What Is Finding Solid Ground?
Finding Solid Ground (FSG) is a structured, evidence-based psychoeducational program designed for individuals living with the effects of complex trauma, dissociation, and trauma-related disorders. Developed by trauma researchers and clinicians including Bethany Brand, Ruth Lanius, and colleagues, the program helps individuals build safety, emotional regulation, self-understanding, and coping skills before engaging in deeper trauma processing.
Rather than focusing immediately on traumatic memories, Finding Solid Ground emphasizes stabilization, grounding, self-compassion, and practical skills that help people function more effectively in daily life. It is commonly used alongside individual psychotherapy and can be adapted for individual, group, inpatient, or outpatient settings.
What Does the Program Teach?
The program consists of eight major modules that build practical skills for recovery. Topics include:
1. Grounding
- Recognizing dissociation
- Returning attention to the present moment
- Developing grounding skills for distress and overwhelm
2. Separating Past from Present
- Identifying trauma triggers
- Distinguishing current reality from traumatic memories
- Increasing awareness of present-day safety and resources
3. Additional Foundations
- Understanding trauma responses
- Building emotional awareness
- Increasing self-observation without judgment
4. Getting and Feeling Safer
- Recognizing unsafe situations and behaviors
- Developing practical safety plans
- Establishing healthier boundaries
5. Addressing Trauma-Based Thinking
- Identifying trauma-driven beliefs
- Challenging self-blame, shame, and catastrophic thinking
- Developing more balanced perspectives
6. Improving Relationships with Emotions and Body Sensations
- Understanding emotions as important signals
- Learning to tolerate and regulate difficult feelings
- Increasing connection with bodily experience
7. Working with Parts of Self
- Understanding internal conflict
- Increasing cooperation among different aspects of self
- Building self-compassion and internal communication
8. Maintaining Progress
- Preventing setbacks
- Strengthening resilience
- Building a sustainable recovery plan
What Does the Research Show?
Finding Solid Ground emerged from the Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders (TOP DD) research program, one of the largest investigations of treatment for dissociative disorders conducted to date.
Research has found that participation in the program is associated with:
- Reduced dissociative symptoms
- Reduced PTSD symptoms
- Improved emotional regulation
- Increased self-compassion
- Reduced self-injurious behavior
- Greater ability to remain grounded and present
- Improved daily functioning ย
In 2025, a randomized controlled trial involving nearly 300 participants provided additional evidence supporting the effectiveness of Finding Solid Ground for individuals with complex trauma and dissociation. Participants demonstrated meaningful improvements in trauma-related symptoms and functioning.
How Finding Solid Ground Fits Into Therapy
Finding Solid Ground is not intended to replace psychotherapy. Instead, it serves as a structured framework that can support trauma-informed treatment by helping clients:
- Develop stabilization skills
- Increase emotional regulation
- Build safety and self-compassion
- Reduce dissociative symptoms
- Strengthen readiness for deeper therapeutic work
Many individuals find that learning these foundational skills makes subsequent trauma-focused therapy more manageable and effective.
Recommended Resources
For Clients
The Finding Solid Ground Program Workbook
A structured workbook containing psychoeducational readings, exercises, worksheets, and practical skills for managing complex trauma and dissociation. The workbook is designed to be used alongside therapy whenever possible.
For Clinicians
Finding Solid Ground: Overcoming Obstacles in Trauma Treatment
A clinician guide that provides the theoretical foundations, research evidence, assessment recommendations, and implementation strategies for the Finding Solid Ground approach. ย
Important Note
Finding Solid Ground is an educational and skills-based program. It is generally most effective when used in conjunction with trauma-informed psychotherapy and appropriate mental health support. Individuals experiencing significant trauma-related symptoms, dissociation, or safety concerns are encouraged to work collaboratively with a qualified mental health professional.