Scan barcode
A review by grovesr
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
An informed take on PTSD, trauma, and wellness by an expert in the field. I appreciated the exploration of studies, and how they tied into his work and experiences. The book offers a wide range of proven techniques that the author has witnessed impact his patients. He describes how different therapies and techniques work for different kinds of people with different histories of trauma. Overall, a slow burn, but very interesting and thought provoking. I can see why this is an important read for folks who've dealt with trauma in any form. I found myself identifying how my experiences are reflected in this book, and what techniques may work for me.
As someone who's undergone therapy and addressed my triggers, I was comfortable reading this. I would caution folks with serious triggers to read the trigger warnings as there are descriptions of the violence many of his patients experienced. I found it very important to understand, though. And encourage folks who have responses to what they've read to explore the therapies that worked for the patient he described.
I really appreciated the nuanced approach to discussing medication. The author described his personal experiences working in the mental health field as drugs were being developed, and how drugs CAN help, but are not a perfect solution for a myriad of reasons. I found that portion very insightful.
As someone who's undergone therapy and addressed my triggers, I was comfortable reading this. I would caution folks with serious triggers to read the trigger warnings as there are descriptions of the violence many of his patients experienced. I found it very important to understand, though. And encourage folks who have responses to what they've read to explore the therapies that worked for the patient he described.
I really appreciated the nuanced approach to discussing medication. The author described his personal experiences working in the mental health field as drugs were being developed, and how drugs CAN help, but are not a perfect solution for a myriad of reasons. I found that portion very insightful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and War