How Can Balint Help?

Balint groups, established in the UK in the 1950s by doctor and psychoanalyst Michael
Balint and social worker and psychoanalyst Enid Balint, have proved an enduring and
effective approach to “help patient-focussed professionals reflect on their work and gain a greater understanding of the relationship between the helper and those seeking help”

Originally for general practitioners, Balint groups are now found helpful by all kinds of professionals, including for example, lawyers, as well as medics, nurses, mid-wives, psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists. The group’s attention to the emotional aspects of the helping relationship aims to improve the efficacy of consultation for the patient/client and to reduce the strain on the practitioner. Balint groups can be especially helpful to participants in bringing greater awareness of what may otherwise remain unconscious in their interactions with patients.

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The workshop leaders will provide an experiential introduction to the work of Balint groups, including opportunities to bring case material for discussion. Both workshop leaders are Balint Society Accredited Leaders and SIP members, and Judy Malone is also a past President of the Balint Society. 

Workshop leaders: Judy Malone and Clare Harris