“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 StudiesA 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.
14 reviews for The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Rated 5 out of 5
Sam (verified owner)–
At time this was a hard book to read due to the subject being trauma, but the content made me reflect back on my way of thinking, problems and how I think about my past. Despite the heavy subject, i found it hard to put down. Highly recommend
Rated 5 out of 5
Philidian Braswell (verified owner)–
Although I am nowhere near done with the book, so far I am loving the information provided. This book is very informative. I think all that work in mental health should read this book. Very good information.
Rated 5 out of 5
ashersnicole (verified owner)–
If you’ve experienced trauma, it can be a bit triggering so take pauses as needed. But it was an insightful read and was very informative. I highly recommend. Makes you wonder why some of the horrible things happen, as it dives into child abuse, and honestly why more isn’t being done to stop it. But it made a lot of sense as to how the body responds; hits you in the feels for sure.
Rated 5 out of 5
I fix stuff for a living (verified owner)–
Bought for family member who talks about connective tissue issues alot. They were very happy to get and read this book.
Rated 5 out of 5
Harmony (verified owner)–
Arrived earlier and I’m just glad it’s here. I started reading on a preview, now I can continue reading.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mudiwa Magano (verified owner)–
So many gems, science and realizations. A very important book for trauma survivors and beyond. Great information to have. I recommend this book to any and everyone!
Rated 5 out of 5
DW (verified owner)–
Indeed the body keeps the score, it’s amazing how our brain wants to help us move on and the body still remembers and slows us down. Great learning.
Rated 5 out of 5
Nate the Great! (verified owner)–
Purchased a few hours ago and worth every penny for the extra shipping fee to have it delivered today. What a relief , so glad to have found this finally . Thanks
Rated 5 out of 5
Lyn Randall (verified owner)–
This book speaks to parts of me that I didn’t even realize I needed to reach. Even during parts of the book that I wouldn’t have thought would mean much to me on a personal level, I find myself completely sucked into the realm of trauma and healing. If you are someone who struggles with trauma, regardless of what kind, this is the book that will help you heal.
Rated 5 out of 5
Nika no-middle name (verified owner)–
Even though author, obviously, a democrat, had to put his 2 cents in at the end, overall, I would say very interesting and insightful book. Hit very close to home and I found myself having a little bit of every disorder the man described… yeah yeah, I know, sad, whatever. The point is, the book opened my eyes to my constant anger issues and I am thankful, I know now that it didn’t come from nowhere and that there are reasons for what and who I am. Thank you.
Rated 5 out of 5
J (verified owner)–
Fair warning it is triggering as fudge. I cried so much while reading it and it took me a good while to finish it,even though I’m a fast reader, as it is a hard book. But boy am I happy I did. It explains so well how traumas can affect your every day life, and it opens so many doors on how to heal and grow. I love it so much.
Rated 5 out of 5
Statchmo (verified owner)–
Absolutely fascinating read. I learned so much from this book and found it very readable for the layman. I have recommended it to several others I know who suffer from PTSD.
Rated 5 out of 5
C. J. Tabaka (verified owner)–
Amazing book…I’m 61 years old and lots of trauma growing up and lots of therapy and finally a book proving what I have been telling Doctors, Therapist, Friend and family…THE BODY NEVER FORGETS…for 53 years I have tried to get people to actually listen to me…not just hear me…focus on my words…anyways…you have given me hope now…thank you!
Sam (verified owner) –
At time this was a hard book to read due to the subject being trauma, but the content made me reflect back on my way of thinking, problems and how I think about my past. Despite the heavy subject, i found it hard to put down. Highly recommend
Philidian Braswell (verified owner) –
Although I am nowhere near done with the book, so far I am loving the information provided. This book is very informative. I think all that work in mental health should read this book. Very good information.
ashersnicole (verified owner) –
If you’ve experienced trauma, it can be a bit triggering so take pauses as needed. But it was an insightful read and was very informative. I highly recommend. Makes you wonder why some of the horrible things happen, as it dives into child abuse, and honestly why more isn’t being done to stop it. But it made a lot of sense as to how the body responds; hits you in the feels for sure.
I fix stuff for a living (verified owner) –
Bought for family member who talks about connective tissue issues alot. They were very happy to get and read this book.
Harmony (verified owner) –
Arrived earlier and I’m just glad it’s here. I started reading on a preview, now I can continue reading.
Mudiwa Magano (verified owner) –
So many gems, science and realizations. A very important book for trauma survivors and beyond. Great information to have. I recommend this book to any and everyone!
DW (verified owner) –
Indeed the body keeps the score, it’s amazing how our brain wants to help us move on and the body still remembers and slows us down. Great learning.
Nate the Great! (verified owner) –
Purchased a few hours ago and worth every penny for the extra shipping fee to have it delivered today. What a relief , so glad to have found this finally . Thanks
Lyn Randall (verified owner) –
This book speaks to parts of me that I didn’t even realize I needed to reach. Even during parts of the book that I wouldn’t have thought would mean much to me on a personal level, I find myself completely sucked into the realm of trauma and healing. If you are someone who struggles with trauma, regardless of what kind, this is the book that will help you heal.
Nika no-middle name (verified owner) –
Even though author, obviously, a democrat, had to put his 2 cents in at the end, overall, I would say very interesting and insightful book. Hit very close to home and I found myself having a little bit of every disorder the man described… yeah yeah, I know, sad, whatever. The point is, the book opened my eyes to my constant anger issues and I am thankful, I know now that it didn’t come from nowhere and that there are reasons for what and who I am. Thank you.
J (verified owner) –
Fair warning it is triggering as fudge. I cried so much while reading it and it took me a good while to finish it,even though I’m a fast reader, as it is a hard book. But boy am I happy I did.
It explains so well how traumas can affect your every day life, and it opens so many doors on how to heal and grow. I love it so much.
Statchmo (verified owner) –
Absolutely fascinating read. I learned so much from this book and found it very readable for the layman. I have recommended it to several others I know who suffer from PTSD.
C. J. Tabaka (verified owner) –
Amazing book…I’m 61 years old and lots of trauma growing up and lots of therapy and finally a book proving what I have been telling Doctors, Therapist, Friend and family…THE BODY NEVER FORGETS…for 53 years I have tried to get people to actually listen to me…not just hear me…focus on my words…anyways…you have given me hope now…thank you!
Gamer (verified owner) –
Would highly recommend it.