Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Torture'
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
52 reviews
maarsargo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
4.0
TW: rape, incest, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, violence, drug use
WHAT I LIKED:
• Ch. 10 (Developmental Trauma) was fascinating to read. Trauma during childhood can have far-reaching effects that aren’t seen as much in adult trauma, such as brain development and immune response.
• Part 5 (Paths to Recovery) provided a number of strategies and methods to help survivors cope and heal. This section was particularly helpful and insightful.
• "The problem is the solution." This idea sparked a known but hidden revelation inside of me. Many of the problems people have (eating disorders, substance use, etc.) are solutions to the greater problems they're facing underneath. The visible issues are only the tip of the iceberg; they’re mechanisms for survival in a different context. I can say without a doubt this will influence how I treat/manage patients in the future.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
• For anyone with unresolved trauma, this book is incredibly triggering. Some stories include graphic details or horrifying glimpses into lived experiences that may cause survivors to relive their own trauma.
• In some cases, van der Kolk uses a disturbing matter-of-fact tone when describing the abuse his patients' endured. His words felt light, untroubled. It was difficult for me to stomach how someone could be so passive and nonchalant about the intimate details of unthinkable abuse.
• In many instances, the author refers to his patients as "organisms", which served to rob them of parts of their humanity. Patients are not organisms: they're people, humans, souls.
• Dr. van der Kolk has a history of creating hostile work environments for women and has been let go from one of his positions. This is a friendly remind to keep bias in mind when evaluating research and treatments, especially between genders.
WHAT I LIKED:
• Ch. 10 (Developmental Trauma) was fascinating to read. Trauma during childhood can have far-reaching effects that aren’t seen as much in adult trauma, such as brain development and immune response.
• Part 5 (Paths to Recovery) provided a number of strategies and methods to help survivors cope and heal. This section was particularly helpful and insightful.
• "The problem is the solution." This idea sparked a known but hidden revelation inside of me. Many of the problems people have (eating disorders, substance use, etc.) are solutions to the greater problems they're facing underneath. The visible issues are only the tip of the iceberg; they’re mechanisms for survival in a different context. I can say without a doubt this will influence how I treat/manage patients in the future.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
• For anyone with unresolved trauma, this book is incredibly triggering. Some stories include graphic details or horrifying glimpses into lived experiences that may cause survivors to relive their own trauma.
• In some cases, van der Kolk uses a disturbing matter-of-fact tone when describing the abuse his patients' endured. His words felt light, untroubled. It was difficult for me to stomach how someone could be so passive and nonchalant about the intimate details of unthinkable abuse.
• In many instances, the author refers to his patients as "organisms", which served to rob them of parts of their humanity. Patients are not organisms: they're people, humans, souls.
• Dr. van der Kolk has a history of creating hostile work environments for women and has been let go from one of his positions. This is a friendly remind to keep bias in mind when evaluating research and treatments, especially between genders.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Incest, Self harm, Trafficking, Domestic abuse, Violence, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Gun violence, and Emotional abuse
helhas3letters's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.5
Very informative work on how trauma is held long-term in the body and brain, with a specific focus on PTSD (incurred either in childhood or adulthood).
The first few chapters detail cause-and-effect with lots of evidence from scientific studies, inclusion of brain scans and diagrams, reference to the author's personal experience working for many years in the field of psychiatry, and fascinating case studies of patients at trauma centres. Concludes with a hopeful and substantial chapter on various empirically proven methods of healing from trauma.
Can be heavy at times as it deals with some very serious issues, but overall an inspiring, enlightening, research-based read. Knocked off 1/2 a star as I thought it was a little repetitive at times.
The first few chapters detail cause-and-effect with lots of evidence from scientific studies, inclusion of brain scans and diagrams, reference to the author's personal experience working for many years in the field of psychiatry, and fascinating case studies of patients at trauma centres. Concludes with a hopeful and substantial chapter on various empirically proven methods of healing from trauma.
Can be heavy at times as it deals with some very serious issues, but overall an inspiring, enlightening, research-based read. Knocked off 1/2 a star as I thought it was a little repetitive at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Mental illness, and Child abuse
Moderate: Incest, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Self harm, Violence, and Rape
Minor: Car accident, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Trafficking, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, War, and Violence
As this book deals with trauma, there is lots of mention of disturbing and scarring events, however I felt that Van Der Kolk does not go into more detail than is necessary. Most things that can be considered triggers - e.g. death, trafficking, war, domestic abuse - are only mentioned or briefly described to give context to what follows. The author goes into a moderate amount of detail on some instances of child abuse, sexual assault, incest, and self-harm. Mental illness, especially PTSD, is discussed in detail throughout.
More...