Balint Groups
A reflective space for professionals who work with people. To pause, explore, and reconnect with meaning.
What Are Balint Groups?
Balint Groups were first developed in the 1960s by Michael and Enid Balint as a way for general practitioners to explore the emotional and relational dimensions of their work. These small, confidential groups provided a reflective, non-judgemental space for doctors to discuss patients who evoked discomfort, confusion, or what was often called a “heart-sink” feeling. Over time, Balint work has spread globally and now includes a wide range of professionals who work in complex human systems, including health, education, clinicians, veterinary practice and organisational life.
My Work With Balint Groups
I am an accredited Balint leader and have co-facilitated Balint groups for more than fifteen years across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. Alongside clinicians who bring patient-related cases, I have also pioneered Balint practice with organisational consultants, coaches, and leaders.
In these settings, participants bring workplace cases about clients, colleagues, teams, or systems and together, the group reflects on the dynamics at play. Through guided dialogue and curiosity, new insights emerge: what might be happening in the experience of the person presenting, and what might be happening for “the other,” whether that’s a patient, client, or organisation.
I currently co-lead three ongoing Balint groups, all held online and meeting monthly:
Clinician Group
Doctors, counsellors, social workers, therapists, and psychologists.
Coaches & Consultants Group
Executive coaches, organisational consultants, and senior managers exploring leadership and system dynamics.
Health Leaders Group
Senior leaders in health services who bring cases involving staff management, boards, and organisational change.
Who Are Balint Groups For?
Balint groups suit people who:
- Work closely with people and find themselves affected by their interactions.
- Want a deeper understanding of relational and emotional processes in their work.
- Are interested in reflective practice, compassion, and professional growth.
- Value confidentiality, respect, and thoughtful dialogue.
What Participants Gain
Group members describe Balint as a space that is:
- Safe and contained, where emotions can be explored without judgement.
- Insightful and creative, offering many perspectives on the same situation.
- Supportive and renewing, reducing burnout, helping professionals rediscover empathy and meaning in their work.
Outcomes often include:
- Greater self-awareness and emotional resilience.
- Improved capacity to manage complex relationships.
- Renewed compassion and curiosity.
- A stronger sense of connection to one’s purpose and professional identity.
Testimonials
“I joined Balint for the first time this year not really knowing what to expect… and it has honestly changed my life! Each session helps me see situations in a new light, embracing challenge, discomfort and uncertainty, and developing a deeper sense of empathy for others.”
“Balint group provides me with a supportive, imaginative, insightful peer learning space that helps me think from the perspectives of the many ‘others’ in our cases. I greatly value the skill, experience and generosity of the leaders and members. It is always time well spent.”
“I’ve been attending Joy’s Balint group regularly as it offers a safe, respectful, confidential space to think about my work. The group often reveals insights not just about the patient, but my own responses. Joy and her co-leader facilitiate with care and sensitivity. Their leadership shifts my thinking and enriches my practice.”
