History of the UKPT

What is the UK Paruresis Trust (UKPT)?

A UK Charity (reg. no. 1109541) dedicated to helping men and women for whom urinating in the presence or vicinity of other people, is difficult or impossible, and dealing with the problems this brings about. This anxiety based condition used to be listed under the category of Social Phobia, but it is now preferred to refer to paruresis as a Social Anxiety Disorder. The condition is also known by a number of other names including "avoidant paruresis", "shy bladder syndrome", "stage fright" and "pee shyness". It is sometimes grouped along with other conditions under the term "toilet phobia".

Read our annual report here.

Who is behind the UKPT?

We are a small group of volunteers who have one thing in common - we all have paruresis to a greater or lesser extent. We first met via Richard Z's U.S. website (which is no longer in existence) and then set up the UK site. More people joined in after finding the UK site. We first met informally in spring 1999, and have met on and off ever since. The association was set up in July 2002, became a charity in December 2002, and a charitable trust in 2005. Humour, trust, intelligent cut and thrust, friendship and empathy are all bywords for the meetings.

What does the UKPT do?

The UKPT’s aims are:

The relief of persons suffering from the social anxiety disorder paruresis (aka Shy Bladder Syndrome), particularly by:

The provision of internet based information and support >
You've already found our website. On this we are gradually building up pages of useful information. Click here to go to our forum. There you can read messages posted by others, you can post yourself, and you can reply to existing posts. Use it to ask questions, seek support, or just tell your story. You can be as anonymous as you like. Just remember it is there for support, so please abstain from insensitive comments. The forum is actively monitored (moderated), and any abusive or misleading postings will be edited, erased or, as a last resort, the poster can be barred.
The provision of desensitisation workshops >
The promotion of the concept of individual privacy in the design of public toilets >
The promotion of research into all aspects of the condition, particularly its cause and treatment >
The raising of public awareness, including that of the medical profession >

Trustees

Chairman:
Andrew Smith (M.A. Cantab) 

Treasurer:
David Winton

Committee Members:
Ann Allcoat LRAM GRSM
Peter Daw BSc MSc Clin.Psychol.
Dr Ian Harris PhD

Hon Advisors

Peter Daw BSc MSc Clin.Psychol.
Dr Matt Lane MB ChB BSc MA
Jonathan Jones MA MBACP, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Counsellor

James O’Neill, Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst, Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis, author of Undressing, Shortbooks, 2019


We were saddened to note the death of Professor Alex Gardner, our first Hon Advisor, in late 2018.

Alex was a Chartered Psychologist and Registered Psychotherapist who made it his personal project to raise awareness of paruresis and support the development of UKPT. Without him there would have been no charity, no workshops, and none of the hundreds of individuals would have had their lives changed.

We owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. 

Read his obituary here.

Who do I contact?

You can contact Andrew by email or by post - see the bottom of the page. Alternatively, seek out other people with paruresis on the UKPT Forum where we maintain an active presence.

How can I support the UKPT?

Click here for details of how to make a donation. If you wish to become more actively involved in the work of the UKPT contact us on admin@ukpt.org.uk.

Warning & Disclaimer

This website is not a substitute for medical advice and does not constitute the practice of medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social work or any other mental health profession. If you are having trouble urinating, you should always contact a G.P. because difficulty with emptying the bladder can be a symptom of a serious physical medical condition.

We are a group of people who have suffered with paruresis. We have organised ourselves into a self-help organisation to help people cope with urinary dysfunction that has a psychological or social origin. On this website, we are not practising medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social work or any other mental health profession.

You should have your doctor evaluate your condition before diagnosing yourself, and seek the appropriate necessary mental health counselling if warranted. The UKPT disclaims all legal liability whatsoever.

The relief of persons suffering from the social anxiety Avoidant Paruresis

Our Aims and Goals

Desensitisation Help

The provision of desensitisation workshops for men and women across the UK.

Forum

Anonymous, moderated forum that provides a safe place to share experiences and support.

Online Support

The provision of internet based information and guidance for men and women.

Toilet Privacy

The promotion of the concept of individual privacy in the design of public toilets.

Research

The promotion of research into all aspects of the condition, particularly its cause and treatment.

Raise Awareness

The raising of public awareness, including that of the medical profession.
Find the UK Paruresis Trust on Facebook
Follow the UK Paruresis Trust on Twitter/X
Follow the UK Paruresis Trust on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram
Registered with Fundraising Regulator
Community Fund
BMA Patient Information Awards Highly Commended 2019
Trusted Information Creator
Copyright © 2017 United Kingdom Paruresis Trust. All Rights Reserved.
Last review date: January 2023.
Next review date: January 2026.

UK Charity Registration Number 1109541
Privacy and Cookies Policy