The Body Keeps the Score

464 pages, 2015

Bessel A. van der Kolk

Takeaways

Description

Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.

Understanding Trauma

Bessel A. van der Kolk's book, The Body Keeps the Score, helps us understand that trauma is not just a mental issue, but it also affects our bodies. He explains how our bodies can hold onto traumatic experiences, causing physical and emotional distress.

The Impact of Childhood Trauma

The book explores the long-term effects of childhood trauma. It shows how early life experiences can shape our adult lives, affecting our relationships, mental health, and even our physical wellbeing. It's a must-read for anyone looking to understand the roots of their struggles.

Healing from Trauma

Healing from trauma is possible, and this book shows you how. It digs into various therapeutic methods, from traditional talk therapy to more innovative approaches like yoga and neurofeedback. It's a great resource for anyone seeking to find a path to recovery.

The Brain and Trauma

The Body Keeps the Score takes a deep look into how trauma affects the brain. It explains how traumatic experiences can change the way our brain functions, leading to issues like PTSD. If you're interested in neuroscience, this book is a fascinating read.

The Importance of Body Awareness

Lastly, the book emphasizes the importance of body awareness in healing from trauma. It encourages us to listen to our bodies and understand the signals they're sending us. This can be a powerful tool in overcoming trauma and leading a healthier life.

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The Body Keeps the Score is a transformative work that offers new hope for those who have been traumatized. It is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the profound effects of trauma.

Brené Brown - Researcher, Author

Van der Kolk's masterpiece combines the boundless curiosity of the scientist, the erudition of the scholar, and the passion of the truth teller.

Daniel J. Siegel - Psychiatrist, Author

The Body Keeps the Score is a brilliant synthesis of clinical cases, neuroscience, powerful tools and caring humanity, offering a whole new level of healing for the traumas carried in our bodies.