Empowerment techniques: from doctor-centered (Balint approach) to patient-centred discussion groups.

The importance of training in the emotional domain has been stressed since 1950. Balint and his co-workers advocate the conduct doctor-centred seminars (training and research) for better understanding of the contact with patients. The discussions form an understanding of the content of the consultation within the context of the sense and relationship.

[Encounter as therapy].

What are the typical aspects of a therapeutic relation, how does it develop and in what manner might it influence the therapeutic result? Encounter as therapy may open the chance to initiate self regulating forces that seem to be blocked by the 'disease'. The term 'disease' implicates the term 'therapy'. A real encounter demands trust and responsibility, unselfishness and readiness for risks from all persons involved (physicians and/or therapists as well as patients).

[Physician--where to?].

These questions are addressed: What does it mean to be a physician, and how can a physician continue his education? Where is his place in family crises? The psychosomatic point of view of diseases is not a specialty, but a concept, a basic attitude, a global principle encompassing all medical specialties. In particular, disorders of relations and basic needs are discussed in the context of a novel therapeutic access. The doctor as a 'drug' corresponds to a therapeutic alliance, also in group work.