Balint groups

Domain V · Systemic, relational, group & community · Michael Balint, Enid Balint · 1950 · London, England

What it is

A Balint group is not a therapy for clients. It is a small, ongoing case-discussion group for clinicians, led by one or (preferably) two trained leaders, in which a member presents a patient or client who is on their mind and the group explores the practitioner–patient relationship rather than the…

Format

• Balint work has no treatment phases. It has (a) a group life-cycle and (b) a fixed session structure.
• Size: 8–10 members is the target so the group survives absences; 6–8 committed people can work; online groups are usually smaller. Mattke gives 8–12.

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Leaders: one, preferably two. Classic UK pairing: one leader from the members' own profession (e.g. a GP) plus a psychotherapist or counsellor; ideally at least one with psychodynamic training. Both need Balint training and supervision.
• IBF guidelines (2016) ask national societies to require: basic professional training, sufficient time as a group member, co-leading with an accredited leader, a supervisor's reference, assessment on core competencies (safe free group; focus on the relationship rather than solutions or teaching; awareness of own style and of group/unconscious processes), and ongoing supervision. The UK Society requires: Society…
• What it is. A Balint group is not a therapy for clients. It is a small, ongoing case-discussion group for clinicians, led by one or (preferably) two trained leaders, in which a member presents a patient or client who is on their mind and the group explores the practitioner–patient relationship rather than the diagnosis or management. It was developed by the psychoanalyst Michael Balint and Enid Balint with London…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Does it use a device, heat, cold, water or a physical procedure? Has a medical professional checked that it is safe for you?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• sliding into a therapy or encounter group.
• a presenter who feels judged; acknowledge it and thank them.
• a member who is silent for whole sessions over weeks (see 5).
• a changed attitude in the clinician is what the method aims for.
• the presenter becoming defensive, justifying, or going quiet in a hurt way.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.