In my quest to better myself, I sought behavioral health services through the Military. I have been going to therapy for the last few months and it has truly opened my eyes to some of the trauma that I have and provides potential explanations for some of the uncontrollable and undesirable physiological responses to situations in my everyday life.
Even though my therapy is still underway, and I am continuing to work through my trauma, knowledge is the first step toward improving mental health, and mental health is something that many of us do not take seriously enough.
During the first few sessions of therapy, I was recommended to read the book “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk.
I’ll be upfront with this: My review of this book is very positive. I enjoy Dr. van der Kolk’s wide approach to discussing and treating trauma but in academia, some find it to lack depth and instead focus too much on breadth… For most people who largely have no exposure to real knowledge and treatment of trauma, this is a great place to start.
Bottom Line Up Front
Book Recommendation: Strongly Recommend
Three compelling reasons for my recommendation of this book:
1. Provides a comprehensive understanding of trauma: The book provides an in-depth exploration of how trauma affects both the mind and body, which is crucial for anyone looking to understand or deal with trauma, either personally or professionally
2. Provides innovative recovery approaches: Van der Kolk explores a variety of therapeutic approaches beyond traditional talk therapy. These include EMDR, yoga, neurofeedback, and even theater and community programs.
3. Humanization of Science: One of the standout features of this book is how it intertwines scientific research with real human stories. This narrative approach not only makes science more relatable and memorable but also serves to humanize the often stark and isolating experience of trauma.
On that third point, I was particularly intrigued by the stories of combat veterans and the stories of childhood trauma, as I am both a combat veteran and a father. If you don’t fit either of those descriptions, this book may be less appealing to you, but I’m willing to bet that a large portion of humans on Earth currently have untreated trauma that they either can not piece together or their minds have buried the trauma from all knowledge. If this is you, you’ll probably find you can’t put the book down.
I hope to pique your interest in this book and by reading it, it will get you started on your journey to identifying and treating your trauma.
Overview
Van der Kolk, a psychiatrist with decades of experience in trauma treatment, explores the ways in which traumatic experiences literally reshape the body and the brain, affecting survivors' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust.
The title itself, "The Body Keeps the Score," succinctly captures the essence of the book: trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body.
Content and Structure: The book is divided into several parts, each focusing on different aspects of trauma:
The Rediscovery of Trauma: Van der Kolk begins by tracing the historical understanding of trauma, from the shell-shocked soldiers of WWI to the recognition of PTSD in Vietnam veterans. This historical context sets the stage for understanding how slow the medical community has been to recognize and address trauma effectively.
This is Your Brain on Trauma: Here, the author delves into neuroscience, explaining how trauma affects the brain's structure and function. The explanation of how the brain's alarm system (the amygdala) becomes overactive, while areas responsible for language and speech processing (Broca’s area) can shut down during flashbacks, is particularly enlightening. This section makes complex neuroscience accessible to lay readers.
The Minds of Children: Van der Kolk discusses how trauma impacts children, including attachment issues, developmental trauma, and the controversial diagnosis of ADHD, suggesting many children might be misdiagnosed when they're actually exhibiting symptoms of trauma.
The Imprint of Trauma: This part explores how trauma affects the body, leading to various health issues. Van der Kolk illustrates how trauma survivors often struggle with physical ailments that have no apparent medical cause, pointing toward the mind-body connection.
Paths to Recovery: Perhaps the most hopeful section, van der Kolk outlines various treatment methods beyond traditional talk therapy, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), yoga, neurofeedback, and even theatre. He advocates for treatments that help individuals reconnect with their bodies, regulate their arousal systems, and integrate their traumatic experiences into their life stories without being defined by them.
Strengths:
Interdisciplinary Approach: Van der Kolk's strength lies in his ability to weave together insights from neuroscience, psychology, and somatic therapies into a coherent narrative. This interdisciplinary approach not only educates but also validates the multifaceted nature of trauma recovery.
Personal Stories: The inclusion of patient stories adds a deeply human element to the scientific discourse, making the book not only informative but also emotionally engaging. These narratives serve as powerful testimonies to both the impact of trauma and the possibilities of healing.
Advocacy for New Treatments: Van der Kolk's advocacy for less conventional therapies challenges the status quo of psychiatric treatment. His discussion on yoga, mindfulness, and community as therapeutic avenues opens new avenues for readers to explore in their healing journey.
Criticisms:
Breadth Over Depth: While the broad scope is a strength, some critics argue that certain sections could benefit from deeper analysis. For readers deeply interested in any one treatment method, they might need to look elsewhere for comprehensive detail.
Scientific Skepticism: Some professionals in the field might find van der Kolk's endorsement of certain treatments like EMDR controversial, given the mixed evidence in scientific literature. However, his aim seems less about proving each method scientifically beyond doubt and more about opening the door to considering all possible avenues for healing.
Final Word
Bessel van der Kolk's book stands out as a compassionate, insightful, and revolutionary text that shifts how we perceive trauma and recovery. It's not just a medical or psychological treatise but a testament to human resilience.
For anyone touched by trauma, or for those who treat or live with trauma survivors, "The Body Keeps the Score" offers not just knowledge, but hope—a reminder that while the body indeed keeps the score, it also holds the potential for healing and transformation. This book doesn't just inform; it has the power to transform lives by changing how we understand our deepest wounds and the paths we can take to heal them.
V/r,
The Woke Hack
Time to Pay it Forward
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