Leading the Way: Helping Clients Heal Through Finding Solid Ground Groups

Clients with complex trauma and dissociation often struggle to stay present, manage overwhelming emotions, and feel safe in their bodies as well as in relationships. Finding Solid Ground (FSG) is a structured, research-supported program that helps clients build self-understanding, stability, and resilience.

In this interactive 3-hour workshop, Dr. Bethany Brand—the primary investigator of FSG—will provide a brief overview of the program’s eight modules and share research findings demonstrating the benefits of using FSG in group settings across outpatient, inpatient, and virtual contexts. Participants will learn practical ways to teach grounding and stabilization skills in groups, foster a sense of safety and cohesion among members, and manage common challenges such as a member becoming highly dissociated during group.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the best ways of conducting FSG groups and the program’s evidence-based strategies to support trauma recovery and connection.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe research findings supporting the effectiveness of FSG groups.
• Teach and model core grounding and stabilization techniques.
• Identify strategies for managing dissociation and avoidance in groups.
• Foster safety, connection, and self-compassion in group settings.