The Body Keeps the Score

Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

De: Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

Narrado por: Sean Pratt

#1 New York Times bestseller

“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.

Cover image: © 2020 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Courtesty of the Archives Henri Matisse, All rights reserved.

Interesting read....a little retraumatizing

This book was very interesting however I had a hard time listening to more than 15 mins at a time due to explanation of others traumatic experiences. Kind of retraumatizing if you are still in a healing state

I have new understanding and compassion for traumatized people

I wish that I had this understanding when I was a teen, or at least young adult, before I became a parent. I have so much more compassion for anyone traumatized or affected by someone’s trauma (which is everyone), including myself. I wish everyone would listen to this and hopefully understand and utilize the material presented.

Truly beneficial hints and reveals of trauma

Like so many others, I’ve had my fair share of unnecessary trauma, without a need to relive it through description. While there were a couple of places I didn’t agree, it’s to be expected that seldom will people agree 100%. And I obviously agreed with most—otherwise, I wouldn’t have finished.

My biggest takeaway was that while I used to think being a perfectionist was a notable trait, I’ve more recently determined that, with the Yin and Yang of life, it’s impossible. Yet, I failed understanding why, but only knew it was impossible to expect to fulfill it, due to a variety of outlooks. What I wasn’t able to figure out, until listening to this book, was WHY it was important for me to be perfect. Hearing that my modus operandi was faulty, opened a new door to understanding—after pulling my car over to cry. Perfect people don’t get punished.

Buying The Body Knows the Score just to have that single thought delivered to me, following so much pain and confusion, would be worth listening to it five times. Thank you.

Facts

Well written and beautifully narrated it’s no wonder that people rave about (and study and implement) Dr van der Kolk’s groundbreaking contribution to humanity. Fascinating and meaningful!! 10/10!!!!

VALIDATION

What I got most from this book was validation. Although I am not a survivor of a brutal rape, military service, or a horrible car crash I found this book spoke to my traumatized parts. It's easy to listen to and can be understood by a layperson. I have recommended it to everyone with a traumatic last.