ABSTRACT
When you see a strange cat in a weird looking hat, there is no need to lose your composure. Just keep him in view-he will soon grow on you, all you need is a bit more exposure.
Lewis Carroll
THE MEMBERS' ISSUES
The first phase of group development is generally termed "beginnings." In many ways, this early phase parallels ideal early individual development. Beginnings have been likened to infancy, a stage in which the baby learns to trust both himself and his environment (Erikson, 1963). During this phase, the infant learns that father and mother are dependable and still love the infant, even when they must be absent. The idea that the infant can risk certain expressive behaviors and still be rewarded with nurturing is reinforced during this stage as well. As babies advance, they reach out to the environment in general and to significant others in particular, expanding their horizons and feeling safe because the beginning was secure. If there is an early environment of nurturing, consistency, safety, and low frustration, children develop an ability to risk and thereby extend their pools of initial nurturance and learning. Early on, babies also begin to understand the structures under which their families operate and the symbolic exchanges among family members.
