Social Policy

A Psychoanalytic Lens on Social Issues

Psychoanalytic modes of thinking offer a profound lens for understanding often seemingly intractable social and political issues. While conventional research focuses on external metrics, the psychoanalytic research method focuses on human subjectivity and the hidden impediments to desired change.

By studying people actively in the process of change, we bring psychological depth and extra value to the analysis of a wide range of social phenomena, including:

• Complex Societal Challenges: Gaining deeper insight into interpersonal violence, gang culture, and radicalisation.

• Breaking Transgenerational Cycles: Understanding the deep-seated psychological barriers that contribute to persistent poverty.

• Health and Well-being: Addressing modern societal pressures such as body shaming, eating disorders, and broader mental health challenges.

• Family & Early Intervention: Supporting initiatives focused on parenting, adoption, family law, and the critical "first 1,000 days" of child development.

Practical Support for Policymakers

We bring a unique depth and richness to policy and programme development. By providing targeted psychological insights alongside practical support, we help policymakers and organisations develop ideas that are logically sound and emotionally sustainable for the communities they serve.

Our Track Record

Balint Consultants have a long history of contributing to high-level social policy developments. We work in partnership with a wide range of sectors, including:

• Government Departments, including the UK’s Department for Education (DfE), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

• Charities and Pressure Groups

• Lobbying Organisations and Corporate Business

We welcome enquiries from all sectors and are always happy to engage in informal discussions to explore how we can bring psychoanalytic depth to your project.