IPA *LIVE* Workshop - Houston, TX - Sept. 9-11, 2022

25402 Katy Mills Parkway,Katy TX 77494

09 September, 2022

Description

Here are details about the content of the event and activities. Early Bird Promo Codes, Special Pricing, and Hotel information follow at the bottom: WORKSHOP LEADER: Roger Merritt, MA, LCMHC – Shy Bladder Center Therapist, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and experienced Workshop Leader WORKSHOP INFO: A workshop sponsored by the International Paruresis Association (IPA) is a safe, structured program to help you begin to recover from paruresis. Much of what happens involves relearning how to urinate in the presence of others. Yes, you will practice peeing near others in a structured, discreet, and safe environment. (See this video featuring IPA Co-founder Dr. Steven Soifer Ph.D., LCSW-C talking about our methods.) RELUCTANT TO SIGN UP?: Many attendees report that they were nervous before the workshop and quite reluctant to sign up, but after the first few hours wondered why they hadn’t sought help for their paruresis earlier. The fearful feelings are normal, so don’t worry too much about them, just bring them with you to the workshop and anticipate meeting a group of people just like yourself. You’ll feel at ease right away. WORKSHOP SCHEDULE: At the beginning of each workshop (Friday night), participants share, often for the first time, their stories of what it has been like living with paruresis. This usually proves to be a very cathartic experience, as people realize that they are not the only person in the world who suffers from this anxiety disorder. Saturday and Sunday sessions involve: Information sharing by the workshop facilitator and sometimes an assistant;Practice sessions involving graduated desensitization exercises, usually with one or two other people (people always practice at a level that feels comfortable and that will ensure success); andGroup sharing about what the practice experience was like. For more information about graduated exposure and what that entails, see our About Avoidant Paruresis page on the IPA Website.PRICING: First-timers: Registration for the weekend event is $695. (If $695 is more than 1% of your income, contact us regarding special pricing.) Returnees who have attended a previous LIVE workshop: $395. Special "Early Bird" Offer - register by August 5 and save using these promo codes: EB-TX-FirstTimer (Save $50) or EB-TX-Returnee (Save $95). Don't forget to click the Promo Code link in the upper left corner of the registration page! HOTEL DETAILS: The event will be held at the Courtyard Houston Katy Mills (25402 Katy Mills Parkway, Katy, TX 77494). We have arranged an exceptional rate of $109 per night. To receive the rate, call Marriott Reservations (800-321-2211) and identify yourself as part of the International Paruresis Association group. The property phone number is 847-232-5306 and our onsite contact is Anne Kosenko. Parking is free. MEALS: We'll provide all the water you need to keep fluid loaded. Meals are on your own - lots of great choices nearby! COVID-19 NOTES: The IPA recommends that all participants be fully vaccinated prior to attending. Masks are optional (pending any local requirements). Attendees have a shared responsibility for event safety. High-risk attendees should take extra consideration before joining in person. We appreciate your patience with the evolving nature of this crisis. Please ensure that you do not have symptoms, have not recently been diagnosed with or had direct contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case, and will comply with any local, state or federal guidelines. QUESTIONS? SPECIAL REQUESTS?: Email Tim Pyle, Executive Director, IPA [email protected] Please Note: The information presented during the Event, including but not limited to ideas, suggestions, techniques, trainings, exercises, processes, activities, downloads, instructions, and other materials is educational in nature and is not medical or psychological advice or psychotherapy. A signed waiver and release form is required prior to attending. If you are having trouble urinating, you should always contact a physician since difficulty with voiding can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.