Online Balint Groups

Online Balint Groups

Groups meet via video conference for eight sessions which will allow each participant at least one opportunity to present a case. The format gives participants the chance to learn about what gets in the way of their having more meaningful relationships and to discern authentic responses that will lessen those obstacles. Research validates the importance of empathic relationships with patients in providing effective healthcare and in what practitioners find most meaningful about their work. 

The Balint Groups case-based focus on alternative formulations rather than problem solving makes it applicable to myriad situations and settings. The Balint method also provides practice in the skills of accessing intuition and empathizing with others and allows meaningful connection among practitioners of different disciplines who experience the importance of treatment alliances. 

Target Audience

This series is appropriate for clinicians new to the Balint Group method as well as experienced Balint Group leaders. Suitable for those in active practice including physicians (primary care, psychiatry, other specialists), nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, and others. 

No prior Balint experience required.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify aspects of challenging practitioner/client relationships.
2. Define practitioner's experiences which can improve through the use of a Balint Group.
3. Differentiate between reactivity or rote and authentic responsiveness in the practitioner/patient encounter.
4. Identify language that minimizes or detracts from the individuality of the "other".
5. Formulate different options for handling challenging patient encounters.
6. Describe the usefulness of the group process for members and case presenters.
7. Define the relational impact of the work of identifying with a patient.
8. Contrast Balint Group work with conventional case consultation. 
9. Manage situations where one's usual patient interaction skills do not prompt the usual responses.
10. Identify changes in the provider/pt relationship that come from presenting patients in a Balint group

Requirements:

• Registrants must be clinically active and willing to present cases.
• Balint work can stir strong emotions. If the registrant is at an unusually stressful period in their life, we may recommend they sign up at another time. Contact the faculty of the group you are interested in if you are unsure.
• Because the success of the group depends in part on group cohesion, steady attendance matters. Registrants must intend to attend all sessions of the group. 

Accreditation

The AAFP has reviewed Balint Group - Decreasing Isolation with Peer Consultation, and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. 

AMA/AAFP Equivalency: AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.

The American Balint Society is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The American Balint Society maintains responsibility for this program and its content.  

Grievance Policy

Any concerns should be brought to the attention of Albert Lichtenstein, Committee Chair.

ABS Grievance Policy