Shy Bladder Workshop in Vienna
One weekend, a small group, a safe space — and your first practical step out of avoidance. At your own pace, no pressure.
Many people live with paruresis for years without talking about it. Here you'll meet others who understand, and work step by step on your shy bladder — with experienced guidance, in an international group.
Based on the anonymous feedback of our workshop participants.
This is for you if …
… you freeze in toilet situations, avoid public restrooms, or limit your daily life, work, travel or social life because of paruresis. You don't need any prior experience — and you don't have to feel "ready enough". Many people sign up precisely because they're stuck on their own and want a safe way in.
Your safe journey
So you know exactly what to expect, from the very first step.
You sign up with no commitment. Before the workshop we have a personal video call — we answer your questions and see together whether the workshop is right for you. So you arrive well prepared.
Small group (max. 10). You decide how much you share and practise — you can pause any time or simply listen. Theory and practice alternate, in a non-judgmental, protected space.
You leave with a personal practice plan. Aftercare meetings, regular meet-ups and the option of finding a pee-buddy help you keep going. Consistency beats intensity.
Next workshop
- Autumn 2026, Vienna
- Weekend workshop in a small group (max. 10 people)
- Held in English or German, depending on the group
The exact date is being planned. If you're interested in principle, you can register your interest now with no obligation.
Places are limited because we deliberately work in small groups. Leave your email below with no obligation — registering early improves your chance of a place.
How the weekend works
About one third theory, two thirds practice — based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy and graduated exposure.
What one weekend can do
Feedback from our participants, from the anonymous before/after surveys:
What participants say
This workshop is a real breakthrough, especially when you're just starting out. And it felt amazing to meet these interesting, kind people — and to see they're no weirdos, the way I'd often seen myself as a person with paruresis.
I was sceptical — the long trip, the workshop in English, and at almost sixty: does this still make sense? It turned out to be a real success. I now know: paruresis will stay with me, but how much I suffer is up to me.
The workshop showed me that the fears we carry as paruretics about public toilets are simply unfounded. That insight, together with the intensive training, finally let me overcome my paruresis. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Brilliantly organised yet very personal, with incredible people of all ages from across Europe. Open exchange, exercises tailored to everyone, huge progress — and a lot of water…
Worried? That's completely normal.
A workshop is a big step. Here are the questions people most often have beforehand:
You'd be in good company: participants have travelled to our Vienna workshops from more than ten countries across Europe and beyond.
At the same time, we know that travelling can be stressful — and paruresis often makes long journeys harder. If a workshop closer to home would be an easier first step, the UK Paruresis Trust and the International Paruresis Association run workshops in other countries too. What matters most is that you get started — not where.
Built on proven methods
Our workshops are built on the methods of internationally leading paruresis experts we have worked with. They are run by experienced ATPA organisers — people with lived experience — in exchange with professionals.
Co-founder of the International Paruresis Association and author of several standard works on paruresis. Our approach builds on his work.
President of the International Paruresis Association and therapist at the Shy Bladder Center (New York). Co-led one of our Vienna workshops.
Clinical & health psychologist, head of Phobius (Vienna), specialised in anxiety & paruresis — our local partner.
Please note: ATPA's offerings are a peer-led self-help initiative by and for people affected by paruresis. They do not replace medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. If you have persistent physical symptoms when urinating, or are under significant psychological strain, please consult a doctor or a qualified mental-health professional.