This document discusses the importance of a client's perception of the pace and momentum of their recovery journey. It references research by Philip Zimbardo on time perspective and how focusing on a positive future orientation can benefit those in recovery from issues like PTSD. For clients in a supported housing program, checking in about how they experience the pace of their recovery plan allows it to move at a speed that is psychologically comfortable. This helps clients feel in control and that there is no time pressure, encouraging ongoing engagement and progress in their individual recovery goals.

1. connected recovery
& consumer tempos
James Healy,
BSc.(Hons) Psych, MBPsS, MA.
Sept 2012
PiR

2. “ Time perspective is one of the most powerful influences on all
of human behavior…people become biased to being
exclusively past-, present- or future-oriented.”
Philip G. Zimbardo, The Time Paradox.
time perspective: a PiR consideration…
Zimbardo’s work has often caught my attention, from Stanford Prison study through
to the ‘Lucifer Effect’ and his more recent work on the psychology of time
perspective. Evidence was emerging from 2009+ that people in recovery, including
many veterans with PTSD, could:
‘discover a new life rich with opportunities, friends, family, fun and work by
being exposed to this simple, elegant reframing of their mental orientation
toward the life of their time,’ Zimbardo said.
Around this time, JH started devel. prog. Hless men, complex needs, MH +
dual diag – being mindful of time/pace/tempo a key aspect of Hannickprog

3. time perspective: • experiential evidence on
the importance of client
perception of
pace/momentum of their
recovery journey
• Zimbardo: The Time
Paradox
• + Zimbardo’s subsequent
applied research on PTSD
and ‘future positive’
recovery steps
(see end slide)
Supporting homeless men on an
integrated and person centered
residential recovery prog led me to
recognise the crucial importance of
checking in with each consumer as to
how they were experiencing the pace
of implementation of the various
elements of their recovery plan and
journey.
Pace would alter and vary for us all –
eg. ‘Tom’ having accessed his first
Next Step appt. may then feel a bit
more comfortable about considering
reengaging with DCP a little earlier
than previously planned…or
later…he may want to dedicate more
time upfront to AOD…

4. time perspective: JH briefed Alma St(Dec 2010)
What this meant in practice on the Hannickprog was that small but significant initial
action steps helped clients to feel a gradual reorientation from crisis to recovery –
‘Brian’ would like to walk with me to the library next Tues, ‘ having met Sarah from
Centrelink here on site, Tomasz would now like to devote some time next week to
work-shopping his health related priorities…’

5. time perspective: momentum
consideration of tempo, pace of client’s recovery:
• clients having ownership of pace a foundation and building block of self efficacy
• as PiR target pple severe & persistent MI, combined with complex and unmet needs, the
initial engagement periods with their PiR Support Facilitator should allow for series of
uncovery sessions or crisis/situational debrief between client and SF
• yes, pple referred in to PiR will come with referral notes and/or assessment findings, but my
work with H’less men w. complex needs (including high MH profile) reinforced the
importance of building trust and hearing the clients perspectives of their needs, strengths,
priorities absolutely crucial
• it may be that a priority for onepersonis immediate contact with eg. Centrelink Community
Team – not just for practical material support, but to allay existing fears about being unwell
and mildly afraid of their Centrelink history or current status
• it may be that realisation of one goal – ‘booking in’ with ATAPS or Better Access referral to
clin psych – opens up the other possibilities that are valuable to the consumer

6. sequence of initial appointments
•debrief/disclose
•reinforce range and
positives of Pir
•identify + discuss
immediate consumer
priorities
initial • intro to PiR plan
• priority referrals
2nd
appt.
• counselling/situational
debrief
• updates/feedback
• plan formulation
3rd
appt.
for PiR participants to know that these initial appointments are just the beginning
of a support facilitated journey of recovery – tip of the iceberg – in terms of PiR’s
scope and potential for making many areas of their lives better, not just more
manageable, and that they don’t have to walk alone in fear or confusion, may
evolve through positive early PiR experiences of being heard, valued and
respected.

7. time perspective: “I’m at the start of my recovery
journey”
consumer realisation/experience/reassurance that there’s no ticking clock…
• in working with homeless men, it was very important to inform and reassure clients that they
were safe – they could literally and metaphorically take a deep breath, and sense that their
needs, priorities, concerns and fears could be expressed, explored at a pace that was
psychologically/emotionally comfortable and sustainable
• recovery is a very personal journey and PiR should deliver very personal support:
“Tom, your plan at this stage contains some very significant elements that are important to
you. You’ve identified reconnecting with your daughter as a fundamental goal and you
indicated in your initial PiR plan that the referral to OT to support your osteo condition +
associated living needs + an initial assessment with Next Step re the Methamphetaine are
both steps that you’ve decided you’re ready to take…”
• again, it may be that realisation of one goal – ‘Tom’s’ 27 and wants to regain mobility but “I
wouldn’t be seen dead in one of them oldy movers!”
• Tom sees OT and we also work on securing him an electric pushbike – opens up the other
possibilities that are valuable to Tom, the consumer.
• self efficacy facilitated – “hey, I can do this recovery thing with a bit of meaning & creativity!”

8. DEEWR
“I’m at the start of my recovery journey, and I’m beginning to realise that
PiR will plug me in, when I’m ready, to loads of good things”

9. • Philip Zimbardo (Stanford University) focused on a topic that's occupied
his research in recent years - time perspective theory.
• This states that each of us has a bias towards thinking in terms of either
the past, the present or the future.
• In turn, each of these orientations comes in two forms - there's past
positive and past negative; present-hedonistic and present-fatalistic; and
goal setters versus those focused on the transcendental future.
• Recently the theory has been applied in a therapeutic context, helping
veterans with PTSD acquire more positive time perspectives.
• 'It is so rewarding to see many of our honored veterans... discover a new
life rich with opportunities, friends, family, fun and work by being
exposed to this simple, elegant reframing of their mental orientation
toward the life of their time,' Zimbardo said.
time perspective: Zimbardo synopsis
source: the Psychologist (BPS) 2011