The Body Keeps the Score: Healing Trauma and Rediscovering the Self with Bessel Van der Kolk

Bookey
3 min readDec 22, 2023

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The Body Keeps The Score

What does Bessel van der Kolk believe?

Bessel van der Kolk is a renowned psychiatrist and author who is known for his extensive research and work in the field of trauma and its impact on mental health. Through his research and clinical experience, he has come to believe that unresolved trauma is a significant factor in various mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Van der Kolk emphasizes the importance of understanding and treating trauma through a comprehensive approach, looking beyond the traditional methods of talk therapy. He advocates for the utilization of various modalities, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), neurofeedback, yoga, mindfulness, and other body-centered therapies, to help individuals heal from trauma.

Additionally, he stresses the significance of understanding the neurobiology of trauma and how it affects the brain and body. Van der Kolk believes that trauma is stored in the body and can have long-lasting effects if not properly addressed. He promotes the use of somatic experiencing and other body-oriented therapies to help individuals release and process stored trauma.

Overall, Bessel van der Kolk’s beliefs revolve around the understanding and treatment of trauma as a root cause of various mental health disorders, and he advocates for a holistic approach that includes both body and mind in the healing process.

How credible is The Body Keeps the Score?

“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk is widely regarded as a highly credible and authoritative book on the topic of trauma and its effects on the body and mind.

Van der Kolk is a respected psychiatrist and researcher in the field of trauma, and he draws on his extensive experience and knowledge to present a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals. The book is also based on a wide range of studies, research papers, and clinical evidence, making it highly reliable and credible.

Moreover, “The Body Keeps the Score” has received widespread recognition and praise from both professionals and the general public. It has been referenced and recommended by numerous mental health experts, trauma specialists, and educators. The book’s credibility is further enhanced by its inclusion in academic syllabi and its ongoing influence in shaping trauma treatment approaches.

Overall, “The Body Keeps the Score” is considered a highly credible resource that provides valuable insights into the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of trauma.

What book is The Body Keeps the Score based on?

The Body Keeps the Score is a book written by Bessel van der Kolk, a psychiatrist and trauma expert. The book is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s extensive research and clinical experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma. It combines scientific research, personal stories, and therapeutic techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of how trauma affects the mind and body. Dr. van der Kolk draws from a range of sources, including neuroscience, psychology, and sociology, to explain the impact of trauma on memory, emotions, and physical health. The book also explores various treatment approaches, including yoga, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and neurofeedback, as well as the importance of self-care and community support for healing from trauma.

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