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8.83k reviews for:
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Bessel van der Kolk
4.27 AVERAGE
8.83k reviews for:
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Bessel van der Kolk
4.27 AVERAGE
This is a hard book to read emotionally. It is very informative if you work with other people. I am a teacher, and I learned a lot about the student trama behavior. It is a good book but hard also in language in some parts or theory. I think it is a must read, even if difficult.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
A necessary book for anyone who's been through any kind of trauma (especially reoccurring trauma) or any mental health workers. This is the first book I've read on the topic that goes into everything to do with trauma from a psychiatric and medical research standpoint rather than just how to "feel better." For anyone who's lived through multiple traumatic events or traumatic upbringing I'll warn though that it's going to be a very triggering read; dont read this one on the train or in a coffee shop unless you're very comfortable with strangers seeing you cry. It took me a year to get through even though it's not incredibly dense because it's just an emotionally hard read. That being said, something being difficult to get through isnt a reason to not try, so everyone should still read this book even if it isn't easy.
It’s not a lack of interest, it’s a lack of investment.
That’s not a direct quote from the book, but I thought about it as the author finished his novel. He asks what society will do with the knowledge we have. It’s alarming and empowering that we already have enough research to make a difference with people who experience trauma. The last 25% of the book, “Paths to Recovery”, detailed methods to mitigate trauma behavior. It’s incredible. But I’ll be real. I’ve experienced some of these methods. They’re not fancy. They’re not luxurious. They’re mostly understaffed and underpaid. But the work is life-changing. And there’s a desperate need. So why isn’t there investment? And whose responsibility is it to invest?
Though I’m left with questions, I’m also left with gratitude for this author, social workers, teachers, therapists, and the many researchers who’ve dedicated their careers to this work.
On a personal note, this was a really wonderful book to read as I started law school. It’s the longest I’ve ever taken to read an audiobook, and I suspect that this pace will become more normal as the years go by. Listening to this kept me grounded in my principles while entering a combative field. Law helps resolve, but it doesn’t restore. Restoration requires time, effort and failure. Instead of trying to do everything myself, I rather shift my focus to what I can contribute to the collective. I hope to continue being people-centered as I study law.
That’s not a direct quote from the book, but I thought about it as the author finished his novel. He asks what society will do with the knowledge we have. It’s alarming and empowering that we already have enough research to make a difference with people who experience trauma. The last 25% of the book, “Paths to Recovery”, detailed methods to mitigate trauma behavior. It’s incredible. But I’ll be real. I’ve experienced some of these methods. They’re not fancy. They’re not luxurious. They’re mostly understaffed and underpaid. But the work is life-changing. And there’s a desperate need. So why isn’t there investment? And whose responsibility is it to invest?
Though I’m left with questions, I’m also left with gratitude for this author, social workers, teachers, therapists, and the many researchers who’ve dedicated their careers to this work.
On a personal note, this was a really wonderful book to read as I started law school. It’s the longest I’ve ever taken to read an audiobook, and I suspect that this pace will become more normal as the years go by. Listening to this kept me grounded in my principles while entering a combative field. Law helps resolve, but it doesn’t restore. Restoration requires time, effort and failure. Instead of trying to do everything myself, I rather shift my focus to what I can contribute to the collective. I hope to continue being people-centered as I study law.
I had to stop reading after they glossed over the horrible things a man did, and only focused on the man. It was incredibly triggering and gross. I'm sure overall it's a helpful book but I was too horrified by the casualness towards his actions.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
informative
reflective
A beautiful depiction of the impact of trauma that is easily digestible to those within and outside of the psychological community.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3* for personal enjoyment, 4.5 for well delivered information. My takeaway is that I should do more yoga and all kids should do theater classes/programs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence