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A review by pileofmonsters
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
3.5
This was difficult to get through, not only because it is 358 pages of tiny print, but also because it is very medical. I cannot believe they shelve this in self-help and read it for book club. Amazing.
It's the first research psychology book I've read since 2006 and it came at a good time for me. I initially started reading because I have trauma and I was ready to face something difficult about it, but it actually showed me how much strength and resilience I've built over my life. I came out of this read proud of myself. I furiously underlined and starred things that reminded me of myself, taking the time here and there to meditate on why I underlined and starred those things and how it made me feel to read those words. Reading this was a kind of therapy in itself.
I know there has been a lot of updated knowledge since this was written but I'm still noting the exercises and techniques described throughout the book that resonated with me. A lot of this reminded me of others I know who have experienced trauma (I'll probably be quick to recommend it if it comes up).
Looking forward to a re-read in 10-15 years when I have more perspective on what I've learned and how I'll grow between now and then.
It's the first research psychology book I've read since 2006 and it came at a good time for me. I initially started reading because I have trauma and I was ready to face something difficult about it, but it actually showed me how much strength and resilience I've built over my life. I came out of this read proud of myself. I furiously underlined and starred things that reminded me of myself, taking the time here and there to meditate on why I underlined and starred those things and how it made me feel to read those words. Reading this was a kind of therapy in itself.
I know there has been a lot of updated knowledge since this was written but I'm still noting the exercises and techniques described throughout the book that resonated with me. A lot of this reminded me of others I know who have experienced trauma (I'll probably be quick to recommend it if it comes up).
Looking forward to a re-read in 10-15 years when I have more perspective on what I've learned and how I'll grow between now and then.