Balint group work
What is Balint work?
In Balint groups, we examine the doctor-patient relationship in order to gain a deeper understanding of “the doctor, his patient, and the illness”—as Michael Balint describes in his book The Doctor, His Patient, and the Illness (1957).
I am a Balint group leader certified by the German Balint Society (DBG) and approved by the Baden-Württemberg Medical Association as part of continuing education for physicians.
Origins of the Balint method
The method was developed after World War II at the Tavistock Clinic in London. Hungarian-born psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Michael Balint developed it together with his wife Enid Balint, a social worker and psychoanalyst.
They worked with groups of general practitioners whose practices were visited by many traumatized patients—a circumstance that reinforced the need to reflect on the relationship between doctors and patients.
Goals and approach
Balint described the purpose of the work as “training cum research”:
clarifying and improving the doctor-patient relationship and gaining a deeper understanding of how it works.
A central element is the “third ear” – the ability to listen not only to clinical facts, but also to tone of voice, mood, unspoken messages, and triggered emotions.
Effect of Balint work
This expanded perception makes it easier to recognize a person's entire personality and environment beyond their illness. Communication between doctor and patient becomes more open, understandable, and effective.
Balint work thus serves the well-being of both patients and the doctors treating them.
Further information and contact
Further information on Balint group work can be found on the website of the German Balint Society.
Are you interested? Then please feel free to contact me.