Benefit from focused, thoughtful case reflections

20 March 2014 Network Story

MHPN supports balint groups where practitioners from a range of disciplines meet to confidentially present cases in a respectful, supportive and non-judgemental environment. In the subsequent group discussion, the interaction between the practitioner and patient is explored.

Professional support is valued

Balint groups do not teach specific treatment modalities. The group is encouraged to speculate, without any pressure to be "right". The aim is to understand the situation in a deeper way, not to judge, advise,or offer solutions to the presented case.

Those who share cases describe a sense of validation in their work and a deeper understanding of the complex issues confronting their patients.

Practitioners are also welcome to start groups that have a focus on providing peer support that aren't necessarily compliant with all of the requirements of a balint group. MHPN encourages and is pleased so support both types of groups.

Spring Hill's Group

Queensland's Spring Hill group's meeting consists of a light meal followed by a reflective practice discussion of two cases. The group is co-led by Kerrie Collings-Silvey and Chel Quinn, both accredited Balint group leaders. The group meets at 6.30 to 8.30 on the first Thursday of the month at New Farm Clinic, Conference Room, 1st floor, 22 Sargent St, New Farm. This is currently an open group and welcome anyone who is involved in current client work from the mental health profession.

If you are intersted in learning more, please contact Jacqui Hill from MHPN on 03 8662 6609 or j.hill@mhpn.org.au

Melbourne's Elsternwick networks are looking for new members

Melbourne's Elsternwick networks are co-facilitated by Ruth Dunn, a psychologist and acrredited Balint group leader and social worker Hilary Ash, a trainee Balint leader.

Elsternwick's Tuesday Night Balint Group and Wednesday Night Balint Group:

includes members from a range of professions
meet seven times a year on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening from 7.30 - 9.00 pm
allow members may choose to join either group, noting they are welcome to attend meetings on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays
may be eligible for CPD recognition
require a modest annual membership fee.

Given the nature of this network style, participant numbers are limited. If you are intersted in learning more, please contact Jacqui Hill from MHPN on 03 8662 6609 or j.hill@mhpn.org.au

Melbourne's Camberwell networks are looking for new members

Two Camberwell based groups invite anyone involved in current client work from the medical, psychology, nursing, counselling, therapy or associated fields with an interest in exploring the psychological aspects of the relationship between client and practitioner to join.

The Camberwell Balint Group 2 is led by Dr Joanna Wright (GP) and meets from 2.30 - 4 pm on the first Friday of the month. Contact Joanna at jowright44@icloud.com to learn more.

The Camberwell Balint Group 3 is led by Ethel Tillinger (psychologist) and meets from 12.30 - 2 pm on the first Friday of the month.Contact Ethel at ethelt@streetwise.com.au or Jean at jeanmehrtens@gmail.com to learn more.

Melbourne's Heidelberg's Balint Group

The group meets monthly on a Tuesday for an informal lunch followed by a clinical meeting facilitated by psychiatrist and experienced Balint group leader, Dr Marion Lustig.

The focus is on the psychological aspects of clinical practice, and particularly the emotional content of the clinician-patient relationship.This group look to provide a supportive setting in which clinicians can rediscover the human side of patient care and can add a refreshing new dimension to their work and help avoid burnout.

If you are intersted in learning more, please contact Jacqui Hill from MHPN on 03 8662 6609 or j.hill@mhpn.org.au