9/4/2025 - 9/7/2025
The four-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.
The Charleston 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.
The conference will be held at the Francis Marion in downtown Charleston. Located on Marion Square, the hotel is within walking distance of the magnificent gardens, house museums, antique shops, restaurants and nightlife that has made Charleston one of the south's premier cities.
Cancellation Policy
Registrants wishing to cancel their registration must do so in writing by the cancellation deadline of July 7, 2025. 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. Due to the possibility of severe weather in Charleston at this time of year, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance in the event of flight disruptions impacting your ability to attend the conference. Registration refunds after July 7, 2025, will only be possible if the conference is cancelled by the ABS.
ABS Grievance Policy
Any concerns should be brought to the attention of the Course Directors, Alec Chessman, chessman@musc.edu or Allison Bickett, allison.bickett@atriumhealth.org
Location: Francis Marion
387 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Registration ends on 7/7/2025
9/15/2025
An online Balint Group is now forming which will meet biweekly on Mondays at 5pm Eastern/2pm Pacific. The series will begin in September and run through December. Registration is limited to 8 participants to ensure everyone has an opportunity to present a case. Because group cohesiveness affects participants’ experience of the group, and a minimum number of participants are required to hold a session, registrants are asked to commit to attending all sessions. Please do not plan to arrive late, leave early or miss sessions, etc.
Leaders:
Sandra Relyea is a Pediatric Physician Assistant, Forensic Child Abuse Examiner and Expert Witness in Port Angeles, WA. She is a credentialed Balint Leader and has co-led several in person and online Balint groups over the years. She spends most of her free time in the outdoors, reading or doing art work.
Trevor Slocum, LMHC, is a psychodynamic psychotherapist in private practice serving couples and providing long-term psychotherapy for adults. He completed the Balint Group Leadership Fellowship, is a credentialed Balint Group Leader and has led multiple online Balint groups for psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Trevor lives in Seattle, WA, and enjoys baking, gardening, and long walks.
Meeting Time: Initial meeting: Monday, September 15th 1:30 - 3:00pm Pacific (90 minutes to allow for introductions and an overview of the Balint method). Subsequent meetings will be 60 minutes: 2:00 - 3:00pm Pacific.
Number of meetings and Dates: Eight (8) meetings on the following Tuesdays: September 15, September 29, October 13, October 27, November 10, November 24, December 8 and December 22.
Fee:
$200 for ABS Members
$320 for non-members
Cancellation Policy:
If canceled by the ABS or hosts due to insufficient registrants, those registered will receive their money back. Otherwise, no return of fee is possible, including in the event of registrant's partial attendance or inability to complete the sequence of sessions.
1. Registrants must be clinically active and willing to present cases.
2. Balint work can stir strong emotions. If the registrant is at an unusually stressful period in their life, we recommend they sign up at another time.
3. Because the success of the group depends in part on cohesion, steady attendance matters. Registrants must intend to attend all sessions of the group.
Target Audience
This series is appropriate for clinicians new to the Balint Group method as well as experienced Balint Group leaders. Suitable for those in active practice including physicians (primary care, psychiatry, other specialists), nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, and others.
Accreditation
The AAFP has reviewed Balint Group - Decreasing Isolation with Peer Consultation, and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit.
AMA/AAFP Equivalency: AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.
The American Balint Society is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The American Balint Society maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Grievance Policy:
Any concerns should be brought to the attention of Rebekah Schiefer, Committee Chair.