The National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC) organized a panel presentation with representatives from the International Paruresis Association (IPA) on November 7, 2022. We had three current and past IPA Board Members with us: Steven Soifer, Dan Rocker and Ruth Lippin, as well as Tim Pyle, the IPA Executive Director. Laura Johnson, NSAC Board Member representing our Silicon Valley / San Jose regional clinic, hosted the session. The presentation focused on the issues contributing to and maintaining paruresis for both men and women, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for paruresis, and data about paruresis prevalence. Paruresis is extremely common yet few therapists have expertise in helping clients with this problem.
PRESENTERS:
Dr. Steven Soifer, PhD, LCSW is the co-founder of and senior consultant to the International Paruresis Association. He is the primary author of The Secret Social Phobia: Shy Bladder Syndrome-Paruresis, the best-selling book on the condition. Steve’s book has been translated into Chinese, German, Spanish and French and currently in process for Russian and other languages. He is also the co-founder and president of the American Restroom Association.
Dan Rocker, LCSW-R is a therapist whose private practice in New York City focuses on treating paruresis as well as providing individual and family therapy. He has lived experience with the disorder of paruresis. Dan is the President of the IPA, and has been a Board member for 9 years. His first career was in finance, and when not working with clients or enjoying time with his family, he is bicycling.
Ruth Lippin, LCSW, JD is a licensed clinical social worker that has had a private practice in New York City for the past 20+ years specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and other mood disorders. For the past several years, she has served on the Advisory Board of the IPA and the Board of Directors of the NYC-CBT Association. Prior to becoming a cognitive-behavioral therapist, she had a successful career as a public interest attorney in New York City.
Laura Johnson, LMFT, LPCC is a licensed therapist with a private practice specializing in anxiety disorders and OCD. She is a Board Member for NSAC representing our Silicon Valley / San Jose regional clinic. Laura is a Certified Cognitive Behavior Therapist and an Advanced Certified Schema Therapist.
NOTICE:
Our workshops and webinars are offered as an educational resource for
mental health professionals who are already familiar with cognitive and behavioral therapies.
These resources alone do not suffice as adequate training
to conduct cognitive and behavioral therapies
for those with social anxiety and related problems.