The body does not forget

The role of the brain, mind, and body in recovering from psychological trauma

Author: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Bessel van der Kolk, a pioneering researcher and one of the world's foremost experts in the field of traumatic stress, offers a bold new model for healing from trauma. Trauma is a fact of life. Studies have shown that at least one in five people are molested, one in four grow up with addicts, and one in three spouses engage in physical violence. These circumstances inevitably leave scars on the mind, emotions, and body. Unfortunately, traumatized people often project their stress onto their partners and children. With over three decades of work with trauma survivors, Dr. van der Kolk has transformed our understanding of traumatic stress, revealing how stress literally rewires the brain—specifically, the areas dedicated to pleasure, interaction, self-control, and confidence—and demonstrating the impact of innovative therapies, including neurofeedback, meditation, prayer, play, yoga, and other therapies. He also offers proven and successful alternatives to drugs and talk therapy, and a way to recover and reclaim life.