The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (Unabridged)
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4.5 • 123 Ratings
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- $17.99
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- $17.99
Publisher Description
#1 New York Times bestseller
“Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding and treating traumatic stress and the scope of its impact on society.” —Alexander McFarlane, Director of the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies
A pioneering researcher transforms our understanding of trauma and offers a bold new paradigm for healing in this New York Times bestseller
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.
Cover image: © 2020 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Courtesty of the Archives Henri Matisse, All rights reserved.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
From domestic violence to sexual abuse, from the loss of a job to the loss of a loved one, trauma affects countless people—and has lasting effects. Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk’s groundbreaking book explores how traumatic experiences can lead to physical problems in addition to mental and emotional suffering. This invaluable guide thoroughly catalogs the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress, from intrusive thoughts to autoimmune disorders. Crucially, Van der Kolk also details treatment options, exploring the positive impact of creative pursuits like writing and dancing, as well as mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga, all of which can help rewire the brain to finally stop reliving the pain. Sean Pratt’s calming narration walks us through these helpful practices, explaining how each can change our lives for the better. The hopeful message of The Body Keeps the Score is that when it comes to trauma, there are many ways to heal.
Customer Reviews
A must read however, buckle up!
The best book I’ve read on trauma and its affect and effect. However, I must say this book may rekindle suppressed experience’s in a persons unconscious.
There is a lot to metabolize, but a very insightful book!
Trust me - you don’t know everything about yourself like you thought you did.
My career background is addictions and mental health - naturally with that comes a feeling of “I know all this stuff already…. I can only be the one to help myself best because I already know the tricks, traumas, and tools. But yet I’m left with a dark void in my life that I just can’t seem to figure out - or perhaps it’s that I can’t understand how to dissect and fill this void on my own, so I’ve left it unchecked. I cannot begin to put in to words how helpful this book has been for me. I have not yet completed it, in fact, I’m only a few chapters in; but I feel the narrator is depicting a personal autobiography directed solely towards myself. The style of writing, the neurological and cognitive science behind trauma and how it fundamentally alters our brains’ chemistry… it just makes sense. It’s helped me to start a path of forgiveness for all the shame and guilt I’ve felt over the years. Allowing me to experience feelings of motivation and feelings of hope that I may truly find a level of peace within myself. This is a MUST read for victims, healthcare professionals both medical and psychiatric; those suffering with addictions; those treating additions; teachers; and simply anyone wanting to expand their knowledge about subjects typically viewed as sensitive due to stigmatization of mental health. This will help you to better recognize signs and symptoms of trauma in your loved ones or your clients. It will help to provide you with a layer of understanding and empathy for when an individual faces a moment of relapse in symptoms, allowing you to change your approach to one that’s supportive and tailored to that individual’s struggles. PLEASE read this book!
Teach this in schools
The best explanation of the most complex system in our body.
Very well done.
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