The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Authors: Bessel van der Kolk
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Overview
In this book, I explore how trauma affects people’s lives, particularly the ways in which it impacts the brain, body, and nervous system. I argue that the traditional medical model, which views trauma as a mental illness to be treated with medication, is inadequate and often harmful. I challenge readers to move beyond conventional diagnostic categories and to understand trauma as a fundamental disorganization of the way the brain and body manage perceptions, emotions, and bodily sensations. I emphasize the importance of recognizing the physiological basis of trauma and the need for treatment approaches that address the whole person, not just the mind. I explore the role of early childhood experiences in shaping our understanding of the world and our ability to form healthy relationships. I introduce readers to a range of innovative treatment modalities, including mindfulness, yoga, EMDR, neurofeedback, psychomotor therapy, and theater, which can help to rewire the traumatized brain, restore self-regulation, and reconnect people to themselves and to others. My book is intended for a broad audience: trauma survivors, their loved ones, therapists, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of trauma on individuals and on society. I believe that by understanding trauma, we can begin to heal ourselves and to create a more compassionate and just world.
Book Outline
1. Lessons from Vietnam Veterans
This chapter tells the story of Tom, a Vietnam veteran struggling with PTSD. Tom’s symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbness, and violent outbursts. His avoidance of treatment highlights a core issue: the inability to escape the grip of the past, and the powerful hold that traumatic memories can have on a person’s life.
Key concept: “I realized that if I take the pills and the nightmares go away, I will have abandoned my friends, and their deaths will have been in vain. I need to be a living memorial to my friends who died in Vietnam.” This quote reflects a core theme of the book: how trauma can shatter a person’s sense of self and their connection to the world. Tom’s loyalty to his fallen comrades prevents him from moving on and embracing life, demonstrating the complex interplay between memory, trauma, and identity.
2. Revolutions in Understanding Mind and Brain
This chapter explores early research on trauma, specifically the work of Abram Kardiner. Kardiner’s concept of “traumatic neuroses” (now known as PTSD) highlighted the physical and psychological symptoms experienced by trauma survivors. His work was a major impetus for shifting the understanding of trauma from a purely psychological phenomenon to one with a deep physiological basis.
Key concept: “The nucleus of the neurosis is a physioneurosis.” This statement by Abram Kardiner, a pioneering trauma researcher, emphasizes the crucial point that trauma is not merely a psychological phenomenon but has a deep physiological basis. It affects the entire organism, influencing the brain, nervous system, and bodily sensations.
3. Looking into the Brain: The Neuroscience Revolution
This chapter delves into the impact of trauma on perception and imagination. The author describes a groundbreaking study using brain imaging (PET scans) to visualize brain activity during flashbacks. The research demonstrated that traumatic memories activate the emotional brain (amygdala) while deactivating the language centers (Broca’s area), rendering the experience speechless and difficult to process. The study also revealed that flashbacks are often triggered by sensory fragments - smells, sounds, images - and that traumatized people tend to superimpose their trauma onto their present experiences.
Key concept: “This is that child that I saw being blown up in Vietnam.” This statement, made by a patient named Bill during a Rorschach test, vividly demonstrates the nature of flashbacks. Triggered by an innocuous inkblot, Bill was instantly transported back to a traumatic event from his past, experiencing the scene as if it were happening in the present moment.
4. Running for Your Life: The Anatomy of Survival
This chapter explores the neurobiology of survival, focusing on the brain’s response to threat. The author introduces the concept of the triune brain, composed of the reptilian brain (responsible for basic survival functions), the limbic system (the seat of emotions and danger detection), and the neocortex (responsible for rational thought and executive function). The interplay of these brain regions determines our ability to assess threat, activate the fight-or-flight response, and recover a sense of equilibrium after danger has passed.
Key concept: “Before brains the universe was also free of pain and anxiety.” This quote by neuroscientist Roger Sperry emphasizes the brain’s role in our experience of the world, including our experience of threat, fear, and trauma. Understanding the neurobiology of survival is essential for understanding how trauma affects the brain and body.
