Testimonials
From some of our Balint groups run to date:
Barristers
Bar Council Pilot
“The sessions were fantastic. My expectations were exceeded three-fold. I honestly had no idea what to expect, but the sessions were exactly what I needed.”
Barrister, Chancery & Commercial Bar“It's really been life-changing in terms of work, and challenged my internal monologue that this is just the way things are and I need to just put up with it.”
Barrister, Crime & Family Bar“Hearing from other (more experienced) practitioners about their outlook on things, as well as hearing about the issues they face in their practice, normalised a lot of my own fears and worries and also helped me gain better perspectives and boundaries about my own issues.”
Crime & Family barrister“The weight that was lifted after I shared scenarios with the group was crazy. I didn’t realise the stress, anxiety and trauma I was carrying around due to certain experiences within this career.”
Chancery & Commercial barrister“We don’t talk enough with other barristers about the concerns in our working lives.”
Chancery & Commercial“A more objective approach to work, a perspective that it's not just me and we all go through similar issues and thought processes.”
Crime & Family barrister“The sessions were extremely useful. I took real comfort in having them as a monthly release valve. The group was a safe space and I looked forward to hearing from the other participants.”
Barrister, Chancery & Commercial Bar“I think that these sessions should be made available more widely to barristers in practice. The Bar has a problem with failing to talk openly about emotional, psychological and relational aspects of the job. These sessions are a step towards solving that problem.”
Barrister, Chancery & Commercial Bar“It was non-judgmental and reflective, which was a welcome antidote to being in a profession where we are expected to produce answers and measurable outcomes.”
Barrister, Crime & Family Bar“Everyone was really supportive and caring, and there wasn't a sense of judgment in the room. I felt really able to express my opinions and feelings.”
Barrister, Crime & Family Bar“It is a good opportunity to interact with and learn from other members of the Bar, both junior and senior, who often offer new perspectives.”
Barrister, Chancery & Commercial BarSolicitors
Partners at full service national law firm
“We don't have enough time to meet or support each other as salaried partners and can feel a little isolated at times, so having that peer support in a safe, confidential space was great.”
“I have been able to let off steam, sense check ideas, and troubleshoot and brainstorm what to do. It has been so helpful from this point of view.”
“Being able to take a step back. Reflecting on what others have said on how to deal with a difficult issue, and sometimes using their constructive feedback to see if that would make a difference — which in some instances it has.”
“That I am not the only person having difficult issues with some clients.”
“I felt supported by those in the group, I feel better equipped to deal with difficult client issues and I know where I can go for support!”
“A new way of looking at things and closer connection with those in my group.”
Lawyers
Canadian law firm
“Our Balint Group has brought colleagues together in a supportive space to reflect on challenging experiences, build relational intelligence that we can use beyond the sessions, and stay more connected to our own well-being. It has helped our lawyers feel more sustained and engaged in their work while continuing to provide excellent client service.”
Partner, head of Health Law Group