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.

[A new training method--20 years of student Balint groups].

Michael Balint recognized early on the problems of future development of medicine. He was able to bridge the bow from psychoanalysis to practical medicine without the need for a new theory. He integrated arguments from basic sciences and patient-oriented schools.

[Psychological aspects of drugs].

The "how" of prescribing is an important as what we prescribe. Drugs are part of everyday life for many people. The era of "social chemistry", the "inflation of drug use", or the "social use of drugs" create special difficulties for the "how" of prescribing.

Psychosomatic practice and the concept of family confrontation as therapeutical method.

Psychosocial dynamics within the family are first touched upon. Relationships between brothers and sisters play a special part in this respect, as do other factors related to personality development. It is one of the special tasks of the general practitioner to be alert to the first signs of emotional disturbances, for he is in an ideal position to intervene before more serious symptoms of illness appear.

[Utilization of hospitalization for the modification of smoking behavior].

Advantages and methods of treating smoking addiction during hospitalisation are described briefly.