Balint groups: an Australasian perspective for psychiatrists

Objective: This paper aims to provide a brief overview of the history and scope of the Balint movement; to outline how Balint groups work; to describe what is entailed in leading a Balint group; and to give a brief overview of the current state of Balint work in Australia and New Zealand. Conclusions: Balint groups provide a unique setting in which clinicians can learn how to deal well with challenging doctor–patient relationships and the feelings evoked in clinical practice. Balint work is relatively undeveloped in Australasia. There is scope for involvement by psychiatrists and trainees as both participants and facilitators.