47 pages • 1 hour read
Bessel van der KolkThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., is a 2014 nonfiction work that explores trauma, its physiological effects, and its treatments through anecdotes, personal stories, and scientific citations. Van der Kolk traces the history of trauma research, critiques the focus on medication over holistic treatment, and covers various methods like EMDR, yoga, and neurofeedback. The book addresses sensitive topics such as combat PTSD, accidents, assaults, and childhood abuse and neglect.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk offers a comprehensive exploration of trauma's impacts on the body and mind, blending scientific data with personal anecdotes. Praised for its empathy and accessible writing, some critics find it overly detailed or disjointed. Overall, it is a valuable resource for both professionals and lay readers seeking insight into trauma recovery.
Who Should Read The Body Keeps the Score?
A reader who would enjoy The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is passionate about psychology, trauma recovery, and neuroscience. They likely enjoyed The Body by Bill Bryson and Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine. This reader seeks insights and practical advice on healing from trauma and understanding its physical and psychological impacts.