The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Book details
Summary
Description
“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.
Reader reviews
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1 - 3 of 3 reviews
This is an essential read for ANY one who has experienced life altering event(s). Whether the individual; or those involved with them. My therapist gave this book to my Mr, so he could relate to me on a deeper level. He, in turn; had ME, read it; and it helped explain so much more to me. It's a keeper of a book, and I don't feel it will ever be "dated"; as many tomes can become. The very essence of the work is in fact, "timeless". I can't stress enough the value of this work. I highly recommend it.
This book is well written and simple to understand without context. It has made a large impact on my mental health even only reading a few chapters!
I would recommend this book to anyone!
I was amazed by how approachable and understandable Dr. Van der Kolk made new insights into brain function and evidence based treatments. The many clinical examples were very illustrative of the cases he was discussing.
