The Body Keeps the Score — Review & Summary (Bessel van der Kolk)
Overview
- Author: Bessel van der Kolk
- Published: 2014
- Genre: Psychology, Trauma
- Length: ~464 pages
- Language: English
Short Summary
This groundbreaking work explores how trauma affects the brain and body, and how innovative therapies can help people heal.
Key Takeaways
- Trauma changes brain structure and function.
- Healing requires body-based therapies, not just talk therapy.
- Practices like yoga, EMDR, and neurofeedback can restore balance.
Notable Quotes
“The body keeps the score: if the memory of trauma is encoded in the viscera, in heart pounding and gut-wrench, in headaches and insomnia, it is also etched into our immune system.”
Who Should Read This Book?
Therapists, trauma survivors, and anyone interested in the connection between body and mind.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Deeply researched and compassionate.
- Explains trauma in an accessible way.
Cons:
- Can be emotionally heavy for some readers.
Final Verdict
A must-read for understanding trauma and pathways to recovery.
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