The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Written by:
Bessel Van Der Kolk
Narrated by:
Sean Pratt

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
819
Narrator
104
Release Date
February 16, 2021
Duration
16 hours 15 minutes
Summary
#1 New York Times bestseller

“Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding and treating traumatic stress and the scope of its impact on society.” —Alexander McFarlane, Director of the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies

A pioneering researcher transforms our understanding of trauma and offers a bold new paradigm for healing in this New York Times bestseller
 
Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.

Cover image: © 2020 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Courtesty of the Archives Henri Matisse, All rights reserved.
Reviews
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Anonymous

Excellent source of knowledge and understanding that come through extensive research, experience, and stories of real people with diverse needs and processes of healing. It helped me to understand my own experience as well as the complicated reality of others who have suffered some form of trauma.

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aghostofnothing

Phenomenal, informative, and validating. My therapist recommended this before going into EMDR therapy, and it helped set me up for success.

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Sam S.

So helpful and powerful.

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Allegra I.

I've never been intrested in psychology, but this book has changed my mind at all.

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Anonymous

Very insightful and elucidative to the general public. It was a good listening.

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Badger

incredibly thought provoking.

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Anonymous

Tremendous insights for policymaking, individual health improvement, and professionals working with people suffering from the aftereffects of trauma,. Fascinating parallels between physical and mental health care industries. A life changing book that, if widely read and applied, could easily be world changing too.

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Anonymous

It was all very interesting and helpful for dealing with my own experiences and in knowing how to relate to others. I just was disappointed that there was no mention of the Bible, forgiveness of sins, freedom in Christ for fears, burdens, and rejection.

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Tiffany P.

My VA therapist suggested I read this book and it’s hitting home hardcore.

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May

At first, I thought the jargon would confuse me. That the book would seem too clinical. To my surprise it wasn't hard to follow at all! I also enjoyed the narrator.Great trauma informed listen, discusses various trauma types and mentions several therapies available. Along with studies that compare how important infant and mother relationships are, among others.

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Anonymous

The book was a very informative read, but the audiobook was even more enjoyable

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Paul O.

Well researched! Great presentation!

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Kelly A.

This book is very informational! As a new yoga teacher I found it very helpful. it brought a special awareness to how trauma lives in the body and how to be mindful of each human, we don't know their story..♡

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eva

Amazing work. A must read!

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Anonymous

great book to read

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Ambelina16

This book was extremely well-read and informative! It helped me learn so much about myself that I didn’t realize! It’s a long read and dense at times, but completely worth it!

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Laura P.

So helpful and academic, don’t let that stop you from listening a lay person can totally understand. This book discusses so many different therapies for trauma. It’s a must read!

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Jurgita Ziabkinaite

The best book I have ever read.

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Anonymous

Amazing book. Very helpful to understanding both big and small trauma, it's manifestations and healing. From a scientific, analytical view, while compassionate and kind. Highly recommend!

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Katharine M.

This book is a look into common therapies used to treat many forms of trauma. The author walks us through the history of the treatment of psychological trauma going back to the start of his career into the modern day. His title is helpful as it points to the focus and findings of his career as well as changes in the field as a whole.

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Anonymous

more people need to hear this.

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Hana

Amazing book! Read till the end

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D M.

Loved it! I learned so much about not only myself, but ideas, suggestions, for those I work with, those in my life and to be more open to others.

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Anonymous

This book helped me process some deep rooted trauma in a way I hadn’t been able before. I will move forward with hope and recommend this book for those who want to unburden themselves of the past. There is help out there.

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Dan V.

A great mix of scientific and human. An excellent listen for anyone dealing with trauma

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Anonymous

Horrifyingly honest. As a DV survivor it hasn’t really occurred to me that SOME will manipulate lies to their financial benefit. Eye opening thanks to Mr Ellis for sharing his truth

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Anonymous

Perhaps one of the most thought-provoking books to ever exist when it comes to understanding trauma. While some may disagree with the theories proposed, there ought to be no doubt the influence Van Der Kolk has had on raising awareness and pushing into the spotlight what so many people, in silence, suffer from.

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Catalina C.

10/10

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Harry K.

Exceptional book I had so many “the light bulb went on” moments. It helped me understand things that were said years ago and mine and other peoples reactions to different situation. Wish I had read this book many years ago it would have helped so much for me personally and others. Wish I could get some others to read/listen to it. I had times when he said something and I had to rewind and listen multiple times because it was “so that’s what that was about 40 years ago”. Wish I had known that then.

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Anonymous

Amazing. Just amazing. I am someone with trauma. I am someone that will soon be adopting an older child that will have trauma. I have a husband with trauma. This book was so enlightening, so confirming, just so what I needed and honestly everyone needs to read/listen to. I will be listening to this one again and again.

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Anonymous

The part about yoga was very well done it was helpful in remembering that the body carries the past which does not mean that the past and the future have to coincide

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Anonymous

I've loved and recommended this book!!

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Shannon Q.

This is my new favorite book. Very informative. This allowed me to understand trauma and PTSD in a way I never thought I could. I have a better understanding of treatments, especially EMDR. I would definitely listen again as I am sure I missed some information. Highly recommend!

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Marlena T.

A fascinating and deep dive for those new to causes, symptoms, and treatments of trauma.

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Anonymous

informative, educational, eye opening & heartbreaking. This book helped to make sense of personal experiences as well as to understand how trauma can manifest& be treated.

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Anonymous

An excellent book for therapists and for people struggling with trauma. Highly recommend it!!!

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Anonymous

Good for the mind

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Sheikha A.

extremely good read.

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Jessica H.

Amazing book!!!

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