The Body Keeps the Score

This book is often described as essential reading for anyone interested in trauma and healing, and I can see why. Van der Kolk brings decades of clinical experience and research together in a way that feels both accessible and deeply human. The stories and examples throughout the book give a real sense of how complex trauma can be and how it shapes people’s lives in lasting ways. It also offers valuable insight into how trauma affects memory, relationships, and the nervous system, showing the many ways it can manifest in daily life.

I expected there to be a bit more focus on the body itself, given the title. Much of the book explores the brain, attachment, and therapeutic approaches such as creative modalities, IFS, and yoga. These sections are valuable, but I thought there might be a deeper exploration of how trauma is stored and expressed physically and how bodily awareness can be central to recovery. While the author does acknowledge the role of the body, those sections felt secondary to the psychological and neurological discussions.

Even so, it remains an important and thought-provoking read that expands how we understand trauma. It highlights that healing requires attention to both mind and body, and it offers hope that recovery is possible with the right support and awareness. The combination of science, compassion, and clinical experience makes it a powerful resource for professionals and anyone seeking to understand the long-term impact of trauma. It is a book that invites reflection and encourages a more holistic view of healing.

Found here: https://amzn.to/4qvgNvu

#besselvanderkolk #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreviews #bookreview #bookreviewers #bookreviewer