The Balint movement worldwide: present state and future outlook: a brief history of Balint around the world.

The activities of the International Balint Federation are described and the health and strength of the Balint movement in different parts of the world is surveyed.

Abstract

Michael and Enid Balint began running seminars for GPs (family physicians) in London in the late 1950s. Balint groups were soon started in other countries leading to the formation of the International Balint Federation. This paper describes the activities of the Federation and surveys the health and strength of the Balint movement in different parts of the world. While formal Balint training seems unlikely to become part of the official curriculum in more than a few countries, Balint's ideas will continue to be influential.