This paper seeks to gain a sociological purchase on contemporary forms of psychoanalytically-derived expertise. Through a case study of Michael Balint's influential work with general medical practitioners in post-war Britain, it is argued that psychoanalytic forms of intervention actually bear some striking resemblances to various aspects of the more conventionally `scientific' disciplines. Finally, the paper considers the status of psychoanalysis and general practice as instruments for the `government of subjectivity' in our times.