8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST
Registration ends on 12/11/2026
Course Overview
The Seattle Intensive is unique in that it is designed to accommodate a single group of participants led by three credentialed faculty. The conference will be held in Seattle's University District with the exact location to be shared upon registration. No lodging is provided for this conference because of its local character.
This three-day Intensive course 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. Faculty-guided debriefings provide opportunities to receive feedback on participants’ practice sessions in a safe and supportive setting. Participants emerge from the course with a deeper understanding of Balint group leadership techniques and responsibilities and improved awareness of the method’s limitations and risks.
The high faculty:participant ratio makes this course well-suited to meet the needs of those new to Balint group leadership as well as those who have experience and wish to hone their skills. Each Intensive course is unique, reflecting the diversity of the faculty, attendees, and the cases offered.
The Seattle Balint 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.
Cancellation Policy
Registrants wishing to cancel their registration must do so in writing by the cancellation deadline of December 11, 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 Kathy Knowlton, tryekk@aol.com .