The typical subject-object separation between observer and observed in science is not the only characterization of doctor or therapist-patient relationships. Based on the assumption that insights about the environment can also be gained through observations of oneself and one's own reactions to the world, Michael Balint relied on a different medium for information gathering - self-observation in a group. Balint groups became a model for supervision with a dual focus on professional development (reflection on the relationship) and method development (adjustment of one's own intervention). A dialogue between the authors further opens up new perspectives and provides space for controversies.