5. Body-Brain Connections
This chapter delves into the interconnectedness of body and brain, emphasizing the mind-body connection that is often overlooked in traditional trauma treatment. Drawing on the work of Charles Darwin, the author explores how emotions are expressed not just in the mind but also through physical sensations in the body, particularly the gut and heart. Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing effective treatments that address the physiological as well as the psychological impacts of trauma. The chapter also introduces the concept of the polyvagal theory developed by Stephen Porges, which explains the role of the vagus nerve in regulating our social engagement system and our responses to threat. This theory provides further insights into the biological basis of trauma and the importance of restoring a sense of safety and connection in the treatment of trauma.
Key concept: “Heart, guts, and brain communicate intimately via the ‘pneumogastric’ nerve, the critical nerve involved in the expression and management of emotions in both humans and animals. When the mind is strongly excited, it instantly affects the state of the viscera; so that under excitement there will be much mutual action and reaction between these, the two most important organs of the body.” This quote by Charles Darwin emphasizes the interconnectedness of the brain and body, specifically the role of the vagus nerve in regulating our emotional and physiological responses. It highlights the importance of understanding the mind-body connection in the treatment of trauma.
6. Losing Your Body, Losing Your Self
This chapter explores the concept of emotional numbing, a common response to trauma. Numbing protects us from being overwhelmed by painful emotions, but it also disconnects us from our bodies, from other people, and from the capacity for joy and pleasure. The author introduces the concept of alexithymia, the inability to identify and describe emotions, which is often a consequence of early trauma and neglect. The chapter also discusses the role of shame in trauma, and how shame can lead to self-destructive behaviors and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Key concept: “The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.” This quote by Elvin Semrad, a renowned psychiatrist, highlights the importance of self-awareness and honesty in the face of trauma. Avoiding, minimizing, or denying our experiences only perpetuates our suffering. Healing requires acknowledging the truth of what happened and the impact it has had on our lives.
7. Getting on the Same Wavelength: Attachment and Attunement
This chapter explores the importance of early childhood experiences in shaping our understanding of the world and our responses to stress and trauma. Drawing on the work of Jean Piaget and attachment theorists such as John Bowlby and Donald Winnicott, the author discusses how secure attachment provides a foundation for healthy development, while early trauma and neglect can lead to a distorted view of relationships and a pervasive sense of danger. The chapter introduces the concept of attunement, the process by which caregivers respond to an infant’s emotional needs and help them to regulate their arousal, and highlights the devastating impact of disrupted attachment on a child’s emotional and social development.
Key concept: “The roots of resilience … are to be found in the sense of being understood by and existing in the mind and heart of a loving, attuned, and self-possessed other.” This quote by Diana Fosha emphasizes the crucial role of safe and attuned relationships in fostering resilience. Secure attachment in early childhood provides a foundation for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healthy relationships throughout life. Conversely, early trauma and disrupted attachment can have a profound impact on a child’s development and increase their vulnerability to a range of mental health problems.
8. Trapped in Relationships: The Cost of Abuse and Neglect
This chapter explores the long-term consequences of childhood abuse and neglect, focusing on how these experiences shape our understanding of safety and danger, and our ability to form healthy relationships. The author introduces the concept of the “hidden epidemic” of childhood trauma, which has a profound impact on our physical and mental health, as well as on our social and economic well-being. The chapter also discusses the complex interplay between trauma, dissociation, and memory, and how these factors can make it difficult for survivors to access and process their experiences.
Key concept: “The average child never asks and never tells.” This quote from Roland Summit’s landmark paper on the Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome highlights the secrecy and silence that often surround childhood abuse. Children are often afraid to disclose their abuse, fearing that they will be punished or disbelieved. This silence can have devastating consequences, as it prevents children from getting the help they need and allows the abuse to continue.
9. What’s Love Got to Do With It?
This chapter delves into the findings of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, which revealed the staggering prevalence of childhood trauma and its profound impact on long-term health and well-being. The study showed that as the number of adverse childhood experiences increases, so too does the risk for a wide range of physical and mental health problems, including heart disease, cancer, depression, addiction, and suicide. The ACE study highlights the crucial importance of addressing childhood trauma as a major public health issue.
