1) WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE BRITE TRAINING?

BRITE training involves a single full-day face to face event (9am-4pm) or virtual event (9am-3 pm) designed to provide attendees with foundational information on trauma and resilience; the knowledge and skills to effectively engage clients and facilitate a BRITE group and/or provide elements of the BRITE program in individual sessions. There is an emphasis on group facilitation skills grounded in adult learning principles.

2) WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A BRITE PROGRAM?

BRITE is for adults (18+) for whom adverse life events may be contributing to mental, emotional, substance use or physical health challenges affecting success and satisfaction in living, learning, educational and/or social environments. The BRITE program was designed to be helpful to adults across clinical/health conditions, program settings and cultural background.

3) WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM ATTENDING THE FULL DAY TRAINING?

The training is designed to increase the knowledge and skills of staff who will likely deliver the program in group or individual modalities. Supervisors would benefit from the training in order to better supervise and support staff. Furthermore, all clinical practitioners, directors and senior administrators interested in understanding the concept of resilience and the implications of this approach with respect to policies, practices and organizational vision.

4) WHO PROVIDES BRITE IN A GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL MODALITY?

Mental health practitioners, substance use counselors, peer specialists, residential counselors and other staff who are expected by their agency to provide BRITE type services in groups and/or individual modalities as part of their usual responsibilities, have their supervisors support as needed AND have completed the full day training in implementing BRITE.

5) HOW DOES BRITE ADDRESS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS?

The BRITE program was intentionally designed to be highly non-prescriptive and self-directed. The language, format and content of the workbook enables each participant to engage in the process and make choices that align with his/her values, preferences and cultural perspective.

6) WHAT TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMS COULD IMPLEMENT BRITE?
Any provider of mental health, substance use, physical health and/or safety net related services to adults for whom the impact of adverse life events is likely to be a significant factor in the person’s current difficulties. Furthermore, BRITE may be helpful to service providers who have or plan to integrate a resiliency-building approach as part of their organizational mission and vision.

7) DOES THE GROUP NEED TO COMPLETE ALL 24 LESSONS?

No. A program may decide to use only a subset of the lessons based on the type of services offered, how long clients are involved and the needs of the clients served. However, it is recommended that the lessons on goals, strengths, understanding trauma and understanding and building resilience be included. The BRITE workbook is a flexible resource that respects the clinical decisions of providers and the felt need of the clients.

8) HOW LONG IS EACH LESSON?

The length of time for each lesson is usually 45-60 minutes. Some lessons may take two or more sessions based on the needs of the clients. The decision is made between the group facilitators and the participants. If the organization aims to complete all lessons, it will likely take 6-7 months of weekly meetings to complete the entire program. A BRITE group may also meet more than once weekly.

9) WHAT IS AN OPTIMAL GROUP SIZE?

Generally, groups work best with a maximum of 8-10 participants.