[The Balint method in continuing medical education]

Aim of the Balint group is the improvement of medical actions through a better understanding of the doctor--patient relationship. To this end the following abilities are trained: 1. Understanding the patient's "secret messages". 2. Using the doctor's reactions as an instrument for diagnosis. 3. Diagnosing the relationship. 4. Shaping the relationship for therapeutic purposes. The method used by the Balint group is the analysis of cases. In this context the handling of resonance phenomena in the group is of special methodical importance. The case problem just discussed is put on the group stage where it often can be solved such a resonance phenomenon.