The Body Keeps the Score
By Bessel van der Kolk
Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books, 2014.
Summary of The Body Keeps the Score book by Bessel van der Kolk
Explores the damaging effects of post-traumatic stress disorder in relation to the physical body, with recovery methods that help reshape your brain and release chronic suffering.
Chapters in The Body Keeps the Score book summary
What do you get from this book? A deeper understanding of psychological trauma and innovative treatment plans
Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when an extremely terrifying event sticks in your mind and changes your behavior
War veterans are often haunted by events they participated in or had no control over
Different parts of the brain are activated or disabled during PTSD flashbacks
The brain’s “smoke detector” and “watchtower” are thrown off balance in PTSD, and medication is not always enough to help
PTSD patients get stuck in their trauma, making it hard to enjoy new experiences
Polyvagal Theory advises a combination of treatment methods designed to help patients reconnect with their own bodies
The attachments we form at an early age affect our relationships as adults
The DSM places labels on mental health patients but fails to address their underlying issues
When painful memories interrupt life, we sometimes block them out and forget they ever happened
Self-awareness through yoga or mindfulness is key to overcoming PTSD and managing your emotions
While CBT therapy is not always beneficial, EMDR therapy can have surprisingly positive results
Neurofeedback takes advantage of neuroplasticity to modify brain waves so they are more stable
Reenacting stressful experiences, or stepping into entirely new roles, can change the way we view our past
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
Unlock all 17 chapters of The Body Keeps the Score — Get full access to this book summary and thousands more on Lobab.
The Body Keeps the Score — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read The Body Keeps the Score book
- Psychologists
- PTSD patients
- domestic abuse survivors
- friends and family of alcoholics
- anyone who has experienced trauma
About the author of The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk
Bessel van der Kolk is a Netherlands-born psychiatrist, professor, and researcher living in Boston and is the founder of the Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts. He has been course director of the annual Boston International Trauma Conference since 1989, earned his medical doctorate at the University of Chicago, and completed psychiatric residency at Harvard Medical School.
Books similar to The Body Keeps the Score
Related books that explore themes found in The Body Keeps the Score
David Goggins
Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds. Lioncrest, 2018.
Viktor Emil Frankl
Man’s Search for Meaning. Washington Square Press, 1985.
Nick Trenton
23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present. Self-published, Nick Trenton, 2021.
Wallace J. Nichols
The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Little, Brown Spark. 2014.
Susan David
Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life. Penguin Random House, 2016.
Diane Poole Heller
How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships. Sounds True, 2019.
Topics related to The Body Keeps the Score book
Explore topics that share themes with The Body Keeps the Score across Lobab's library
Categories The Body Keeps the Score book belongs to
Discover other book summaries in the same categories as The Body Keeps the Score
If you liked The Body Keeps the Score, you might also enjoy
Books on different topics that Lobab readers often explore alongside The Body Keeps the Score
Nicole LePera
Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self. Harper Wave, 2021.
Elaine N. Aron
How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Citadel Press, 2020.
Diane Poole Heller
How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships. Sounds True, 2019.
Jeffrey A. Lieberman
The Untold Story of Psychiatry. Hachette Book Group, Inc., 2015.
Mark Epstein
Psychotherapy from A Buddhist Perspective. Perseus Books Group, 1995.
Wallace J. Nichols
The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Little, Brown Spark. 2014.
Julie Smith
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? HarperOne, 2022.
Donna Jackson Nakazawa
How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology, and How You Can Heal. Atria Paperback, 2016.
Amy Morin
Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success. William Morrow, 2014.
Monica Ramirez Basco
How to Use Perfectionism to Your Advantage Without Letting it Ruin Your Life. Simon & Schuster, 2000
Can't decide where to start?
With thousands of book summaries across multiple categories and topics, there's always something new to discover. Browse the full library to find your next great read.
Your library
All-you-can-read
Categories
15 categories
Topics
120+ topics
Today's free book summary
Every day, one book summary is completely free to read. Subscribe to unlock the entire library — or just enjoy today's pick on us.
Rejection Proof
Jia Jiang
A fascinating look at rejection from every angle, from understanding and overcoming the fear of rejection to learning how to increase your chances of a yes while becoming perfectly okay with a no.
Library
All-you-can-read
Formats
Text & audio
Free daily
1 book / day
What Lobab readers are saying
Not sure if Lobab book summaries are for you? Here's what our community thinks.
“Lobab is a standout in the world of book summary apps, offering concise, insightful summaries of a wide range of books. Its user-friendly interface and well-crafted summaries allow users to quickly grasp the essence of complex works, making it an invaluable tool for those looking to learn more in less time. Whether for personal growth or professional development, Lobab is a game changer for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge efficiently. Highly recommended!”
Ramogh
Lobab Reader
“Top quality app with plenty of brilliant summaries!”
Benjamin Roche
Lobab Reader
“I found a really great book app that has made reading even more enjoyable ⭐️📚. It is super easy to use, has a lot of books to choose from, gives personalized recommendations, works well with e-readers, has an active community, and is accessible to everyone. I highly recommend it to all book enthusiasts!”
Nedal Ahmed
Lobab Reader