Posted by The Therapist on 24/3/2012, 11:29 pm

Just saw Embarassing Illnesses on DMAX channel.They showed a guy of 60 who had paruresis all his adult life. It was only 2 minutes but very good. The doctor handled it well and recommended CBT. Shame that they didn't mention UK Paruresis Trust or the course. I am an anxiety counsellor trained in CBT but on the rare occasion I have had paruretics contact me I have actually recommended the course to them. CBT is a very effective treatment but I think the course offers something that most CBT practitioners probably don't offer. That is support at the very instant that the client is feeling the anxiety.CBT with desensitisation is the most effective treatment and if the client is left to desensitise on their own inbetween therapy sessions there is a high chance that they will not do it. I have never been on the course but I know the concept is sound.How you may ask? Well, I have never treated anybody for Paruresis but I have helped people overcome other anxiety disorders and I know that being 'in the field' helping the client face their fear increases efficacy of treatment substantially. Crossing a bridge with a client with a bridge phobia is easy for a therapist to do but accompanying someone to a toilet is a bit trickier because the therapist cannot control the environment.Thats why I like the concept of the course because the environment is controlled so ideal for desensitisation. I have gone off topic a bit here but I guess what I am trying to say is that a great course like this could do with some national TV exposure.

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