Ivy Thomas

Zero Expectations Ivy Thomas

This book offers a sincere look at the Supported Housing sector through the eyes of a former drug and alcohol addict, and prisoner, turned front line worker: Zayne is gripping the rail of a balcony on the 24th floor of the Pegasus hotel. His thoughts take him to his efforts of supporting vulnerable adults and the impact that Austerity has on these vulnerable people, and front line workers, in this sector of our society. He gives a hands on theoretical introduction of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques to staff and puts theory into practice, working with real caseloads such as; Zachariah, an apparent racist and one time 'angriest person in Britain, ' who finds his understanding of confrontation an excuse for excess violence, and TJ, with the vacant look of depression; despair in his eyes, unable to utter his own name, and suffers panic attacks to the point of chronic agoraphobia. A fascinatingly true story, entwined with parables and tales of his turbulent past; this book also offers Brief Intervention for drug and alcohol addiction, and an introduction, with easy to follow instructions to Mindfulness Meditation which is becoming increasingly popular in the western hemisphere as a stress reduction tool.