balint groups
Balint groups are a type of educational and supportive group specifically designed for doctors, psychotherapists, and health professionals to better understand and analyze their professional relationships and interactions with patients. These groups are named in honor of the Hungarian-British physician Michael Balint, who developed this approach in the 1950s.
In Balint groups, an experienced therapist or group leader guides a group of medical or psychotherapy professionals (usually 8 to 12 people). The main goal of these groups is to provide a safe and structured space to discuss challenging, ambiguous, or complex experiences related to patients, especially when the relationship between the doctor or therapist and the patient is strained, frustrating, or lacks mutual understanding. These sessions are usually held regularly (such as weekly or monthly) and last for 1 to 2 hours each.
Balint groups specifically focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of doctor-patient relationships and less on clinical and technical discussions. For example, a doctor might talk in a Balint session about unpleasant feelings toward a patient or the difficulties in understanding a patient’s behavior, which affects the quality of care. These conversations are analytically examined with the help of the group and, in particular, the guidance of the leader, to uncover and understand the hidden and unconscious aspects of these relationships.
Balint groups aim to uncover these overlooked dimensions and help doctors and therapists better understand their feelings and reactions and use them to improve their professional relationships.
One key aspect of Balint groups is the use of group dynamics to reflect on emotions. Each member can revisit and analyze their feelings regarding the problems and situations discussed, and use others’ perspectives for a better and deeper understanding. This process can lead to improved professional self-awareness and increased empathy toward patients.
Overall, Balint groups not only help improve professional relationships but also help individuals in any field avoid burnout and cope with the stresses associated with daily work in healthcare.
