What is the main characteristic of Yalom's first stage 'Initial'?

• A. Cohesion
• B. Orientation
• C. Termination
• D. Conflict

Answer: (B)

The main concept tested is the Orientation phase of Yalom's group therapy model. In the initial stage, members are coming together, testing the waters, and figuring out how the group works. The defining characteristic is orientation: participants seek to understand the group's purpose, the rules and boundaries, confidentiality, and what they can expect from the process and the leader. The leader's job is to establish safety, clarify goals, and model respectful, predictable structure so anxiety can lessen and trust can begin to form. As this foundation is laid, members start to feel more comfortable and the group moves toward greater cohesion in later stages. Cohesion is more about bonding after trust develops, termination is the final stage, and conflict can arise but isn’t the hallmark of the opening phase.