The Body Keeps the Score
Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
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4.4 • 912 Ratings
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- $9.99
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.
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 long-term 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 outlets 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. The hopeful message of The Body Keeps the Score is that when it comes to trauma, there are many ways to heal.
Customer Reviews
The best book on trauma, for professionals and patients. Explains, and offers hope
I was abused throughout my childhood. I ended up a runaway in the late sixties, and at 14 was assaulted for five days in the St. Louis youth facility.
Nothing matches this book for explaining me to me. With accessible and powerful language, anecdotes, and good science, van der Kolk makes the case for how trauma rewires us, and what we can do about it.
I have waited for this book my whole life.
11 years later
We’re in a moment of cultural backlash for this book. I read it so that I could make my own decisions about it. I’ve seen negative takes on it from people I’m now convinced haven’t actually read it. So here’s my take (I’m about to graduate with a bachelor in social work)—
I feel like the “thing” that became popularized was EMDR, and there’s nothing wrong with that but I think there is so much potential for other treatments praised in the book — neural feedback techniques, theater programs, an interesting form of therapy I had never heard of: the Pesso Boyden System of Psychomotor therapy. The point of the author was that the rigid standards of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology aren’t going to work with a lot of trauma survivors. He emphasizes the important of social connection and scathes at the individualistic nature of modern psychology - these are two of the criticisms I’ve read about the book that I do not agree with at all.
Anyway, if you’re coming to this from a place of curiosity please have an open mind, there are a lot of good things in here. It’s not perfect, so what? Take what works and leave the rest. And if talk therapy works for you, great. It hasn’t worked for me which is why I’m in school and trying to self educate at the same time.
Must Read
I experienced every emotion and had a difficult time putting it down. I found myself highlighting and bookmarking for future reference, something I have never done outside of coursework. Everyone can benefit from the information and resources throughout—either personally or by sharing without someone they know in need.