Balint Group as a Tool for Improving the Relationship with a Disabled Patient

Abstract

The aim of this study is to show the advantages of Balint Groups as means of a helping tool to improve the skills of professionals. Michael Balint’s method is a specific meeting group, originally focused on working with general practitioners, however, it was successfully applied to psychologists, educators, pedagogues, social workers, volunteers and other professional groups. Group (8–12 people) consisting of invited doctors discussed presented story of the meeting with the patient under the guidance of the leader. Key aspects of the Balint Groups are the atmosphere of trust, openness, emotional security and respect for the views of other group members. For a deeper understanding of the advantages that give Balint training the profile and the scientific development of the author of the method was described. In the next part the fundamental features of a typical Balint seminar and the role of group leader
as the person responsible for the group process were discussed. Conclusion of this paper revolve around the notion that Balint seminar describe the helping process and shows how
to understand the dynamics of contact with the person assisted. Balint Groups are also seen as a tool that allows to develop helping skills which are a significant element of professional competence.