Resource Review: The Body Keeps the Score
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma is written by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD. This is one of the primary resources for our current understanding of trauma and the full impact of trauma on the human body and brain. Van Der Kolk, a neuroscientist, and researcher compile the summation of his learning and research on trauma through a thorough journey through his clinical experiences and the patients that taught him about trauma over his career.
Pros:
This book is one of the most thorough summations of trauma research available to date. It is widely accepted as a valid education tool and has even been featured as a New York Times Best Seller.
Trauma has been found to impact people in widely different ways and correlate with impacts on a physical, mental, emotional, and social level. The book explores the wide array of trauma responses and gives education and normalization of trauma responses that may have previously been viewed as rare or odd.
Cons:
This book can be very triggering and cause emotional distress to those unaware of the content they are about to consume. As is the nature of the topic of the book, trauma can cause distress to those who read or connect with trauma content. This book has a high volume of personal trauma stories with explicit detail. Readers should assess their own ability to manage these stories in a healthy and safe way, and be aware of potential distress responses
Several of the studies referenced in the book were cited and reported as preliminary studies, meaning smaller sample sizes and the need for further research and exploration. As trauma and trauma treatment is a growing body of research, it is important that readers keep in mind the potential of more updated research that is available.
For individuals hoping to promote self-growth:
This book is written with a professional audience in mind. As a result, it is research-heavy and spends significant time addressing trauma interventions and clinical skills and training. While this may be helpful for some in seeking out specific trauma interventions, the nuance of interventions may not be appropriate for all readers.
This is a thorough review of trauma research and relies heavily on patient case studies to explain the research findings. As a result, many of the chapters contain explicit descriptions of a variety of traumas ranging from abuse, rape, military trauma, tragic accidents, and more. Some readers on their own trauma healing journeys may find the explicit nature of the trauma descriptions triggering or distressing. It is advised that those with trauma histories consume this information with caution and consider the guidance or support of a trauma therapist or other professional.
For therapists and other professional:
For therapists wishing to learn the basics of trauma or begin to explore the research and ethics of trauma treatment, this is a great starting point as it is thorough both in symptom explanation and evidence-based intervention.
While many chapters do outline the specific interventions and treatments for trauma, it should be understood that specific training and consultation in all of the interventions described are necessary prior to addressing trauma in any specific form or intervention.
Final thoughts:
The Body Keeps the Score is a great starting point for therapists and other professionals wanting to learn more about trauma and how to ethically and effectively conceptualize and treat trauma cases. The book can also be effective in educating those recovering from trauma. It is imperative that the appropriate cautions and supports be in place for all readers due to potential distress and trauma triggering.
Are you interested in reading The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the healing of trauma? Click here for purchase options.
(Links are included for convenience to readers. No benefit or compensation is received by Salyer Counseling Group)
If you are interested in learning more about trauma therapy, EMDR therapy or other therapy resources, our team would love to connect. Our Arlington, TX based therapy office is ready to support you on our journey to trauma healing.
