The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Written by Bessel van der Kolk
Narrated by Sean Pratt
4.5/5
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Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this audiobook
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.
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Reviews for The Body Keeps the Score
587 ratings36 reviews
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5The Meat of this Book is in Part Five.
Here is the Outline of Part Five of the Book:
1) Owning your own self -- Taking responsibility for our own self
2) Language -- Speaking it Out
3) Letting Go -- Exploring the Process
4) Learning about our Body -- (Yoga)
5) Self-Leadership -- Knowing Our Internal Landscape
6) Creating Structures -- New Narratives
7) Rewiring your Brain --Neuro-Feedback
8) Finding your Voice -- Theater
I am not sure, if this would work for non-Western cultures or even everyone among Westerners.
I am not sure, if I can recommend this work.
Why? Each Person's Worldview might be different.
Eg: Secular, Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian.
There are fundamental differences in values in each of the above.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book is packed with information on trauma and important ways to deal with it. There’s a lot that’s hard to listen to as the author worked with veterans as well as survivors of childhood and sexual abuse. I think though that even someone not having experienced such hardcore abuse has likely still had more moderate traumatic experiences, and this book explains many different methods for help.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This was a really enlightening book in terms of what I learned. So my star rating is more reflective of trying to cope with too much detail via an e-book and a writer who wanted to tell us all about his training.To be fair, the point Kolk makes is really excellent in explaining that 'trauma' is any situation that impacts our memories. This imprint registers in our brains to either be processed or to elicit and re-elicit the actuality of the event. The book's factual content is certainly in a five-star range, I simply believe it could have been delivered more pointedly.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book has given me my life back. I can't thank the author enough. The text is simple to read, informative, but emotionally taxing, so be warned it may take you through some motions.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Life-changing book that helped me better understand myself. I’ve never been to therapy, but now, I feel more confident that it will help me. I’m working on starting EMDR. My therapist has said things that align with this book. Bessel Van De Kolk helped me identify how to find a good therapist for me. I wish Van De Kolk could be my therapist because he’s so knowledgeable and capable of really helping people.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Good overall information. Although some information is outdated neuroscience. Definitely think the author cherry picks his information on occasion. The overall message is good but take specifics with a grain of salt
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5As a dv-survivor, I offer heartfelt thanks. Heartrending stories, made bearable by the relentless work to help free people from their suffering.
- Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5It could have been said in 1/10 the pages. The endless description of trauma was extraordinarily repetitive. Worse, it didn’t provide any detailed steps on how to deal with trauma. It described what could be done, but nothing practical that someone with trauma could employ. Too long of a book.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Should be required reading for every educator, legislator, parent or leader.
2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Incredible and vital. A necessary and comprehensive read for all.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Awesome, I was able to face painful parts of myself. I feel stronger. Words can’t describe what this book has done in my life. Healing power for sure. Thank you.
2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I was hesitant to start reading this book. It seemed long and even though I had heard good recommendations, I was intimidated by its length.
I was so wrong! The book has an incredible flow, there are chapters presenting theories, research findings but also personal stories and patient cases.
Multiple healing modalities and approaches to trauma release are described and explained. The criticism of conventional trauma treatment is well-elaborated and alternatives are presented.2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Everyone needs to read this. Period. Everyone can relate to something in this book.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Very informative, data driven, and profound. I learned a lot and feel inspired!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It's a must-read for almost everyone, trauma is definitely the most important health issue nowadays. Author has an amazing personality!!! And he describes in details aot of up-to-date methods to deal with traumatic experiences. AMAZING BOOK
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book was God sent because I am able to better understand my loved one having trauma and how and why he acts the way he does.
2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Possibly the most important book I have ever listened to. Everyone should read or listen to this book. It is comforting to know that people like the author are working so hard to ensure every person no matter what their start in life is able to access proper support. Every politician, teacher, police officer, social worker and health practitioner should read it. As someone who has suffered trauma (and I believe most people will at some point in their life) it has also been invaluable in terms of its reassurance and in helping me look to the future. It has also given me so much insight into how the people around me might be feeling and hopefully has made me a more informed empath.
3 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is an incisive and compelling call to action, not only because of our duty to help our fellows who are suffering, but because helping those who need help makes our society better and stronger. And most wonderful of all, it points the way to making a difference, not based on fuzzy feel-good initiatives but on concrete actions that make a difference. Inspiring.
2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of the most impactful books I have ever listened to, both for taking a different look at my own trauma and dealing with that of clients. Highly recommend!
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Grrat book. Very informative and engaging. Id def recommended it.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book is a must-read for beginner social workers and therapists. It provides a thorough overview of both emerging and evidence-based interventions for treating children and adults with trauma. It is inspiring, challenging and gives us the much-needed encouragement to press forward in this difficult line of work.
3 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Excellent book which I found inspirational and very informative. It was easy to read but gave insight into the human condition.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I wish I could award this 6 Stars+ I was seeking more information on how to understand and treat psychosomatic illness, and disorders that are the trickle down from survival of inhospitable life. This book was a well reasoned, and well constructed view of the history and effects of our society's emerging understanding of the neuroscience of emotional pain, and the practical ways that we can hope to address the physiological and interpersonal damage that our emotional scars cause. ... my big words convey my excitement. Basically, it's a really good book and it's quite easy to understand. It tells a lot about methods you can learn and teach to help manage and unravel pain's knots.
It's not for the faint of heart though as it discusses some nasty things that happen people, from acts of war, to child abuse. A good book to read if you are feeling resilient and, hopefully, full of "aha! moments".2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book is clear, concise, superbly well researched, and a challenging but excellent read. As an individual who has overcome immense amounts of trauma, Bessel’s teachings help a person to understand why they have ended up in the situation they are in. He then provides well explained tools to emerge from trauma improving oneself as well as helping others along the way. Thank you!
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book explained so many things. I am going to listen to it again with a print copy in front of me so I can highlight and make notes. The book is written so well! Though the information in it is complex and detailed it is easy to understand and I hated to have to 'put it down!'
3 people found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book was the absolute very best! I learned stuff I never knew existed, I was able to get further knowledge and clarification on topics that I had little awareness of . I had so many Aaahhh moments it was crazy!
Some info I knew but it was more in depth.
I would require this book to be read in Every school, family, Medical Profession, Legal And Correctional Facility, Social Worker and Mental Health Establishment, Psychology Etc....I am speechless actually but in a good way!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5What an indepth insightful reading. Excellent articulation of trauma and its various impacts.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Very insightful and hopeful for all have experienced Trauma and all who want to learn how to help and understand those of us who need to be understood and loved despite everything ❤️?
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I am an attorney specializing, among other things, in the field of mental health disability discrimination. I also represent veterans seeking disability benefits often due to the devastating impact of PTSD. I am presently writing a book dealing with issues of depression and suicide. I found this book incredibly enlightening and comprehensive in its explanation of the physiology of trauma, it’s relaying of novel research in the area and its description of the multiple modalities for addressing and treating trauma. It truly impacted me intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. If I had an extra million dollars, I would certainly want to donate it to the great work of Dr. van der Kolk. 706-346-3693.
3 people found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This book is amazing for anyone dealing with trauma and it provides a great review of lots of different therapies and treatments available for that.
2 people found this helpful