Balint Matters

'Sklar reclaims Balint as a radical innovator in psychoanalysis as well as in family medicine and psychosomatics. Against a contemporary background of a rathersoulless and mechanistic approach to medicine and the consequent need for rediscovering ideas based in freedom and authenticity, Sklar makes a compelling case for a fresh look at Michael Balint's extraordinary influence. Balint (and this excellent book) certainly do matter! Never more so than now.'--Andrew Elder, FRCGP, Chair of the International Balint Federation Leadership Group'This radically important book shows how the different interrelated aspects of Balint's work still matter, including his ideas about the training of the doctor as well as the psychoanalyst. One of the book's many strengths is the way it uses Enid Balint's work to elucidate and extend her husband's. In keeping with his tradition, Sklar is committed to authenticity, freedom, independence and the uniqueness of psychoanalysis, the psychoanalyst, and the patient. Throughout his book, he shows an enviable lightness of touch worthy of Balint himself.' --Ken Robinson, British Psychoanalytical Society, Visiting Professor of Psychoanalysis, Northumbria University