[Balint groups. Investigations on the significance of 2 methodologic variants]

The paper describes how the Balint method may be used in a variety of contexts and for different purposes. The analysis of two experiments, one in Ascona (an intensive seminar) and one in Turin (permanent training courses) revealed certain characteristic aspects of both, in which the same traditional Balint technique was always used. The data emerging from the various aspects covered, from forms of group participation to structuring, from aims to assessment made it possible to examine the two experiences as models for the application of the method. And it was found that despite their different contexts both experiences provided the psychological training that is, in fact, training in interpersonal relationships.