Group-based psychoeducation for dissociative disorders: Reducing PTSD and dissociative symptoms while enhancing...

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Finding Solid Ground (FSG) program, delivered through psychoeducational groups, as an adjunct to individual therapy for adults with dissociative disorders (DDs).

In this naturalistic study, seventy-two adults with DDs were recruited to participate in a 31-week FSG psychoeducational program across multiple outpatient sites while continuing individual psychotherapy. Participants completed assessments at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint, measuring dissociative symptoms, PTSD symptoms, emotion regulation, and adaptive capacities. Analyses examined changes over time and controlled for demographic variables.

Forty-seven participants completed all assessments (70% retention). The sample was predominantly female (81%) and White (81%), with an average of 4.6 psychiatric diagnoses. Participation in the FSG program was associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms (Cohen's d = 1.0, large effect), emotion regulation difficulties (Cohen's d = 0.8, large effect), and dissociative symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.5, medium effect), as well as significant improvements in adaptive capacities (Cohen's d = 0.8, large effect). Improvements were evident by Week 15 and sustained or further increased by Week 31. Results remained robust after adjusting for demographic variables. Reported effect sizes reflect changes from baseline to Week 31.

The FSG program, delivered in a group format as an adjunct to individual therapy, produced significant reductions in PTSD and dissociative symptoms and improvements in emotion regulation and adaptive functioning among adults with DDs. These findings suggest that the FSG program, delivered in group settings, may serve as an effective adjunctive treatment for stabilizing adults with DDs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).