Key concept: “Traumatic experiences are often lost in time and concealed by shame, secrecy, and social taboo” This quote by Vincent Felitti, one of the researchers involved in the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, highlights the hidden nature of childhood trauma. The ACE study revealed the staggering prevalence of childhood adversity and its profound impact on our long-term health and well-being. It demonstrated that childhood trauma is a major public health issue, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
10. Developmental Trauma: The Hidden Epidemic
This chapter focuses on the concept of developmental trauma, exploring the ways in which early adversity disrupts brain development and undermines a child’s sense of self and safety. The author argues that the current diagnostic system fails to adequately capture the complexity of developmental trauma and calls for a new diagnosis, Developmental Trauma Disorder, that reflects the unique needs of this population. The chapter highlights the importance of creating trauma-informed systems of care that address the underlying causes of children’s behavioral and emotional problems rather than simply focusing on symptom management.
Key concept: “Childhood abuse isn’t something you ‘get over.’ It is an evil that we must acknowledge and confront if we aim to do anything about the unchecked cycle of violence in this country.” This quote by Martin Teicher, a leading researcher on the effects of child maltreatment on brain development, underscores the profound and lasting impact of early adversity. Childhood abuse shapes the brain to contend with strife, but at the cost of deep, enduring wounds. Addressing childhood trauma is essential for breaking the cycle of violence and creating a more just and humane society.
11. Uncovering Secrets: The Problem of Traumatic Memory
This chapter explores the complexities of traumatic memory, drawing on historical perspectives and recent scientific findings. The author discusses the concept of the dual memory system, which distinguishes between narrative memory (the stories we tell about trauma) and traumatic memory (the fragmented sensory and emotional imprints that are stored in the body). The chapter highlights the limitations of traditional talk therapy in addressing traumatic memory and the importance of finding ways to safely access and process traumatic experiences without becoming overwhelmed.
Key concept: “Recollection without affect almost invariably produces no result.” This statement from Breuer and Freud’s 1893 paper highlights the importance of accessing and processing emotions in trauma therapy. Simply recounting the facts of a traumatic event is not enough to bring about healing; the associated emotions need to be felt and expressed in order to be released.
12. The Unbearable Heaviness of Remembering
This chapter explores the concept of the body as a repository of traumatic memory. Traumatic experiences are not just cognitive events; they are also deeply embodied. Traumatic memories are stored in the body, and they can be triggered by a wide range of sensory and emotional experiences. The chapter discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing the somatic symptoms of trauma, and highlights the limitations of traditional talk therapy in addressing these issues.
Key concept: “Our bodies are the texts that carry the memories and therefore remembering is no less than reincarnation.” Katie Cannon’s powerful statement captures the essence of this chapter, emphasizing that trauma is stored not just in the mind but also in the body. Healing from trauma requires reconnecting with our bodies and learning to listen to their messages.
13. Healing from Trauma: Owning Your Self
This chapter focuses on the process of healing from trauma, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming ownership of your body and mind. The author outlines four key elements of recovery: (1) learning to regulate arousal, (2) processing traumatic memories, (3) developing healthy relationships, and (4) cultivating self-leadership. The chapter introduces a range of treatment modalities, including mindfulness, yoga, EMDR, and neurofeedback, that can help survivors to address the physical and emotional consequences of trauma and to reclaim their lives.
Key concept: “The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.” This quote, attributed to Elvin Semrad, emphasizes the importance of honesty and self-awareness in the healing process. Denying or minimizing the impact of trauma only perpetuates our suffering. Healing requires acknowledging the truth of what happened and its effects on our lives.
14. Language: Miracle and Tyranny
This chapter explores how early childhood experiences shape our understanding of the world and our ability to form healthy relationships. The author discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing the long-term effects of childhood trauma, particularly the impact of early attachment disruptions on a person’s sense of self, safety, and connection to others. The chapter also highlights the importance of finding ways to create corrective experiences that can help survivors to heal from the wounds of the past and to build a more secure and fulfilling future.
Key concept: “What cannot be communicated to the [m]other cannot be told to the self.” This quote by John Bowlby, the father of attachment theory, highlights the essential role of early relationships in shaping our sense of self. Children who are not seen and known by their caregivers are likely to grow up feeling disconnected from themselves and from the world around them.
15. Letting Go of the Past: EMDR
This chapter explores the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a relatively new therapy that has been shown to be effective in helping people to process traumatic memories and to reduce PTSD symptoms. The chapter discusses the theoretical basis for EMDR and presents case examples that illustrate its effectiveness. The author also explores the possible link between EMDR and REM sleep, suggesting that both processes may involve similar mechanisms of memory reconsolidation.
