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Balance Groups

A new offering from Left Turn Solutions
in partnership with Ben Buttfield

“We don't solve our problems, we outgrow them”

Carl Jung

Balance Groups have been developed to create a safe and supportive space for people to reflect on the emotional impact of their work and to develop practical strategies for coping with challenges. This approach aims to combine the reflective focus of Balint Groups and Schwartz Rounds with the pragmatic and future-oriented approach of

Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

Key elements of each approach and how they will be integrated:

  • Balint Groups: The focus on the employee-client relationship, emotional responses, and the importance of creating a safe space for reflection and support. Participants will sit in circle, with an emphasis on deep listening, understanding, and connection. This will be integrated in the case presentation and reflective discussion phases.

  • Schwartz Rounds: The focus on the emotional impact of work, the use of storytelling, and the normalisation of strong emotions. The storytelling aspect will be incorporated into the beginning of the session, and the focus on emotional impact will be present throughout. The group includes participants from all roles and disciplines, coming together in a shared experience.

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: The emphasis on identifying past successes and existing resources will be a key part of the discussion. Techniques such as the miracle question and scaling questions are used to identify future-oriented goals. This will be incorporated in the reflective discussion and in solution focused exploration phases.

These are some of the evidence-informed benefits your organisation may experience via the delivery of Balance Groups to your staff:

  • Emotional Support: Participants receive support for the emotional impact of providing healthcare, reducing the risk of mental health challenges.

  • Enhanced Well-being: Improved staff well-being, leading to a better quality of patient care.

  • Professional Development: Balint Groups provide valuable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for staff.

  • Teamwork: Participation enhances team rapport and overall performance through a shared understanding of roles and experiences.

  • Resilience: Develop the ability to deal with psychologically challenging situations more effectively.

  • Greater Control: Participants gain a greater sense of control in their work environment.

  • Understanding: Develop a deeper understanding of people’s behaviour.

  • Reduced Burnout: Experience the positive impact of emotional support, leading to reduced burnout.

  • Emotional Intelligence: Learn to identify and respond to your own emotions and those of others.

  • Communication: Improve listening and communication skills.

  • Compassion: Enhance your ability to respond compassionately to those suffering.

Who are Balance Groups designed for?:

Public Health Services, Non-Government Organisations, Professional Associations, and other organisations — We help both clinical and non-clinical staff to deal with the stresses and high emotional burden of working in healthcare. 

Schools, universities, and other education settings — Helping students to deal with the stressors of study and chosen career. Helping teachers, counsellors and staff with the high emotional burden and stress of working in education.

Social Services — You don't have to be a clinician doing "therapy". You could work in a social service providing care and support in a stressful or emotionally charged environment e.g. child protection or domestic violence services.

Emergency Services — You could be on the front-line or part of their support team.

Actually, Balance Groups are for any individuals, teams, or organisations who work in situations where there is high stress or a high emotional burden for staff.

What our clients and workshop attendees say about their experience attending our groups:

“It was excellent, well run, thought-provoking and above all, very practical. If you're a health practitioner, involved in Mental Health, a leader of people or interested in learning how to help people with the challenges they face in life, you won't be disappointed.”

Ben Campbell - Business & Executive Leadership Coach

“David is a leader in teaching and promoting SFBT in South Australia ... and has been recognised by his professional peers for his Solution-Focused work in front-line, acute mental health work. I am proud to endorse David as a colleague and welcome him as an Associate of the Brief Therapy Institute of Sydney.”

Michael Durrant, Director, Brief Therapy Institute of Sydney - Academic Associate, Faculty of Education & Social Work, University of Sydney - Former President, Australasian Association for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy - Former Editor, Journal of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

“David has provided a series of workshops to MIFSA and offers follow-up support through the S.A. SFBT Community of Practice. The practical tools and theoretical underpinning of SFBT fits MIFSA's approach, program guidelines and recovery model. David helps strengthen workers' capacity and helps to 'give permission' to workers to focus on solutions rather than the problem(s). Following David’s workshops, workers have been inspired to continue their development in SFBT and hope to have David provide follow-up sessions to grow this in MIFSA as it fits our culture and best practice.”

Tracy Moore, Team Leader, Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia

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