title: Reading Balint group work through Lacan's theory of the four discourses.
abstract: In Balint groups, (para)medical professionals explore difficult interactions with patients by means of case presentations and discussions. As the process of Balint group work is not well understood, this article investigates Balint group meetings by making use of Lacan's theory of the four discourses. Five Balint group case presentations and their subsequent group discussion were studied, resulting in the observation of five crucial aspects of Balint group work. First, Balint group participants brought puzzlement to the group, which is indicative of the structural impossibility Lacan situates at the basis of all discourse (1). As for the group discussion, we emphasize 'hysterization' as a crucial process in Balint group work (2), the supporting role of the discourse of the analyst (3) and the centrality of discourse interactions (4). Finally, the potential transformation of the initial puzzlement is discussed (5). We conclude by putting forth the uniqueness of Balint group work as well as the potential usefulness of our analysis as a framework for Balint group leaders and professionals in charge of continuing medical education.
authors: Ghent University, Belgium.|Ghent University, Belgium.
authors: Kaatje
authors: K
authors: Van Roy
authors: Laval University, Canada.|Ghent University, Belgium.
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Marché-Paillé
authors: Ghent University, Belgium.
authors: Filip
authors: F
authors: Geerardyn
authors: Ghent University, Belgium.
authors: Stijn
authors: S
authors: Vanheule
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006126:Group Processes; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations
keywords: Balint group; Lacan; discourse; psychoanalysis; qualitative research