Universality Group Intervention

Universality Group Practice Intervention
Universality is a group practice intervention that is an applied during times a client may feel as if their concerns and stressors in life are not shared by others. Often times people feel alone in the world when dealing with struggle, this is where universality is commonly applied. Universality can offer a client a new perspective, one where shared group experiences give a client the security in knowing others may struggle with similar issues, while also creating self-confidence.
Source of intervention
Universality, although it is a group intervention practice, is also a common bond shared among people from the beginning of time. Finding connections and likeness with other individuals is often done naturally through human interaction and experience. Irvin Yalom, a well-known psychiatrist and professor formally introduced universality as group practice intervention in 1995. Yalom’s creation of therapeutic factors set standards for group practice intervention.

Objectives and goals of the intervention
Group therapy is often only a successful support group if universality is achieved. Regarding this idea, one can imagine the ineffectiveness of group therapy if members do not feel they share similar experiences or troubles. Attending group therapy, more often than not, is a way for a client to make connections with those in these groups and have a safe and trusting space to discuss and work through issues. Connecting people who feel alone with their struggles to others in similar circumstances and creating self-confidence is the objective and overall goal of this group practice intervention.

Populations for which the intervention is intended
Universality as a group therapy intervention is intended to target those who feel like the problems they face in life are isolated issues.

Anyone who feels isolated or misunderstood can benefit from this intervention. Age, race, sex, ability, and any other physical factors do not play a role in who this intervention should serve. Regarding universality, the mental state of an individual decides if this group intervention should be used.
Materials needed for implementation
Materials to achieve the idea of universality are seemingly simple, but often times can be a challenge. Although no physical materials are required, client willingness to voice their concerns and fears to other group members can often be challenging. Combating this issue begins with the group leader. Making group members feel comfortable in confiding with other members must begin with a safe space to do so and encouragement from group

leaders.
Time required for implementation
Implementation of universality can be achieved during group therapy at any time. Often this happens in as little as one group meeting if the members feel comfortable to share their struggles. Another possibility of achieving universality early in group meetings is if the group leader is clear in stating to all members the idea of open communication as well as mutual respect for all in attendance. Often a time cannot be placed on this intervention as it depends on a client’s comfortability with discussing their concerns.
Description of intervention
Understanding this idea of universality, one can think of an alcoholics anonymous meeting that is in attendance for the first time. One the meeting has begun a group leader should always start with an introduction as well as relaying group rules and regulations to the members. Open communication and respect, as stated above, is key to achieving universality. Establishing this intervention in a group therapy setting is highly important, as group therapy in itself is often the definition of universality; an intervention practice for members to connect with others who share similar strife and ultimately overcome these struggles.