Posted by Peter on 29/7/2013, 9:34 am

Hi, I attended a beginners workshop in London in May last year, and hadn't been able to attend a follow-up one till now. I had been able to practice in the town centre where I work in between times. However, often the toilets were empty which was fine in terms of practicing using urinals, but not fine in terms of having other people in the toilet. On the Friday evening, when the first desensing session took place, I have to admit that I struggled. When another guy was near me, I couldn't go and waited him out before I could go. When we finished the workshop for the evening, and went to Wetherspoons, again I struggled to go. So I was a little apprehensive about the following days' practice sessions. After fluid loading (getting myself to the required level of urgency), a group of us set off around Manchester - not to see the sights, but to have a grand tour of all the Gents loos in the city centre! The knowledge that the other guys were in a similar situation to me, and understood what I was going through, meant the pressure I felt on the Friday evening lifted, and each time I was able to go. On the way home from the course, I was also able to go at the services, which was a true test as someone else was already in there. I don't want readers to think that the two workshops are miracle cures. They do, however, provide everyone who attends with plenty of practice, at whatever stage they are at, in a very supportive environment. The discussion sessions are particularly helpful, as through sharing, you realise that what you think/feel is often the same as other people, so you don't feel like you're on your own. How my progress will go from here is unknown. However, I have the positive experience of the workshops to look back on when things don't go so well, I have the notes to refer to, and I know that I can contact Andrew for specific and personal advice if need be. I would also not have any hesitation in attending another follow-up workshop if I felt this was appropriate for me. I can't stress how finding UKPT and attending the beginners and follow-up workshops have helped me with my AP. For anyone who suffers from this, please don't suffer in silence or on your own. Attend a workshop, meet great guys and look to the future with confidence.

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