Steven Soifer, University of Memphis – Paruresis

Dr. Steven Soifer

Certain afflictions are embarrassing to discuss. Because of this, they remain untreated and can often worsen.

Dr. Steven Soifer, professor of social work & chair of the department at The University of Memphis, profiles shy-bladder syndrome.

Dr. Steven Soifer received his Ph.D. in Social Welfare Policy from Brandeis University in 1988, and his M.S.W. from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. His Ph.D. was on the socialist mayoral administration of Bernie Sanders, now one of the only independent U.S. senators hailing from the great state of Vermont. This led to his first book, The Socialist Mayor: Bernard Sanders in Burlington, Vermont.

Dr. Soifer has many research and teaching interest areas. Currently, his major research focuses on paruresis, or shy bladder syndrome. Dr. Soifer wrote the first book on the topic, entitled Shy Bladder Syndrome: Your Step-by-Step to Overcoming Paruresis. He is one of the world’s leading experts on the issue, having conducted hundreds of workshops for shy bladder sufferers all over the world, with thousands of people having participated. Moreover, he is the co-founder and CEO of the International Paruresis Association, Director of the Shy Bladder Center, and the Secretary of the American Restroom Association.

Over the years, Dr. Soifer has worked on a number of issue areas, including homelessness and affordable housing, poverty, community organizing, community economic development, social action, social movements, diversity and multiculturalism, and Jewish issues. He has taught courses over the entire social curricula (from B.A. to Ph.D.) on these and other topics. Dr. Soifer has had many peer-reviewed articles published, and several other books, including Doing Democracy: The MAP Model for Organizing Social Movements and Shy Bladder Syndrome (Paruresis): An Update.

Dr. Soifer and his wife Inna reside in Memphis city. He has two children, Aharon (13) and Miriam (8), two dogs (Moshe and Henry), and a cat (Roxy). His hobbies include chess, tennis, and poker.

Paruresis

Paruresis. Chances are you’ve never heard of this affliction but it affects about 21 million people in the U.S., and about 220 million people worldwide. This social anxiety disorder makes it difficult, if not impossible, for those afflicted to urinate in public restrooms, and in its most extreme form, even in one’s own home when others are present.

Colloquially known as “shy bladder syndrome,” this “secret” phobia causes people extreme embarrassment, physical discomfort, makes it difficult for people to work certain jobs, hinders people’s long-distance travel plans, and can even impact people’s socializing, dating, marrying and/or Family life.

While 90% of my clients are men, just as many women are affected by it and with 7% of the US population suffering from this affliction, how is it that paruresis can be so unknown or not discussed?

Sadly, my research shows that the primary reason is shame.

Very few want to tell others about this problem and as a culture, we are generally uncomfortable discussing bodily functions. Paruresis is no exception; in fact, it’s a perfect example.

Yet, having personally treated over 1500 people with this disorder and having done weekend workshops in 8 different countries, when you can finally get paruresis out in the open, it is a relatively easy issue to treat.

Using cognitive-behavioral therapy, I worked with people, either individually or in groups. This form of gradual exposure therapy is effective in significantly reducing symptoms in 80-90% of my patients.

It is very important for people who experience difficulty urinating to consult with a urologist to make sure there is no physiological cause.

If you’re amongst the 220 million people worldwide affected by paruresis, don’t be ashamed. Get the treatment you need.

Read More: Slate: Homophobia in Public Bathrooms | The Atlantic: The Private Lives of Public Bathrooms