Balint groups 

Definition

The Balint sessions are unique in that the moderator has little involvement, but is used as a guide to keep the

participants focused on the goal of self-reflection of shared similar experiences¹. 

The participation in these groups are usually useful to evaluate medical student experiences, to improve

communication skills and to reduce the burnout level ². 

Balint group includes a personal story about a problematic therapeutic relationship, told by one of the group participants, and a subsequent group discussion for 1,5 hours, challenging the participants to enter into the key roles depicted in the All group discussion is confidential (as in psychotherapy); a safe environment is created to express negative or difficult feelings³. 

What to expect

Traditional Balint groups include 7-12 participants and

60-90 minutes sessions in the presence of a trained leader. Usually two facilitators in these groups participate (one of them with a background in psychotherapy and the other is a trainee psychiatrist, undertaking advanced training in psychotherapies and adult psychiatry). 

Participants have the opportunity to freely express their thoughts and feelings, for the benefit of all others. Students can also meet in such a group, to discuss relational aspects of their interactions with patients.