Balint groups are named after the psychoanalyst Michael Balint (1896-1970). In the late 1950s, Michael and his wife Enid began holding psychological training seminars for GPs in London. Balint encouraged the group members to hold 'long interviews' with their "problem patients." These groups helped the doctors to concentrate on becoming good listeners. Subsequently, the focus changed to studying the relationship between doctor and patient in the context of everyday ordinary-length consultations.  The groups met once a week for a number of years so that patients and their progress could be followed up. The continuity also enabled group members to feel at ease with each other. Since those early days, Balint groups have spread across the world and in 22 countries, there are national Balint Societies whose aim is to foster and develop the Balint approach.

Affective Balint Groups are offered virtually for physicians and nurses who see clients on an ongoing basis (e.g. family practice, addiction medicine, community health centres, etc). Primary care providers from across Canada can join. We offer a closed group model with a limited number of weekly sessions that comprise a single group cycle. Each cycle allows no more than 6-8 pre-registered primary care providers. Check our website or send us an email to learn more about groups that are currently accepting participants.