Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps the Score

Hi everyone

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk is the latest book I’ve read on the topic of trauma and healing, something I’ve become increasingly interested in. This book was recommended in other works on the subject, so I was eager to dive in. 
I read this on my e-reader.

"Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world's foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain's natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk's own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives."

I was really, really impressed by about 70% of this book. The first 70%, in particular, felt grounded in real science. As a midwife by training, I’m familiar with human anatomy and neurology, so the discussions on how trauma affects the body and brain weren’t entirely new to me. But van der Kolk’s interpretations of the consequences were insightful and fascinating. I found his explanations of early therapeutic approaches to be thoughtful, well-researched, and compelling.

But the last few chapters? That’s where van der Kolk lost me. The later therapies he discusses felt less science-backed and more like speculative or niche practices. To me, they came across as about as effective and evidence-based as chanting in the forest; something that might resonate with true believers, but left me very, very, VERY skeptical.

Still, the majority of the book was incredibly valuable. It deepened my understanding of trauma’s impact and offered real, practical insights into healing. If you’re interested in the science of trauma, this is absolutely worth reading, just be skip the final chapters.

Have you read The Body Keeps the Score? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena