then served as the Secretary and Advisory Board Member of the organization for many years, and was invited to co-author the definitive book on the subject, "Shy Bladder Syndrome: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Overcoming Paruresis." I can personally state that for more than twenty years, Dr. Soifer has earnestly and successfully navigated, along with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, the International Paruresis Association with time, ethic, integrity, and unparalleled commitment. To take on a topic that is not publicly appealing (no one likes to openly talk about embarrassing bathroom phobias) and to persevere in difficult economic times, is nothing short of heroic. The International Paruresis Association is fiscally responsible and socially impactful. It is an amazing organization that serves a hidden suffering population. I enthusiastically endorse this non-profit.

Dr. Soifer and IPA gave me the path to true recovery. They were my last hope after almost 30 years of misery.

IPA has helped thousands of people with parauresis know that they are not alone. They provide education, support and legislative/regulatory advocacy for an issue that no other organization addresses. They are a lifeline to many internationally.

Paruresis is such a hidden and personal problem, it’s difficult to reach out for help. IPA not only helps you connect with others, they host workshops where you can work to overcome your anxiety in a safe and empowering environment. Most of all, you learn to be comfortable with yourself at whatever level you’re at, to stop beating yourself up, and to find the courage to keep working.

I lived with the frustration and the embarrassment of Paruresis for fifty years before finding this wonderful organization. The help and support that I have received through wonderful volunteers has taken me to a high level of recovery, and thankfully this condition no longer controls my life. Now I am giving back by helping others.

IPA has completely changed the life of myself and others with shy bladder. Thanks to their workshops and the advice I've gotten on their message forums, I can now lead a completely normal life while previously my life was severely curtailed by my shy bladder. The people involved with IPA are completely devoted to helping people cope with and overcome this condition. It is a wonderful organization, and any money given to them will have REAL benefit and POSITIVELY change people's lives!

Wonderful group of people! They really helped me to help my son (he has shy bladder) who is in prison. So thankful that my son can use a "dry cell" for his scheduled drug testing. Thank you IPA!

I am a long term member of this fabulous organization. My ability to go places and to do things is vastly expanded due to my work with IPA.

I've suffered with Shy Bladder since my early teens. Ten years ago, when I was in my early 50s, I discovered the IPA and finally found a group of people who understood me. I had never told a soul before joining and what an experience to attend my first workshop and listen to others tell their stories! I immediately identified with these people and found that I could talk for hours about something I had never discussed in my life. Through the IPA, I learned about ways to deal with this thing that had controlled me my whole adult life. Now, I don't let it control my life and I can confidently deal with any situation. I decided to join the board as a way to help support the organization and help others along the way. None of this would have been possible without the support of this organization.

Have known about IPA since 1998. I is certainly the most fiscally responsible non-profit I have ever observed. If you want your donation dollars to yield greatly, this is an organization to give to. IPA is tireless in its advocacy, and its Board continually generates creative projects. Bravo IPA!

I PA gives hope to those of us struggling with shy bladder. It's often a lifelong struggle, and we can use all the support we can get with this humiliating, misunderstood condition.

This non profit is amazing. They really put 110% into getting results and constantly striving to give those of us who suffer from paruresis a life we did not think was attainable. I cannot thank them enough for how they have helped me.

The IPA is doing incredible work in helping those who suffer from Paruresis. I have a loved one who fits this category with whom I've had the good fortune to attend 2 separate workshops put on by the IPA. The combination of targeted discussion and practicing specific techniques is very helpful to people with Paruresis. In addition, the workshop participants are able to build a support group who they can stay in touch with going forward. This is a first class organization that is doing great things in the areas of helping Paruresis sufferers and educating the general public on this debilitating condition that affects millions of Americans.

Like many people who suffer from shy bladder syndrome, which makes it difficult or even impossible to urinate in public, I thought I was alone and without hope of overcoming my condition until I discovered IPA. The organization provides a support community, educational materials, and workshops, all of which have been very helpful to me.

This organization exceeds all expectations when it comes to serving its clients which I am one of. The work they do is truly amazing!!!!

This is the ONLY non-profit in the world to help those with shy bladder.

My life has improved tremendously sense I started doing the workshops. I was seldom able to use a public restroom, or a bathroom at home if anyone was near the door.
I am now able to travel and seldom find it difficult to use public restrooms, including airplanes,boats, and trains.
Thank You
Kevin

As a person who deals with paruresis I find this organization very supportive. I felt relief in finding this company and information they provided in helping people like me deal with this condition. I very much appreciate all that this company does for eveyone who seeks help for our condition. They do make a difference.

I have two Masters Degrees and am successful in life. Great wife, job, kids. . . I have it all. I however have been controlled by one specific anxiety my whole life. This group helps and is doing very important work with very meaningful consequences for millions of people like me. In my situation, drug testing, which is required, is my worse nightmare even though I have never done any drugs in my life. anyway, this is a great nonprofit.

Helped me know I was not alone with my condition - and that was worth more than gold!

I read Dr. Soifer's book, met 3 of the members of a local branch of IPA, and finally attended an IPA workshop together with about 20 other attendees who suffered from Shy Bladder Syndrome. Dr. Soifer is a compassionate educator and leader who helps people cope with and overcome SBS and the fear, shame and anxiety attached to it. IPA has helped me tremendously!

This is an organization led by persons who themselves suffer from, struggle with, the condition that the organization exists to remediate. They are thus very highly motivated and disposed to work very hard for rather little pay. It is thus the ideal the sort of nonprofit.

Are you kidding me???? The end of the world is near!

Great ori4ganization to help people with shy bladder. They help me greatly and can help you too.

I have suffered from Shy Bladder for the majority of my life and discovered the IPA several years ago. This organization has been very helpful in helping me overcome this disorder and I eventually joined the organization to help others. It is life changing to meet other people who have dealt with the same issues and find out you are not alone.

This organization changed my life 15 years ago. I cannot adequately extol its virtues and importance . After 15 years of donating to their organization, I decided to take a position on the board to help further this crucial cause. My only regret is that they didn't exist 50 years ago when I needed their help and insights even more. My life would have been incredibly improved. But.....much better late then never. My son has avoided the agony of paruresis because of the IPA. And this for me (and him) is truly a godsend!!!!

Have been a board member with IPA for 7 years, truly a great organization. The workshops are scheduled many times a year and are the main vehicle through which IPA helps its members. Also works on legislation to promote alternative drug testing for paruretics. Steve has been extremely devoted and the amount of progress we are able to achieve with the resources we have is amazing!

This is a truly wonderful organisation. It brings to light an affliction that nobody talks about, yet many suffer. Bringing it out in the open for discussion and acknowledgement, coupled with practical exercises in the way of workshops, miraculously changes lives for the better - far better!

I am 63 years old and cannot remember a time when I was comfortable using public restrooms. (I have no memory of what the boys' rooms looked like when I was in either of the two elementary schools I attended.) Throughout my school years, I would "hold it" for the entire day--with the exception of a time or two when it got the best of me and I was sent home with wet pants. On family vacations, I could go six hours in the car without urinating. Life in a dormitory my freshman year in college was agony at times. I'm surprised that I did not do permanent damage to myself while on choir tours that involved travel for an entire day. Despite my paruresis (significant that a red underline indicates spellcheck doesn't recognize that word), I have determined that I am not sitting at home. I have traveled over the years to Europe, Israel, Africa, and South America, never knowing what I might encounter in terms of public restrooms (and it's best that I didn't know--some were real winners!). I stumbled upon IPA about the same time I was beginning to use the Internet. A pending trip to Africa had me particularly concerned, so I contacted Dr. Soifer. (Using aircraft rest rooms has been an issue--especially when there is a line of folks waiting.) This was 14 years ago, and that contact alone gave me confidence--especially given the awareness that I was not alone (or a freak). While I have not attended a workshop, I still may one day. For now, I have good days and bad days--urinal days and stall days (if conditions are anxiety-producing). Probably the best part of my connection with IPA (I support the organization annually) is my growing willingness to share my situation with others, particularly those who suffer from other social phobias or who have loved ones who do. Were it not for Steven Soifer and IPA, none of this would be possible.

I had paruresis for over 4 decades . Not much hope for me . And believe me this is hell . Get this info to school children it could end a lot of suffering . A well spent dollar .

I suffered for years not know what was wrong with me. I thought I was the only person who had the problem. Once I discovered the IPA, I finally realized that I was not alone and I now had a term for my condition. I had been to doctors in the past and none of them did anything for me. They did not even know why I could not go while someone was in the bathroom with me. Once I discovered that I had Paruresis, I began educating the doctors in my town on this condition. I am and always will be glad for the International Paruresis Associaton.

This organization changed my life. I suffered from paruresis since I was a kid, and thought I was the only one who had it and was doomed to living a severely limited life because of it. Then about 15 years ago I went to an IPA workshop and started reading the IPA message boards and it changed everything. I can honestly say that now my condition no longer limits my life in any way. Steve who runs the organization has been there from the beginning and him & the organization are devoted to making people's lives better. And they really do. I couldn't recommend an organization to donate to more highly.

The worst part about paruresis is thinking that you are alone. Through finding the IPA site, I discovered I wasn't alone and there were people out there who could help. With the information on the website, I was able to start down the long road of recovery. I have been to two workshops, and now am a group leader. Not only have I improved, but I have seen improvement in the quality of life of others. Truly a fantastic group.

This is the most informative site for those suffering from Paruresis. It was the site that I first discovered the name for my condition, and the efforts of those that run it have led to Urologist and others being educated about it. 5 super stars!

IPA is a groundbreaking organization for people with shy bladder syndrome. Their workshops have been truly lifechanging for me and many others, and their education and advocacy are second to none. I struggled with paruresis for over 4 decades. The first workshop I attended was a liberating experience, and I have been to many others since then, and become a volunteer with the organization. They are led by a visionary, courageous, dedicated group of people.

In my lifetime, I have suffered from various afflictions including severe depression (numerous suicide attempts) & eating disorders (below 100 lbs for three years), but the most disabling of all these was the paruresis I have had for over 40yrs. This is a disorder kept secret by both its sufferers & ignorance in our society. I believed I was alone in this afliction until I discovered the IPA some three yrs ago. I have found the IPA to be a help for the helpless- a nonprofit which is truly dedicated to helping paruretics overcome this disorder. This is a nonprofit which definitely gets results & changes lives for the better. In my opinion, the IPA is worthy to be a top-rated nonprofit, both now & in the years to come.

I'm 61 and I've suffered from Paruresis most of my life. For me, and milions of others who suffer from this social phobia, the IPA is the best source of information about the condition and how to cope with it. I've attended an IPA workshop and read some literature from the IPA store, including Dr. Soifer's book, Shy Bladder Syndrome. The workshop experience was extremely helpful. It showed me that I could make progress with my problem, and has given me confidence to face social situations where having a shy bladder could be uncomfortable and embarassing. I shared my notes from the workshop with my urologist and my psychiatrist, and they both appreciated the information. My urologist said, "You're educating me about this condition." With continued desentization exercises, I expect to make much more progress. IPA has given me the tools.

I'm 34 and suffered from paruresis since I was a teenager. I came across the IPA website a few years ago. Since then, I've attended a workshop and several practice sessions. The treatments I learned have had such a positive experience in my life and paruresis is rarely a concern for me anymore. The steps to recovery begin with sharing your problem with others. I kept this a secret from everyone for many years, thinking I was alone. Since discussing the problem with others, it lifted a huge amount of stress off my shoulders. Thank you IPA you have saved my life!!

I suffered from from Paruresis for over 50 years, and I was sure that I was absolutely alone with this until I discovered the IPA during an Internet search. The workshop that I attended in Chicago in 2010 was the first step in my recovery process, and the graduated exposure techniques that have been constantly practicing have carried my recovery to a point where my condition now has very little affect on my daily life. This has been such a positively life-changing experience for me that I have since become a support group leader so that I can help others in turn.

The biggest thing I learned about paruresis through IPA is that I am not alone. The workshop I attended was very informative and I learned to adjust my perspective on this condition. I am not cured of paruresis but live comfortably with it and it rarely stops me for doing what I want. This level of comfort would not have been possible without IPA's assistance. I have told all of my close friends of my condition and we laugh about it. They have, in turn, told me about other friends of theirs with paruresis and I have passed the IPA website information on to them.

I have been dealing with Paruresis for about 40 years. Until my wife found an article in the newspaper discussing this phobia, I thought I was the only one with it. After attending a workshop in Las Vegas, I realized that help was possible. So I joined a group in Orange County CA and I have been particpating for several years. Ed and I formed a group in the Long Beach/Lakewood areas and we have kept it up mainly because we are the only group in the greater Los Angeles area--which is a shame. Although we have gotten a good number of participants through the website, we need more publicity in other media. The IPA program is great but we need to do a better job of getting the word out.

I've suffered with Paruresis since college and it rules my life. It conditions my leisure, my work - anything outside of my home. I stumbled upon the IPA webpage about 6 years ago and I literally cried. I wasn't alone. Not only that, those with this affliction shared their experiences. The IPA has many resources to deal with Paruresis as well as a support lifeline. I proudly support their work.

I was 15 years old the first memory I have of not being able to relieve myself around other people, at that time my brother and father. From that earliest memory, and every day since ( I am now almost 60 y/o) I have lived with fear of entrapment or not being able to relieve myself. Although I ended up in professional sales career where it is common at meetings to have the "5 minute" bathroom breaks with other salesmen, this phobia has had a huge negative and worrisome effect in my life. Only within the last 6 months did I become aware that others had a similar problem. I found out through IPA website. Since then, I participated in weekend session that has since brought me to a point where I can now relieve myself in public bathrooms much of the time. This is a program of continual work to overcome and I know to have ultimate victory will take some additional time. Yet, even with the small success, in my life it is huge! I encourage anyone with bashful bladder to investigate this program. If only I could have done this in my 20s' I would have saved 45 years of hell.

Having suffered for paruresis for over 30 years, finding that an organization like the IPA existed was a life-changer. For the first time, I realized I was not alone. The IPA is the only organization I'm aware of that exists to tackle this condition, which has a moderate to severe impact on a small but significant minority of the population. By providing resources such as books and workshops, spreading awareness and hosting an online discussion forum, IPA has greatly improved the lives of many who suffer from paruresis.

I had suffered with shy bladder since 3rd grade. In my mid 40's, due to this problem & others, I wanted to kill myself & was able to get mental help for my OCD. By 50, I was ready to tackle this problem. I found IPA on the internet & met with the Houston group. That day was a life changing experience. For the frist time since I was a kid I was able to pee in front of another man with their non threatening help. I was most amazed to find that I was not the only person in the world suffering from this problem. I made a commitment to to improve, so I read Dr. Steve's book many times & went to every monthly meeting of the Houston group. In additiion to the therapy, just taking with guys with the same problem was good for me. They were all an inspiration to me. I attended the IPA Houston workshop & made much progress there. I continued with the monthly meetings & went to the next year's workshop with Dave in Houston. He & the guys their made me realize that it did not matter if I was at a urinal or in a stall, whatever it took to help me to feel comfortable to pee. In addition to attending all monthly meetings, the workshop gave me the confidence to daily after work go to the walmart & stand at the urinal or in the stall till i could pee. This added therapy did so much in making me feel comfortable in public restrooms. It got to be routine. The fear I was experiencing before i entered begin to disappear as well as being in a restroom. i thought i would never feel comfortable in a restroom. I no longer attend the monthly meetings, but I thank Dr. Steve, Dave & all the great supportive guys in the Houston group in helping me to live a more normal life. I am never quick in public restrooms & many times use a stall, but I am always able to pee, which was the point in the first place. Thanks to this new freedom, I now attend restuarants, the theater & have traveled to a number of foriegn countries with no problem thanks to the IPA. Mike

IPA is an important organization to me. I've attended 1 workshop & 1 group exercise which were both very professionally organized & conducted. In the past 4 years I have made grade strides to recovering from Paruresis. I now no longer let this physiological handicap keep me from doing the things I enjoy like fishing trips, football games, etc! Thanks IPA & thanks to Dr. Soiffer!

I met Dr. Soifer in early 2000 because we were planning a trip to Europe. I had many fears about the facilities in Europe. I did go to Europe (Germany and Switzerland) and was able to go in the floor to ceiling stalls. Since that time I have gone to several workshops and practice sessions. I have made amazing progress. I want to thank Dr. Soifer and all the other friends for their help and support. I now live in an area that does not have any practice groups. I an no longer bound by my paruresis.

IPA has made a great difference in my life. Just knowing I am not alone with my problem was a great leap forward, but the practice techniques I learned have helped me greatly. It is a very worthwhile organization .

IPA has been invaluable. It has allowed me to discover that I'm not alone, introduced me to a strong support group , and provided me with resources and techniques to work on my recovery. (In particular, I have found the breath technique to be incredibly helpful, allowing me to practice successfully in all kinds of situations.)

IPA is a great organization. For 34 years, I, like many, suffered from Paruresis. I did not know what to do about it, and did not know anyone else with it. Guys don't talk about this...Interestingly, I did NOT let it interfere with my life or life style. I am a professional pilot, and have worked as an airline pilot while dealing with this. It did not stop me. I always found a way to cope. But I have since learned that many do limit their lifestyle because if it. I continued with my career in spite of this condition. I was determined not to be prisoner to it. I learned of IPA several years ago, from a book, Shy Bladder Syndrome, I think. I found the book from an internet search engine. One thing led to another...and soon, I managed to find a support near where I live. I started meeting with a local group...almost weekly, if my schedule permitted. It was wonderful! After suffering for so long, I was able to meet other guys dealing with the same thing, and was determined to over come this condition! After many months of support group meetings which were VERY helpful, I decided to attend a weekend workshop which was held locally in Los Angeles. This proved to be incredibly helpful to me, and this is where I was finally able to overcome the condition...it was a MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH for me. I am now in 'recovery' as it has been explained to me. On a rare occasion, it crops up, but I am generally able to overcome it. I can't thank the IPA enough!

IPA has helped me enormously, by helping me know I am not alone and that there is nothing defective about me. Thank you for helping me love and accept myself as I am!

I felt so alone and did not know how to treat my shy-bladder problem. I was so grateful when I discovered IPA. The organization has changed my life. Little by little I am conquering this social phobia and living a more fulfilling life. Without the knowledge and support I have gained from IPA I would not be where I am today. It is an extremely important organization. I hope through contributions to IPA more research can be done to find the underlying cause and a treatment for this problem. IPA gives me hope that in the future paruresis (shy-bladder) will be a thing of the past.

Most of my life beyond age 8 or so has been spent avoiding going out unless I was sure there would be a bathroom to use that was quiet and very, very private.
As a teacher for 38 years, I was bound by the length of classes and learned to restrict my intake of liquids to prevent having to use a restroom at a specific time, knowing the time I had was very short.
Living with shy bladder syndrome, paruresis as it is medically termed, produced much anxiety and sadness. I wanted to go places and see the world, but couldn't.
About 10 or so years ago, I discovered the International Paruresis Association and upon investigating it, found that there were many others like myself, looking for a way to cope and solve a life restricting problem.
The information was straightforward, factual and accompanied by people you could call for help. This gave me HOPE!!. Until finding them, I wasn't too keen on anything.
I used my job and its demands as a shield to cover my real thoughts; having the IPA to use let me keep in touch with new research and new ideas that could lead to not needing to worry about my problem.
This organization gave me the hope and courage to learn how to self catheterize if I needed to and for that I am very grateful.
Who can say where I would be today without their help!

I am 24 years old and have been suffering from Paruresis since I can remember. It is difficult to pin point what triggered this condition but my difficulty urinating in public really became a problem during high school and college with large public functions and such. As most people with paruresis will explain, and I am not different, you think that you're the only one with this problem. It forces you to "avoid" the issue, making life out in public a very difficult thing. One spring day a year ago I decided enough was enough and did a google search for shy bladder. I had heard of the problem shy bladder but didn't think it was real, just that something was wrong with me only. To my surprise and amazement I found the International Paruresis Association website and the shy bladder center workshops and forum. I was so excited! Such as weight off my shoulders. I took the first step and called the office and spoke with Yvonne, who made me feel so comfortable. We spoke for a bit and she filled me in on shy bladder workshops. I quickly signed up for my first in Boston last June. What began as a pretty nerve wrecking experience (actually exposing myself fully for the first time) turned into one of the most beneficial experiences of my life. I have been to one additional workshop since then, only due to a busy schedule. I would go to them once a week if I could. But I have made numerous friends through the IPA including Dr. Steve Soifer who is an amazing person for helping so many people with this condition. Everything that IPA does has been a blessing for me. I am currently on the Board of Directors in a minor role but hope to help this organization improve in the future because I truly cannot describe in words how much it has helped my life. I recommend getting involved with this organization for anyone who suffers from paruresis, you won't regret it. Overall this is the most beneficial non-profit organization out there. This phobia is so unique and can be so crippling to sufferers that the continuation of the IPA is so, so important. Whether or not we win an award, the benefits of this organization needs to be made public. As well as the truth of this condition that people with paruresis are not alone and the IPA is here to help.

IPA currently offers the only solution for those who suffer from shy bladder phobia. Doctors (even urologists) and psychologists don't know what it is and haven't a clue as to how over-come it. Using public restrooms at airports used to be about an 8.5 on the 10-scale of difficulty for me. After attending several IPA Workshops, they are now only about a 4.5 in terms of anxiety, and I ALWAYS manage to urinate there (just not always on my first attempt).

After revieling my problem with my girlfriend. She found the IPA for me and I attended the Chicago workshop. It helped to have that link to others in the same situation.

IPA is like a miracleworker, helping me to rise like a Phoenix out of the ashes after decades of suffering in silence with Shy Bladder. This is an excellent organization and deserves more attention and support from across the globe.

This organization helps with promoting workshops around the country. I attended one and it made a big difference in my life.

IPA is there for people who often don't have anywhere else to turn. It is a combination of a dynamic support group and educator about this condition. Just being a part of the group has assisted me tremendously in the way this condition affects my life and encourages me to work on improving knowing that others are all working as well. Things have been much better the last few years since I found IPA.

IPA is a very important organization. Besides organizing support groups for those suffering from Paruresis, it offers training to overcome this condition and researches medical solutions that may one day treat this frustrating problem. I've know about IPA for about 5 years and the on-line discussion groups are invaluable. Being able to talk with someone who understands what you are going through from personal experience really helps with the anxiety and embarrassment I feel. Just knowing that I'm by far not the only one with this problem, somehow makes me feel validated.

I can't tell you how much just knowing that there are others who struggle with this challenge has helped me. I attended a workshop that was really a huge boost to my self-esteem and helped in my challenge. Afterwards, I was more willing to open up to friends and family regarding my phobia - and found that people can be very supportive. Without IPA, I never would have been able to do that.

I would like to take a moment and say how much IPA has helped me. I have struggled with a shy bladder for 90% of my young adulthood life, from the age of 17 until well into my 40s. It was tremendous relief to find the support on IPA users forum bulletin board. The term Paruresis has a more precise definition for this condition. Before there were broad ranging categories that only talked of generalized feelings which could range from lack of self esteem to social anxiety. There was no possible way to describe what I was going through.

I felt alienated from what other people were able to do. Until I found the support group at IPA. I had my library transfer their recovery book to my branch and started reading it from cover to cover. Little by little I was able to grasp the understanding recovery is a gradual process. It is very good to relate with other people who are suffering as well. The most benefit I found was that I could give other people encouragement. I am still having to suppress my anxious feelings. Basically my main concern is will there be any privacy. I have a feeling I am with a bigger majority of people who are thinking the same way. I can say it definitely helps to write things out. To get a better understanding of the problem, is to get it out from the inside and look it in front of myself. I now know not hide the embarrassment and to get the problem out “on the table” to say what is the problem from the very beginning, so others will know what I’m talking about if I seem a little nervous.

I think reading the reviews already posted here amply testifies to the IPA's importance and to Steven Soifer's tireless and selfless work. Paruresis is unbelievably debilitating and isolating and a source of dark despair. Steven and his fellow workers at the IPA shine a dazzling light of hope and community on that darkness and it's absolutely vital that they continue in their work.

Finding the IPA web site had a profound impact on my life. It made me realize that I was not thonly one suffering in silence. Years ago, I attended a workshop with Dr. Soifer. I am not completey cured, but have been able to do things I never thought I'd be able to since atending the clinic. Being able to talk to other people about the problem has helped to lessen the anxiety I feel. This organization has defintely had a major, positive impact on my life.

I attended a workshop in the last year. Speaking openly to other people about my paruresis for the first time was itself a great help in reducing my anxiety. There online information was also of great use. My shy bladder is not cured, but thanks to the work of this organization, and the desensitization training that I have done with the advice provided by the IPA, it has improved greatly to the point that I have little anxiety going to unfamiliar place. I have even made new friends through the workshop. I feel a great deal more freedom, and am no longer ashamed to talk about my shy bladder with friends and family and even co-workers. I'm very grateful to the IPA. I know that the people who run the IPA have sacrificed a great deal for something that they know is important but that few people understand or think is important. It deserves to have much more support that it has.

I recently went to a workshop run by IPA. The experience was amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone suffering from Shy Bladder.

This is a very important organization that has helped me come to grips with a syndrome i have faced since childhood. I always thought of myself as isolated, fighting this situation all by myself, without any support group to speak of. It was only when i started researching on the internet, after i had gone through middle school, highschool, and college, did I realize i was not alone, and that there was help.

Through Dr. Soifer's concerted effort he has helped countless people such as myself come together, step out of anonymity to discuss collectively and thereby begin the first steps of overcoming this issue. It is because of his organization and the ipatalk message board that I was able to attend a workshop spearheaded by the late Chris Mccullough, and begin to slowly realize the power of graduated exposure therapy and cognitive behavior in recovery.

This association, with its pamphlets, books (shy bladder , free to pee) have been instrumental in leading me out of my mind and into a life interspersed with social gatherings and activities, something unheard of just six years ago. I have not gotten over shy bladder, and it remains to be seen if one can truly be "cured" of it, however, through this association i have learned to realize that i am not alone, that there are countless thousands who are fighting this crusade alongside me.

