
[Summary] “Finding Solid Ground: Overcoming Obstacles in Trauma Treatment,” by Bethany L. Brand, Hugo J. Schielke, Francesca Schiavone, and Ruth A. Lanius provides a framework for understanding trauma-related disorders (TRDs) and the impact of trauma on the brain and body. The excerpt focuses on dissociation, a common symptom of TRD, particularly in cases of complex trauma and neglect, which is linked to the development of dissociative self-states (DSS) and the difficulty in managing emotions. The authors outline a treatment approach for TRD patients, emphasizing the importance of establishing safety, managing dysregulation, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. They advocate for the use of grounding techniques to manage ungrounded states, which are triggered by a perceived threat, and encourage the development of emotional tolerance to decrease reliance on unhealthy behaviors. The excerpt includes a set of practical guidelines for therapists working with TRD patients, offering concrete strategies for managing dissociative symptoms, unsafe behaviors, and shame.