Key concept: “In essence, our study confirmed the dual memory system that Janet and his colleagues at the Salpêtrière had described more than a hundred years earlier: Traumatic memories are fundamentally different from the stories we tell about the past. They are dissociated: The different sensations that entered the brain at the time of the trauma are not properly assembled into a story, a piece of autobiography.” This passage summarizes the key findings of a study on traumatic memory, which demonstrated that traumatic memories are stored differently than ordinary memories. They are fragmented, sensory-based, and often disconnected from a coherent narrative. This explains why trauma survivors may have difficulty recalling the details of their experiences and why they may be triggered by seemingly unrelated sensory cues.
16. Learning to Inhabit Your Body: Yoga
This chapter explores the potential of theater in the treatment of trauma. The author discusses three different theater programs that he has observed and studied: Urban Improv, The Possibility Project, and Shakespeare in the Courts. All three programs utilize the power of collective experience, embodied expression, and narrative to help participants to process their traumatic experiences and to reclaim their lives. The chapter highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment in which participants can explore their emotions and develop new ways of relating to themselves and to the world.
Key concept: “Training actors involves training people to go against that tendency—not only to feel deeply, but to convey that feeling at every moment to the audience, so the audience will get it—and not close off against it.” This quote by Tina Packer, the founder of Shakespeare & Company, highlights the power of theater in helping people to connect with their emotions and to express them in a safe and contained way. Traumatized people often try to avoid or numb their feelings, but theater provides a context in which they can safely explore and embody a full range of emotions.
17. Putting the Pieces Together: Self-Leadership
This chapter introduces the concept of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that views the mind as composed of multiple parts or subpersonalities. IFS recognizes that each part has a positive intention, even if its actions are destructive or self-defeating. The goal of IFS is to help people to understand and befriend their parts, to differentiate the Self from the parts, and to cultivate self-leadership. The chapter presents case examples that illustrate the effectiveness of IFS in treating trauma and other mental health problems.
Key concept: “A man has as many social selves as there are individuals who recognize him.” This quote by William James captures the central theme of this chapter: We all have multiple parts or subpersonalities, and these parts can be in conflict with one another, particularly after trauma. IFS offers a framework for understanding and working with these parts in a compassionate and collaborative way.
18. Filling in the Holes: Creating Structures
This chapter explores the use of psychomotor therapy in the treatment of trauma. Psychomotor therapy is a body-oriented approach that uses movement, touch, and spatial awareness to help people to access and process traumatic memories. The chapter discusses the theoretical basis for psychomotor therapy and presents case examples that illustrate its effectiveness. The author also highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment in which participants can explore their experiences and develop new ways of relating to their bodies and to the world.
Key concept: “The natural state of the human psyche consists in a jostling together of its components and in their contradictory behavior.” This quote by Carl Jung highlights the inherent multiplicity of the mind. We are not simply a unified self; rather, we are a collection of parts, each with its own history, perspective, and agenda. IFS helps us to understand and work with this inner multiplicity in a way that promotes healing and growth.
19. Rewiring the Brain: Neurofeedback
This chapter explores the use of neurofeedback in the treatment of trauma. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive technique that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation. The chapter discusses the theoretical basis for neurofeedback and presents research findings that support its effectiveness in treating PTSD, ADHD, addiction, and other mental health problems. The author also discusses the potential of neurofeedback to enhance performance in a variety of areas, including sports, music, and academics.
Key concept: “Many people respond to the training, but the ones that respond best and quickest are those that can see how the feedback is related to something they are doing. For example, if I’m attempting to help someone increase their ability to be present, we can see how they’re doing with it. Then the benefit really begins to accumulate. There is something very empowering about having the experience of changing your brain’s activity with your mind.” This quote by Ed Hamlin, a neurofeedback expert, highlights the importance of providing patients with concrete feedback on their progress during neurofeedback training. Seeing tangible evidence of their brain’s changing activity can empower patients and enhance their motivation to continue with the treatment.
20. Finding Your Voice: Communal Rhythms and Theater
This chapter explores the therapeutic potential of theater in helping people to heal from trauma. The author discusses how theater can help survivors to reclaim their voices, to connect with their emotions, and to develop a sense of agency and community. The chapter presents examples of how theater is being used to treat trauma in a variety of settings, including schools, prisons, and community centers. The author also discusses the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment in which participants can explore their experiences and develop new ways of relating to themselves and to the world.
