Book Review: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
I came across this book through my experience in a CBT certification class and attendance at a seminar hosted by the Alumni program of FMCA. I was highly recommended, and upon reading it, I understand why. Bessel van der Kolk, a pioneering psychiatrist, delves deeply into trauma through his extensive practice and research, exploring its intricate relationship with the brain and body. The book underscores the interconnectedness of the body and mind, illustrating how trauma not only manifests emotionally but also physically and neurobiologically. Van der Kolk draws on decades of research and clinical experience, providing a comprehensive perspective on trauma and offering valuable insights into effective treatments.
Key Lessons Acquired:
Comprehensive Understanding of Trauma: The book provided me with a profound understanding of how trauma affects individuals on emotional, psychological, and physiological levels.
Holistic Impact – Mind and Body: Trauma's effects extend beyond the psychological realm, impacting physical manifestations and behavior. The body serves as a reservoir for trauma, retaining memories.
Hope in Healing and Neuroplasticity: Despite the adverse effects of trauma, the book highlights the brain's capacity for change, healing, and recovery, offering hope for those on the path to recovery.
Therapeutic Significance: The author's exploration of various therapeutic approaches emphasizes the importance of finding personalized treatments that consider both psychological and physiological aspects. There's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Encouragement for Holistic Healing: The author advocates for integrating diverse healing methods, including yoga, mindfulness, neurofeedback, EMDR, and other innovative therapies.
My Top 10 Quotes:
"Trauma is not what happens to us but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness."
"Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health."
"Recovery is not about the event; it is about our responses to the event."
"The body keeps the score: If the memory of trauma is encoded in the viscera, in heartbreaking and gut-wrenching emotions, in autoimmune disorders and skeletal/muscular problems, and if mind/brain/viscera interactions are intricately linked, then full recovery needs to involve the entire organism."
"The challenge of recovery is to reestablish ownership of your body and your mind – of yourself."
"The more you are able to know and feel your own truth, the more you will be able to stand up for yourself in all areas of your life."
"Our capacity to destroy one another is matched by our capacity to heal one another."
"What happened to you matters. But it doesn’t have to define you."
"Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience."
“The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.”
Who Should Read This Book?
"The Body Keeps the Score" is a must-read for mental health professionals, counselors, therapists, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of trauma. Those personally navigating trauma and interested in their own journey of recovery will find this book empowering and enlightening.