This nonprofit serves a marginalized portion of the community, one that has for too long had to live with the shame and social stigma associated with this condition. It helps empower and educate, and through its efforts on the new media front serves to improve workplace environments for sufferers. It has been crucial in leading efforts for alternative drug testing, exposing workplace discrimination for those who are disabled by this condition, and giving a voice to the estimated 7% of the general US populace (and who knows what % of the world populace) who have for years suffered silently

This is a worthy non profit that lives up to its mission statement; The only thing preventing it from scaling to even greater heights capable of larger impacts is funding - funding to spread the message to the powerbrokers in congress to help provide full and equal protection under the american disabilities act for employees to preclude them from being unjustly fired for failing to produce a drug testing sample due to the archaic, conventional method of urinalysis (a methodology especially ingrained in the D.O.T) - funding for scientific research into curing this condition - funding to help bring this issue out in the open to serve as a conduit for discussion in every household across the world without shame.

Wonderful organization. Dr Soifer is a genius and I truly believe his work is underappreciated. One thing that should not be understated is the need for his work and how pure his motives are...I genuinely believe he's trying to help out the countless people who suffer from this condition. Even for those that can't afford treatment, the organization is there to provide them with the support they need. Nobody is turned away. They have also made numerous efforts to advocate for the cause. It is truly commendable.

For 30 years I avoided public restrooms. There was much shame and physical pain over this time when I could not find a "safe" place to urinate.

The Shy Bladder Syndrome workshop gave me the tools to help myself. After approximately 1 year of support group work, I am truly a free man.

This experience has helped me grow in other areas of my life.

Ever since I was ~ 10 years old I have had Shy Bladder. I thought I was the only one on Earth with this problem. It ruled my life. Then I found IPA.
Wow!!!! What a support system. I felt bad for those that had the same problem I had of course at different levels, but knowing there was help out there like IPA was Heaven Sent. Oh yea, I am 52yrs old now and lived with Shy Bladder till I was ~50. This organization is a life changing group. Imagine holing urine for 12hrs and not being able to be social with friend till now.

Valuable source of treatment options, information on research in the field, and advocacy for those impacted by the condition. If nothing else, the Association has raised awareness of the significant numbers of people dealing with this affliction and how it affects their lives. The Association has achieved quite a lot on a very modest budget.

I attended a workshop several years ago and the support I received was very encouraging. Up until that point I thought I was alone. IPA continues to fight for important issues affecting those with paruresis, such as alternative drug testing methods.

This charity changed my life after the workshop I attended. They provided great support and means for me to understand and improve my condition.

I hope they can continue their great work and help others like me.

This organization has done amazing things not only working with those of us with shy bladder, but also advocating for changes in drug testing in the work place and defending those whose jobs were unjustly terminated because they couldn't provide urine for a drug test. Every year they offer workshops to help get people with shy bladder introduced to graduated desensitization and on the path to addressing this issue. They also provide a directory of the various support groups around the world where people can connect and work together on the issue.

The International Paruresis Association continues to be an important and unique resource to my family. Our son suffers from paruresis and is away at college. In the past, he has been afraid to venture far from home. The organization has offered support in many ways: workshops, individual sessions, inspirational and support literature--including coping mechanisms and stories of success. I can't thank the organization enough. We have tried health professionals including counselling with psychiatrists, but they do not offer the expertise nor focus on this condition. Through the workshops and sessions, we feel confident that he will continue make strides and not be held back but this condition/fear. As a mom who worries about her son and his future, this small organization offers so much in the way of support and hope. My sincere gratitude to the IPA.

It is impossible to describe how dibilitating and shameful this condition can make one feel It negatively affects and influences every decision in life, work, marriage, family, social interaction, entertainment, events, or just going to the store. One becomes a humiliated and depressed victim to the condition overwhelmed with helplessness and hopelessness, The IPA has changed that for myself and thousands of others. We are not alone, it is not hopeless, it is possible to manage (but never overcome completelt). Their education, support and assistance have made a diffence in the lives of those helped that cannot be expressed with mere words. What you have just read is what participants in their workshops describe, including me, and the positive outcome is nothing less than life altering. What was impossible is not with their help. There are a great many other sufferers who desperately need IPA's help as they live with this great secret due to deep shame, suffer from dangerous depression, and are robbed of the joy of a 'normal' life.

It's difficult to convey the pain of paruresis. It is invisible and it strangles your life away from you.

During the time I could not use public restrooms, my life was lived in 8 hour intervals. My life froze in High School - I would not join after-school programs because by that time of the day I had to use the washroom and the only place I could relieve myself was at home.

My life in the Church community was limited. No weekend retreats for me ... I told people I was too busy studying ... I wasn't but I knew that I couldn't bear a weekend of not using a shared restroom.

This Bashful Bladder killed my dating life. About 4 hours into a date, I'd need to use a washroom ... and that thought worried me and didn't make me great company. I remember eating salt before going out, or simply not drinking ... the results were dehydration and diarhhea.

I finally went to a doctor at age 23 - I was informed that this problem did NOT exist. I was crushed. It really was a body blow to me because we weren't in the Google era at the time. I believed my doctor and assumed I was a social reject ... it was a period of great depression for me.

At age 28, I discovered that I was not a freak, but rather, a person with a phobia called paruresis - bashful bladder. My life began at that point. I did the 'graduated exposure' exercises that work to overcome this phobia. I began dating a girl from work. I became more active in my community. I go anywhere I want to go.

The girl I dated became my wife. We have two sons. I take them to football games, hockey games and I feel such a peace that regardless of where I go, I won't feel the physical and psychological bonds of paruresis.