Key concept: “Training actors involves training people to go against that tendency—not only to feel deeply, but to convey that feeling at every moment to the audience, so the audience will get it—and not close off against it.” This quote by Tina Packer highlights the core principle of theater: fully embodying and expressing emotions. Theater provides a safe and structured environment for exploring a full range of human emotions, offering a powerful antidote to the numbing and avoidance that are so common in trauma.
Essential Questions
1. How does trauma affect the brain, body, and nervous system?
Trauma is not merely a psychological experience but a deeply embodied one that profoundly affects the brain, body, and nervous system. The book meticulously explores how traumatic experiences disrupt the brain’s natural equilibrium, leading to hyperarousal, numbing, dissociation, and a distorted sense of self. Van der Kolk argues that effective treatment requires addressing these physiological and neurological impacts, not just the cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma.
2. What is the role of early childhood experiences in shaping our response to trauma?
The book argues that early childhood experiences, particularly the quality of attachment relationships, have a profound impact on a child’s development and their vulnerability to trauma. Secure attachment provides a foundation for resilience and emotional regulation, while insecure attachment can leave children with a heightened sense of danger and difficulty managing stress. Van der Kolk emphasizes the need for interventions that foster secure attachment and help children to develop a sense of safety and agency in the world.
3. Why is traditional talk therapy often ineffective in treating trauma? What alternative approaches can be helpful?
The book highlights the limitations of traditional talk therapy in addressing traumatic memory. Van der Kolk argues that simply recounting the story of a traumatic event is not enough to bring about healing; the fragmented sensory and emotional imprints of trauma need to be integrated into a coherent narrative. He introduces a range of alternative therapies, such as EMDR, neurofeedback, and psychomotor therapy, that can help to reprocess traumatic memories and restore a sense of self-leadership.
4. Why is it important to address the body in trauma treatment? What body-based therapies can be helpful?
The book emphasizes the vital role of the body in healing from trauma. Traumatized people often feel disconnected from their bodies, numbed out, or overwhelmed by physical sensations. Van der Kolk explores the importance of reconnecting with the body through modalities such as yoga, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing. These approaches can help to restore self-regulation, reduce hyperarousal, and increase interoception, the awareness of internal bodily sensations.
5. What are the limitations of the current diagnostic system in understanding and treating trauma?
Van der Kolk argues that the prevailing diagnostic system, as embodied in the DSM, is inadequate in capturing the complexity of trauma. He criticizes the emphasis on symptom checklists and the failure to recognize the underlying causes of trauma-related problems. He advocates for a new diagnostic category, Developmental Trauma Disorder, that reflects the unique needs of children who have experienced chronic abuse and neglect. He also emphasizes the need for a more holistic and individualized approach to treatment that addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Key Takeaways
1. Trauma is Embodied
The book emphasizes the crucial role of the body in healing from trauma. Traumatic experiences are not just stored in the mind; they are deeply embedded in the body’s nervous system, muscles, and organs. Effective trauma treatment must address these physical and physiological impacts, not just the cognitive and emotional aspects.
Practical Application:
In AI product design, this principle can be applied to create interfaces and experiences that are sensitive to user emotions and needs. For example, an AI assistant could detect stress in a user’s voice and respond with calming and supportive language. It could also personalize interactions based on individual user preferences, creating a sense of safety and control for users.
2. Early Attachment Matters
Secure attachment in early childhood provides a foundation for resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships throughout life. Conversely, early trauma and disrupted attachment can have a profound impact on a child’s development and increase vulnerability to a range of mental health problems.
Practical Application:
In AI, this translates to the importance of developing systems that are sensitive and responsive to the needs and experiences of individual users. For example, an AI chatbot designed to provide emotional support could be trained to recognize and respond to different emotional states, offering tailored responses based on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
3. Trauma Undermines Agency
Trauma robs people of the feeling of being in charge of their lives. Effective trauma treatment helps survivors to reclaim their sense of agency, the feeling that they have a say in what happens to them and that they have the ability to shape their own lives.
