The Flash Concept The Flash concept in Balint's Psychoanalytic Theory and in the Balint-Work

Balint's flash concept is the most powerful outcome of his lifelong, theoretical-clinical research, but theoretically it is not so easy to capture and define his nature. The article first deals with the development of the applied psychoanalysis of Balint and his preferred partners, the family physicians. The article then elaborates on the flash concept and his theoretical background. It draws on elements that not only come from psychoanalytic theory but also from phenomenology (empathy) and from neuroscience (mirror neurons). The so defined concept of Flash can provide enriching contributions to better understand the "tuning in" between the patient and the therapist, as well as the interaction between the participants of a Balint group.