The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

By Bessel van der Kolk

Book Overview

A pioneering researcher and one of the world's foremost experts on traumatic stress offers a bold new paradigm for healing 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. Such experiences inevitably leave traces on minds, emotions, and even on biology. Sadly, trauma sufferers frequently pass on their stress to their partners and children. Renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score , he transforms our understanding of traumatic stress, revealing how it literally rearranges the brain's wiring--specifically areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust. He shows how these areas can be reactivated through innovative treatments including neurofeedback, mindfulness techniques, play, yoga, and other therapies. Based on Dr. van der Kolk's own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score offers proven alternatives to drugs and talk therapy--and a way to reclaim lives.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670785938
• ISBN13: 9780670785933
• Release Date: September 2014
• Publisher: Viking
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Did not like this book

I had heard this was supposed to be a good book. I gave up reading it before I got halfway through. I don't think it's necessary to tell such traumatic stories to get the ideas across and I didn't like the attitude of the author. I wish I hadn't read any of this book.

This book did more for me than most of the licensed mental health “professionals” I previously had

This book helped me realize so many aspects about myself that made it easier to articulate in therapy. It also helped me find a better suited psychologist for myself after realizing how much my previous ones lacked in understanding trauma. There’s so much helpful information on dealing with trauma. It was also such a relief to relate to many of their anecdotes on the patients mentioned.

Must Have for Understanding Trauma

"THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE" - The research, and explanations are far superior to any other psychology based literature regarding traumatized individuals. DR. BESSEL VAN DER KOLK, using an abundance of research from fellow researcher's, and his own, has put together one of the most eye opening pieces of mental health literature I've read! This book is a must have for anyone working towards a better understanding of traumas and their effects. --CJ

Best book ever.

I absolutely LOVE this book!