The Body Keeps the Score
- First published 2014
- 680 pages
- Korean
Trauma is a pervasive human experience, with its effects often extending far beyond the immediate event. In The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert in the field, reveals how trauma profoundly reshapes both the brain and body. Drawing on decades of research and clinical practice, the book explains why traumatized individuals frequently experience challenges with pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust.
This work offers insights into how the body retains the imprint of traumatic experiences, often manifesting as physical and emotional symptoms that traditional talk therapy alone may not fully address. Van der Kolk explores a range of innovative therapeutic approaches, from neurofeedback and EMDR to yoga and dramatic arts, demonstrating new pathways to healing by activating the brain's natural capacity for change. The Body Keeps the Score provides a framework for understanding trauma's impact and offers hope for moving beyond survival to reclaim a full life.
This work offers insights into how the body retains the imprint of traumatic experiences, often manifesting as physical and emotional symptoms that traditional talk therapy alone may not fully address. Van der Kolk explores a range of innovative therapeutic approaches, from neurofeedback and EMDR to yoga and dramatic arts, demonstrating new pathways to healing by activating the brain's natural capacity for change. The Body Keeps the Score provides a framework for understanding trauma's impact and offers hope for moving beyond survival to reclaim a full life.
What readers say
4.33
312K ratings across the web 9 in 10 readers loved it
The book is widely praised as a comprehensive and transformative exploration of trauma, offering groundbreaking research and insights into how traumatic experiences affect both the mind and body. Many readers found it to be a rich source of information, shedding light on the physiological and psychological impact of trauma, including its connection to chronic pain. The author, a recognized authority in the field, is lauded for his compassionate approach and for advocating for a holistic understanding of healing that extends beyond medication. The book introduces and lends legitimacy to various innovative treatment strategies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Neurofeedback, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic practices like yoga and meditation, which many found immensely helpful for their own recovery journeys and for understanding human behavior. It is seen as a crucial resource for demystifying trauma, reducing stigma, and providing hope for healing.
Despite its strengths, the book draws significant criticism for several reasons. Some reviewers accuse it of being "pop-science" rather than rigorous academic work, citing a perceived lack of critical thinking regarding various treatments, reliance on outdated findings, and insufficient empirical support for some claims, including a perceived denial of false memory formation. A recurring concern is the author's tone, described by some as self-aggrandizing, voyeuristic, and at times misogynistic, particularly in his descriptions of female patients and certain problematic case studies. For instance, the portrayal of a veteran who committed atrocities without sufficient acknowledgment of the victims or accountability sparked outrage and led some readers to discontinue the book. Additionally, the book is criticized for its length, disorganization, and inconsistent language, with some finding the graphic descriptions of traumatic events unnecessarily detailed and potentially re-traumatizing for survivors. Others noted a narrow, Eurocentric perspective and a failure to adequately address systemic issues or diverse experiences of trauma.
In conclusion, The Body Keeps the Score is considered a valuable yet complex read. It is highly recommended for mental health professionals, aspiring clinical psychologists, and anyone deeply interested in the science and treatment of trauma from an academic or therapeutic standpoint. Many individuals on a personal healing journey also found it profoundly insightful and validating, offering a roadmap for recovery. However, due to its graphic content and the aforementioned criticisms, readers are strongly advised to approach it with caution. It may not be suitable for those easily triggered by trauma descriptions, individuals seeking a direct self-help guide, or those looking for a purely evidence-based, critically vetted scientific text without any perceived personal biases from the author.
Despite its strengths, the book draws significant criticism for several reasons. Some reviewers accuse it of being "pop-science" rather than rigorous academic work, citing a perceived lack of critical thinking regarding various treatments, reliance on outdated findings, and insufficient empirical support for some claims, including a perceived denial of false memory formation. A recurring concern is the author's tone, described by some as self-aggrandizing, voyeuristic, and at times misogynistic, particularly in his descriptions of female patients and certain problematic case studies. For instance, the portrayal of a veteran who committed atrocities without sufficient acknowledgment of the victims or accountability sparked outrage and led some readers to discontinue the book. Additionally, the book is criticized for its length, disorganization, and inconsistent language, with some finding the graphic descriptions of traumatic events unnecessarily detailed and potentially re-traumatizing for survivors. Others noted a narrow, Eurocentric perspective and a failure to adequately address systemic issues or diverse experiences of trauma.
In conclusion, The Body Keeps the Score is considered a valuable yet complex read. It is highly recommended for mental health professionals, aspiring clinical psychologists, and anyone deeply interested in the science and treatment of trauma from an academic or therapeutic standpoint. Many individuals on a personal healing journey also found it profoundly insightful and validating, offering a roadmap for recovery. However, due to its graphic content and the aforementioned criticisms, readers are strongly advised to approach it with caution. It may not be suitable for those easily triggered by trauma descriptions, individuals seeking a direct self-help guide, or those looking for a purely evidence-based, critically vetted scientific text without any perceived personal biases from the author.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Eulryu Munhwasa, 2020
- ISBN
- 9788932474366
- Language
- Korean
Original edition The Body Keeps the Score Originally published in 2014 · English · Allen Lane
