SAN JOSE & SANTA CRUZTherapy for Paruresis (Shy Bladder) in San Jose & Santa Cruz
Paruresis, or "pee-shy/shy bladder," is a type of social phobia involving a fear of urinating in public restrooms or other situations where other people are present, causing inability to perform and avoidant behavior, anticipatory anxiety, and distress.
At a Glance
- Also known as
- Shy bladder syndrome
- Type
- Social phobia
- Treated with
- CBT, exposure therapy, EMDR
- Format
- In-person or telehealth
What Are the Symptoms of Paruresis?
Paruresis is characterized by fear of scrutiny by others, leading to fear of embarrassment or humiliation. This causes anxiety, tension, "freezing up," and the inability to perform.
What Are the Causes of Paruresis?
There is no one single cause of Paruresis. Negative, anxiety-provoking, or traumatic experiences involving urinating sometimes, but not always, precede its development. As with other types of social anxiety, risk factors include childhood adversity and maltreatment. Underlying traits include fear of judgement or negative evaluation, self-criticism, and self-worth issues.
How Can You Treat Paruresis?
Anxiety Treatment Services provides integrative and comprehensive therapy for Paruresis including individual therapy, group support and behavioral fieldwork. Modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy including guided imagery practice and real-life desensitization/graduated exposure therapy, Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Meditation/Mindfulness.
Contact us for a free 10-minute phone consultation.