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HomeOUR MISSION


Mission Statement

The American Balint Society strives to

Develop & Support professionals who lead or are members of Balint groups
 Promote & Encourage increased participation in Balint group work
Teach & Study the nature, use and effectiveness of Balint groups

 



Vision Statement

The vision of the American Balint Society is for relationships of profound trust, such as those between physicians and patients, to grow in respect and healing power.  Utilizing the empathy fostered through creative engagement with trusted peers in a safe environment, clinicians can improve their understanding of both themselves and others, so that patients and clients are increasingly heard, supported and empowered to become healthier and happier. 



What makes the ABS unique?

The ABS is unique in its focus on and approach to: actively engaging in the empathic care of others and of our professional selves; inspiring dedication and perseverance of health care providers; and developing essential skills for sustaining and enhancing resilience and longevity in practice. The core values that guide us include:

 

Authenticity
Collective Wisdom
Compassion
Empathy
Hope
Lifelong Learning
Reflection

 

The ABS and Diversity

 


American Balint Society’s Diversity Resolution:

Be it resolved that diversity and inclusiveness within the American Balint Society (ABS) are essential to meeting the ABS’s vision of relationships of profound trust between and among health care professionals and their patients/clients. The ABS envisions clinicians' improving their understanding of themselves and others so that they and their patients and clients are heard, supported and empowered in caring for their health. Diversity in ABS leadership and membership is fundamental to this understanding.

Be it resolved that our commitment to explore and enhance empathy, the core of Balint training, requires a similar commitment to diversity and inclusiveness within the organization and in all activities of the organization. We can be our best only with active engagement to ensure inclusiveness of all aspects of a diverse health care team: such as race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, age, professional role, socioeconomic status, ability differences, spiritual beliefs, and others.

Be it resolved that greater diversity enhances the Balint experience, which provides a space of inclusiveness and safety for discussion of difficult dialogues, and exploration of personal or collective biases. With a vision of building cultural competence and awareness of privilege and marginalization, the ABS can continue to move toward reflecting and engaging the diversity in the communities we serve. The ABS is committed to reflecting that diversity in its leadership and membership. We can only be what we aspire to be with that diversity and engagement.

 "Restoring the Core of Clinical Practice: What is a Balint group and how does it help?" by Laurel Milberg, PhD and Katherine Knowlton, PhD. Available in paperback or ebook Order Now


The American Balint Society, is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the therapeutic relationships between healing professionals and their clients/patients. The American Balint  Society is a member society of the International Balint Federation.