Balint, Labyrinth and TORI
Effective use can also be made of the Balint Method. This involved enactment by workshop participants of various internal “voices” (hopes, fears, doubts, outside advice, et.) that have been identified by a specific participant who is facing a specific problem. (Bergquist, 2014b). Each participant serves as a protagonist (focus of the group’s attention) and “witnesses” the dialogue occurring among those offering specific voices (perspectives) on their problem. Each participant also serves as a “voice” for several of the other participants (and gains personal insights from temporarily embracing these “voices”). A full group conversation occurs after the protagonist shares what they have learned from the enactment of their voices. Additional insights are often gained by other members of the Balint group based on this conversation. Small TORI-like groups are then formed for further in-depth processing of these powerful Balint experiences.
I would also suggest the use of Labyrinth journeys (Pattakos, 2021) as a complement to small group dialogue. A specific Essence is identified by each participant prior to entering a labyrinth. This Essence might be a successful or fulfilling career, serving as a caring and thoughtful parent, or simply leading a life of purpose and meaning. The ins and outs of the labyrinth journey inevitably elicit strong feelings which can be shared in the subsequent small group. I sometimes couple Progoff-related journaling (Progoff, 1992) to the Labyrinth journey. Life and Career Planning can also accompany the labyrinth journey and small group (TORI-like) dialogues. I tend to be “picky” about the site I chose for the labyrinth journey. I am particularly partial to the labyrinth located inside the Grace Cathedral on the top of Nob Hill in San Francisco. I find that the site of a workshop makes a difference. Certain settings seem to be particularly conducive to creation of an environment of Trust. The site of NTL in Bethel Maine might be placed on the list of Trust-ful sites – as might the Torrey Pines Golf Course that Jack Gibb frequented.
These are only three of many workshop designs that can be used to produce a setting in which Trust can be discovered or created—and in which elements of the design (such as the polarity, Balint voicing or labyrinth journeying) tend to produce valuable insights which are then shared with others in a setting of Trust.
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