- Describe verbal and nonverbal behaviors of Balint group leaders.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different leader interventions.
- Identify the progression of a Balint group over multiple sessions.
- Recognize the new perspective of the presenter as a result of the Balint group process.
- Define the roles of presenter and group member and some leader interventions that help establish those roles.
- Describe the segments of the Balint group format and their purposes.
- Identify leader interventions that may establish the segments of the session.
- Describe desirable elements of cases that may be presented in Balint groups.
- Define the risks taken in Balint groups by presenters and members.
- Identify leader behaviors that contribute to an atmosphere of safety in the group.
- List leader responsibilities that may be divided with a coleader.
- Discuss some bases for choosing to intervene or not.
- Explain some of the barriers to a leader’s intervention’s effectiveness.
- Predict some group member behaviors or cases I may find challenging.
- Explain group member behaviors characteristic of various group stages.
- Identify and discuss common challenges to group cohesion, such as variable attendance or infrequency of meetings.
- Identify changes that may occur in a presenter’s self-evaluation through Balint work.
- Explain how changes may occur for members during the casework, not just for the presenter.
- Create plans for continuing development as a Balint leader, whether through group attendance, consultation, or further training.
Specific Schedule
A specific schedule will be worked out as part of the contract you sign with the ABS. As an example, we might start at 8 AM on a Thursday, finishing by midday on Saturday. Generally speaking participants will not have evening sessions. Note that participants must be free from clinical or other demands during the time of the training; one of the benefits of the format is that the organization can tailor that availability to best suit its purposes.
Accreditation
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.
Logistics -- to be provided by the hosting organization
- A room large enough for a comfortable circle of 12-13 chairs, with a door, preferably not near high noise/traffic areas. Privacy and confidentiality are important for room selection. If two groups are planned, two such rooms will be needed.
- A/V
- Projection capability for an introductory powerpoint presentation;
- Video set-up with good sound pick up within the group circle;
- Video playback setup (on a TV or screen) with ability to start and stop the video;
- Snacks, coffee, water, tea, etc. for breaks;
- Lunch on the full days of the training (note that the schedule does not include travel time, so lunch will need to be nearby);
- Break area (also near the meeting room);
- Understanding/expectation that:
- participants will not be interrupted or called away during the training (barring a family emergency);
- participants will be present for all sessions, as cohesion/group development is a critical part of the training;
- participants are clinically active and willing to present cases;
- participants should be aware that this type of training can stir up strong feelings. If someone is at a particularly vulnerable time in their life, they may want to consider completing this training at a later date;
- CME/CE will be granted, either through the hosting organization or the ABS, as arranged in their contract;
- Preparation of folders for each participant with introductory information, name badges, contact information for all participants and faculty.
Costs
The basic cost of a Balint Intensive on the Road is set by the society. It is less expensive than sending a comparable number of participants to regular Intensives. Apart from the basic fee ($8,000-$10,000 at this writing) the organization pays housing, transportation and meals (or a per diem) for all faculty, and any costs associated with the logistics listed above. To discuss your situation or to work out a contract, contact the Coordinator of Intensives.