Knowing I was not aloned gave me my life back.

I was able to attend a workshop in Baltimore recently and that helped me immensely. Without the IPA I would be still wondering how to improve my phobia and seeking help in people and organizations with no knowledge of what paruresis actually is, let alone the methods to recover from it. For their continual support to thousands of people left in shame and in the dark the IPA provides information through their website and printed materials, provides support through leadership and an online forum, offers workshops with trained therapists for learning recovery techniques, and puts in many hours of research and advocacy for improving the lives of people with paruresis. There is no other source for such effective help and support available to us.

I attended an IPA clinic in Baltimore with Dr. Soifer. The clinic helped me, but the in no way cured me. I am not sure it is even possible to truly cure a paruretic with behavioral therapy. The most beneficial part of the clinic was simply talking about this weird thing called paruresis. I had never spoken of it to anyone before going to the clinic. It was an extremely liberating experience. This organization is an extremely important entity. Dr. Soifer thinks there is a cure out there somewhere. I believe there is as well, and with funding the IPA just might be able to help millions become free of this debilitating disorder.

For 16 years I was suffuring from a mysterious disease that I thought was absolutely unique to me.Literally I damaged my every walk of the life killing my whole confidence in life. I alway assumes that I will die soon.On 29.04.2007 I discovered !!! a site this site.I dont have words to say the amount of joy confidence I got just by visiting that site.Of course my paruresis is not over becase I dint worked on it which I will do very soon ( I am dam confident about getting rid of the I will work on it) but knowing it has almost improvoved my condition at least 40 %. GREAT GREAT AND GREAT

For years, more then I remember, I have had a problem urinating in public or semi-public bathrooms. Sometimes, even visiting friends or relatives in their home caused this problem. When I say I was having problems, I mean I couldn't go at all. This affected my life in many ways. My social life revolved around "safe" bathrooms. If I wasn't sure, I would just not go. The problem came to a head when I traveled to England with my wife on a long anticipated vacation for her. I was unable to go to the bathroom on the flight over or the one back. So I was holding it for 7 or 8 hours. That's when I went on-line and found IPA. I signed up for a weekend program and just that weekend changed my life. We talked, we practiced going in different settings and developed some strategies for dealing with the problem. One strategy was to practice with someone else, especially another paruretic. I have been doing that monthly for about two years. Between the seminars I went to, and this monthly peeing practice, my condition has improved dramatically. I no longer "lock-up" before going into a public bathroom. My condition has become much more manageable. I flew to France this year and was able to go on both flights. There is no doubt in my mind that the folks at IPA as well as the other guys I met there have been the reason for this shift. I'm not "cured" but without this organization, my life would be so much more limited. My gratitude to Steve Soifer and the others at IPA and my peeing buddy Andy is great. I highly recommend this organization.

This is a very useful group for anyone looking to work on their problems with paruresis/shy bladder syndrome. I attended only one workshop, found it very useful, and will likely attend another one next time it's held in my city.

I had suffered from "Shy Bladder" for years. I learned of this organization & intended 1 intensive weekend workshop. Not only did I become educated, we did extensive exercises to improve the condition. I have enjoyed 70% improvement just with this 1 workshop & it has made a major difference in my life. I understand they also do advocacy for public bathroom designs, etc.

I have suffered from Paruresis / Shy Bladder for over 25 years and would not have survived without the help of the IPA/Shy bladder institute. I have attended 3 workshops over the years and what I have learned from these workshops has helped me tremendously for what I need to do to overcome my shy bladder. With what I have learned from the IPA I have been able to start support groups here in New York and help others as well. They teach you the desentization techniques which is so crucial to helping overcome this problem. It's also nice to know that the IPA exists and that I always have someone to turn to for help, that is so important. If they did not exist I know I would have no one to turn to and that is very scary. Unfortunately the medical industry hasn't figured out how to treat paruresis effectively whereas the IPA has. The IPA does so much in terms of getting the word out to the world about how awful it is to have paruresis and how it paralyzes ones life and to let others know that help is readily available.

The International Paruresis Association (www.paruresis.org) is a relatively unknnown organisation which can be a life saver. For more than 40 years of my adult life I dealt with being pee shy. I had a phobia which almost always made it impossible for me to urinate if I thought anyone could see me or hear me pee. Although I did not think I was the only person with this condition, I was too ashamed of my shortcoming to talk about it with anyone else. Until I was in my 60's, I scheduled my life around never being more than a few hours away from the privacy of a toilet where I knew I would be safe. Then I discovered the website for the International Paruresis Association, and my life changed. The IPA is an enabling organization which teaches paruretics how to overcome what can be a debilitating phobia. The work is done by a tiny staff who conduct weekend workshops in the U.S. and some foreign countries, and by a volunteer staff who serve as leaders in an international network of support groups. I know of the benefits that can come from working with the IPA. After having attended several weekend workshops and having served as a support group leader for six years, I have first hand experience with people who are now able to do what they had once thought would be impossible for them. And I am such a person. The IPA teachings have enabled us to conquer our fear. Probably every telephone directory in this country contains the names of hundreds, if not thousands, of men and women with paruresis. It is estimated there are millions of us who have this phobia in varying degrees of intensity. But we don't talk about this, and the general public is unaware of us. Only a tiny number of paruretics know there is help available to us – much of it at no cost. Even much of the medical community does not know of the IPA and its services. The IPA is worthy of additional financial support – from government, from industry, and from individuals. It would benefit from having trained staff to raise public awareness of the organization and to make its services more widely available. The IPA could be involved in scientific research to benefit people who are pee shy. And the organization could sponsor legislation to ease the unintended burdens often placed on paruretics. Instead of changing the lives of relatively few people each year, the International Paruresis Association should be changing the lives of many.