Practical Application:
This has implications for the design of AI systems, particularly those that interact with vulnerable populations. AI-powered tools should be designed to foster a sense of agency and control for users, allowing them to make choices and to influence their own experiences. For example, an AI-powered educational tool could be designed to provide personalized feedback and support, while also allowing students to set their own goals and to control the pace of their learning.
Suggested Deep Dive
Chapter: Chapter 19: Rewiring the Brain: Neurofeedback
This chapter delves into the potential of neurofeedback in treating trauma. It is especially relevant for AI professionals as it demonstrates how technology can be used to rewire the brain and to promote self-regulation, a key aspect of healing from trauma. It could inspire AI product engineers to develop tools and applications that utilize neurofeedback principles to help individuals manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being.
Memorable Quotes
Chapter 1: Lessons from Vietnam Veterans. 10
“I realized that if I take the pills and the nightmares go away, I will have abandoned my friends, and their deaths will have been in vain. I need to be a living memorial to my friends who died in Vietnam.”
Chapter 2: Revolutions in Understanding Mind and Brain. 22
“The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.”
Chapter 4: Running for Your Life: The Anatomy of Survival. 51
“Prior to the advent of brain, there was no color and no sound in the universe, nor was there any flavor or aroma and probably little sense and no feeling or emotion. Before brains the universe was also free of pain and anxiety.”
Chapter 5: Body-Brain Connections. 79
“Heart, guts, and brain communicate intimately via the ‘pneumogastric’ nerve, the critical nerve involved in the expression and management of emotions in both humans and animals. When the mind is strongly excited, it instantly affects the state of the viscera; so that under excitement there will be much mutual action and reaction between these, the two most important organs of the body.”
Chapter 7: Getting on the Same Wavelength: Attachment and Attunement. 117
“The roots of resilience … are to be found in the sense of being understood by and existing in the mind and heart of a loving, attuned, and self-possessed other.”
Comparative Analysis
This book offers a radical departure from the traditional disease model of mental illness. While authors like Judith Herman in “Trauma and Recovery” focused primarily on the psychological effects of trauma, Van der Kolk places significant emphasis on the physiological and neurological underpinnings, aligning with Peter Levine’s work in “Waking the Tiger” which explores the somatic experience of trauma. Van der Kolk’s exploration of therapies like EMDR, neurofeedback, and yoga, places him in conversation with authors like Francine Shapiro (“Getting Past Your Past”), who pioneered EMDR, and Jon Kabat-Zinn (“Full Catastrophe Living”), a leading proponent of mindfulness for stress reduction. While the ACE study, which Van der Kolk frequently references, underscores the public health impact of trauma, he diverges from purely statistical analysis by offering concrete therapeutic interventions. His focus on internal family systems (IFS) echoes the work of Richard Schwartz (“Internal Family Systems Therapy”) and contributes a unique perspective on understanding the fragmented self in the aftermath of trauma.
Reflection
This book represents a significant contribution to the understanding and treatment of trauma. Van der Kolk’s emphasis on the mind-body connection and his exploration of alternative therapies offer a hopeful message for survivors. However, it’s important to approach his claims about the ineffectiveness of traditional talk therapy and the widespread efficacy of alternative approaches with cautious optimism. While these treatments show promise, more rigorous scientific research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. Additionally, Van der Kolk’s strong critique of the DSM and the pharmaceutical industry, while understandable given his experiences, should be tempered with recognition of the value of medication in managing some symptoms of trauma. The book’s strength lies in its ability to connect complex neuroscience with compelling human stories, making it accessible to both professionals and lay readers. It challenges conventional thinking about trauma and offers a vision of healing that integrates mind, body, and spirit, paving the way for a more compassionate and effective approach to trauma treatment.
Flashcards
What are the three parts of the triune brain model?
The reptilian brain, limbic system, and neocortex.
What is neuroception?
The capacity to evaluate relative danger and safety in one’s environment.
What is agency?
The feeling of being in charge of your life and able to influence your circumstances.
What is interoception?
Awareness of our subtle sensory, body-based feelings.
What is attunement?
The process by which caregivers respond to an infant’s emotional needs and help them to regulate their arousal.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
A therapeutic approach that views the mind as composed of multiple parts or subpersonalities.
What is neurofeedback?
A non-invasive technique that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation.
What is EMDR?
A therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to process traumatic memories.