11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST
Location: Ruby River Hotel, 700 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99202
Registration ends on 3/6/2026
The four-day Intensive cours
e is designed to teach Balint group leadership technique primarily through experiential groups, supplemented by topic-focused small discussion groups and faculty panel discussions. Attendees will have ample time to present cases, practice leading a Balint group, and engage informally with other participants.
The Spokane Leadership Intensive course is appropriate for clinicians new to the Balint Group method as well as experienced Balint Group leaders. The course is well-suited to those who are currently leading, expect to lead in the future, or are seeking a better understanding of Balint groups. The curriculum is appropriate for physicians (primary care, psychiatry, other specialists), psychologists, social workers, other mental health care providers, veterinarians, and pastoral care providers.
Because group cohesiveness affects participants’ experience of the course, registrants are required to commit to attending all sessions and to attending each session in its entirety. Please do not plan to arrive late, leave early or miss sessions.
The Balint Leadership Intensive is a training course and is not intended as therapy. Nevertheless, Balint Group work can sometimes stir up strong feelings. Prospective registrants who are experiencing a particularly vulnerable period in their lives may want to consider participating in this training at a later date.
Course Schedule
The conference will be held at the Ruby River Hotel where hometown hospitality and peaceful river views greet every guest. Located on the Spokane River with easy access to the Centennial Trail and Riverfront Park, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
In reserving your room, you're getting the best possible rate and helping us fulfill our contractual obligation with the hotel. Rooms booked through other methods will not be protected by our cancellation policy with the hotel. Please use the link below as booking through a third party, such as Expedia or Booking.com, will not ensure you receive the conference rate, nor will your booking count towards the room block we have contracted with the hotel.
Cancellation Policy
Registrants wishing to cancel their registration must do so in writing by the cancellation deadline of March 6, 2026. For cancellations received by the cancellation date, $100 of the registration fee will be withheld for administrative fees and the refund will occur within 30 days of acknowledgment of cancellation. For cancellations received after the deadline, no refunds will be available.
ABS Grievance Policy
Any concerns should be brought to the attention of the Course Directors, Janet Walker, janetwalker3@icloud.com; or David Schneider, David.Schneider@sutterhealth.org.