Had Shy Bladder for all of my life, learned to live with it although it altered the way I did everything, from go to a ballgame to going to a movie.... I found the Shy Bladder Institute and through workshops and following their advice, was able to deal with the issue. The support from the group was incredible and they've helped me with this life longdisability.

This organization provides more bang for the buck than many others I know. With the equivalent of only one full-time staff person, it provides workshops around the world for those who suffer from paruresis (about 7% of the world's population, perhaps). Constantly reviewing and improving treatment options, the organization provideds a vital function for those who have no other place to go.

Once I too broke the illusion of being the only person in the world to have a shy bladder, I found the IPA website and was so grateful for all the information, support and methods available for recovery. What Steve and his team do around the world for people has to be known by everybody so that no one needlessly suffers from what is a treatable phobia. Since contacting the organization and starting the support group I have been able to consistently improve and the quality of my life is so much greater. Had I only known sooner, all the isolation, the secrecy, the withdrawing from social situations and the compromises I made to accomodate a fear and its related anxieties would have been avoided. I think there is room for the organization to expand and work with local health organizations once their credibility is established, in order to help people more directly and with financial support from government tax sources. Otherwise, they are currently doing a great job and I am glad I can be involved.

After suffering from paruresis for my entire cognitive life (over 30 years!!) and more importantly, at the brink of failing a UA random test for employment due to 'not producing a sample' I started doing some research online and stumbled into the IPA website. I spent the better part of a day reviewing the information they had on thier website. I followed thier advice and went to an urologist who 'diagnosed' me with paruresis and wrote a nice letter explaining this to my HR department. I also wrote a cover letter for them as outlined by the IPA information. To make a long story short it was succesful and they have since found other means to establish I am not using illegal substances. The days of sweating bullets over the stupid UA's was over. I immediately went back to the IPA's website and made a donation. The inforation and research they do is invaluable to people like me that have this pauresis condition. Although I have not attended any of thier workshopd, I have read the archives and have used many of thier techniques succesfully. The IPA is doing great work and I commend them for all thier time and involvment. Thank you IPA!!!

This organization changed my life. Before I attended the workshops, I had trouble urinating in public bathrooms and even in my own house if other people were anywhere nearby. I hid this problem from everyone, was depressed and had a very low self esteem. After the first workshop, it was as if a huge load had been lifted from me and I felt great. Now several years later,after another workshop and a lot of desensitizing practice, while my paruresis is not 100% gone, it is much better. More importantly, it no longer effects my self esteem and I don't feel that it is ruining my life. Tell your story here and help others understand this charity

Like all other paruretics I imagined I was the only person who had this strange problem -- an inability to urinate when other people were around and who could see or hear me. Thanks to the internet I was shocked and excited to discover the IPA and to learn that there were others who suffered as I did, from the pain of an overfull bladder and from the shame of being unable to do what others can do without thinking. I learned from the IPA website about local groups of people who get together for desensitization practice, and despite the intense anxiety I had about doing anything so intensely embarrassing, my motivation to conquer the problem got me to the first meeting -- and the thrill of making progress that first day was wonderful. I continued with the desensitization practice and took a workshop with Steve Soifer which really furthered my progress. One unforgettable day after desens practice we walked into a crowded bus station bathroom and I walked up to a urinal and urinated without the slightest hesitation. Just the thought of being able to do something previously so unthinkable is heady. But these meetings took up a substantial portion of my weekend and unfortunately didn't translate into better functioning when I wasn't with a group of other desens people. Eventually I gave up the desens meetings but have remained a member of the IPA in the 9 years since that first get-together, hoping that the organization, with my small financial assistance, can make progress in discovering the psychological mechanism that is involved, and a means to find lasting help for those of us who have, in some mysterious way, developed paruresis.

Dr Soifer and his dedicated group of professionals, people with paruresis and theirsupporters have spearheaded an amazing international effort, selflessly building the organization with countless unpaid hours of work. In a few short years they have reached many thousands of people who had previously suffered alone and in shame from a treatable and surprisingly common ailment. They have had drug enforcement laws changed, advocated for bathroom re-design, supported efforts at improving biological and psychological treatments and worked non-stop at getting the word out into the general public. They have provided direct care to patients around the world. ALl this has been done on a shoestring , with virtually no paid staff, no money and a lot of volunteer help.

This organization is affiliated with the IPA (International Parurisis Association) which helps individuals with Parurusis (Shy Bladder Syndrome). Although to many people who do not suffer from this condition (which affects daily life, multiple times everyday) it may seem ridiculous, for many of us who battle it, this organization has changed our lives. The SBI organizes monthly workshops throughout the world and support groups for continued therapy. I have been fortunate to attend workshops in Detroit, MI over the last ten years. I have also benefited from a strong support group that continues to achieve great things for this cause. I can honestly say that I don't know where I would be today, without the IPA. See this current article from the Detroit Free Press (appeared in print as well) for a better understanding of the Shy Bladder Institute, the IPA, and its members. http://m.freep.com/news.jsp?key=640733&rc=fe