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A review by scgonano
The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I’ve recently new diagnosed with PTSD and have found this book to be extremely informative. Whilst I’m not a psychologist, my bachelor’s degree did include a couple of introductory psychology courses. Whilst this prior study may have supported my understanding and following of some particular chapters, I still think that’s this book is widely accessible to people without prior knowledge of psychology.
Following my diagnosis, I’ve had to wait a few months to engage with therapy services. My n the meantime, reading this book has supported my understanding of PTSD, how it affects me (both physically and mentally), and educated me about approaches to therapy. Knowing how the different therapy approaches work and what is happening in the body/brain has prompted me to seek some other (somewhat more accessible) approaches e.g., yoga, music, meditation; while I’ve waited for access to ongoing psychology therapy.
There’s a bunch of resources and recommended reading, neatly summarised in the appendix. These are separate from the reference list and are accessible to the public (whether you’re learning about your diagnosis, supporting someone with this diagnosis, or just interested).
Following my diagnosis, I’ve had to wait a few months to engage with therapy services. My n the meantime, reading this book has supported my understanding of PTSD, how it affects me (both physically and mentally), and educated me about approaches to therapy. Knowing how the different therapy approaches work and what is happening in the body/brain has prompted me to seek some other (somewhat more accessible) approaches e.g., yoga, music, meditation; while I’ve waited for access to ongoing psychology therapy.
There’s a bunch of resources and recommended reading, neatly summarised in the appendix. These are separate from the reference list and are accessible to the public (whether you’re learning about your diagnosis, supporting someone with this diagnosis, or just interested).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, and War
The aforementioned content warnings are only included as precautions. They are not explicitly investigated or detailed. However they are included to educate about the causes and repercussions of PTSD.