by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
A groundbreaking exploration of how trauma reshapes both brain and body, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD, has become one of the most essential books for therapists, counselors, and anyone seeking to understand the science of healing.
Drawing from decades of clinical research, Dr. van der Kolk reveals how trauma literally rewires the brain’s pathways for pleasure, trust, and control. He explores how survivors can reconnect to their bodies and minds through approaches such as mindfulness, neurofeedback, EMDR, yoga, and play therapy.
For professionals in mental health, The Body Keeps the Score is a must-read. Therapists, counselors, and educators use its insights to better understand how trauma presents in clients and how somatic awareness can guide treatment. The book’s emphasis on experiential methods—like art, movement, and sensory integration—aligns closely with approaches used in play therapy and trauma-informed care.
About the Author
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, MD, is one of the world’s foremost trauma researchers and clinicians. His work at the Trauma Center in Boston and in the field of neuroscience has shaped how modern therapy addresses trauma and resilience.
Who should read The Body Keeps the Score?
Anyone interested in understanding trauma, from therapists and social workers to survivors and caregivers.
Is The Body Keeps the Score useful for therapy clients?
Yes. Many therapists recommend it to clients as a companion to counseling or play therapy for building awareness and self-compassion.
What topics does the book explore?
Trauma’s effect on the brain and body, the role of memory, and how mindfulness, movement, and therapy promote healing.
Through clear examples and compassionate storytelling, the author illustrates how trauma affects veterans, abuse survivors, and children alike—showing how recovery is possible when the body and mind work together.
A pioneering researcher and one of the world’s foremost experts on traumatic stress offers a bold new paradigm for healing
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. Such experiences inevitably leave traces on minds, emotions, and even on biology. Sadly, trauma sufferers frequently pass on their stress to their partners and children.
Renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he transforms our understanding of traumatic stress, revealing how it literally rearranges the brain’s wiring—specifically areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust. He shows how these areas can be reactivated through innovative treatments including neurofeedback, mindfulness techniques, play, yoga, and other therapies. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score offers proven alternatives to drugs and talk therapy—and a way to reclaim lives.
| Topics: | Trauma, Mindfulness |
| ISBN: | 9780670785933 |
| Page count: | 443 |
| Recommended ages: | Not specified. See product description. |
| Printed in: | USA |
