A review by malachinelson
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
This is an incredible, empathetic, and intelligent book. However, I would only encourage you to read it if you are ready to be challenged. It would be good to have some emotional reserves while reading this book, and to be gentle with yourself while reading it. It may bring up some uncomfortable emotions which deserve to be navigated carefully.
I started it because I thought to myself, "I haven't dealt with too much trouble, but I know my life hasn't been perfect. I should probably read this to learn tips and tricks to make my life a little better." Well, reading this book was a good idea, but it also challenged me to examine the traumas and difficulties I had underplayed. The book challenged me to be empathetic toward myself and consider the pursuit of interventions which could help me get back in touch with my body. It has also given me greater compassion for those who have experienced a number of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). I think this book has encouraged me to be a better person to myself and others.
However, it is a pretty dense book, too. The content is fantastic and well-explained by Dr. van der Kolk, but still quite academic.
I started it because I thought to myself, "I haven't dealt with too much trouble, but I know my life hasn't been perfect. I should probably read this to learn tips and tricks to make my life a little better." Well, reading this book was a good idea, but it also challenged me to examine the traumas and difficulties I had underplayed. The book challenged me to be empathetic toward myself and consider the pursuit of interventions which could help me get back in touch with my body. It has also given me greater compassion for those who have experienced a number of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). I think this book has encouraged me to be a better person to myself and others.
However, it is a pretty dense book, too. The content is fantastic and well-explained by Dr. van der Kolk, but still quite academic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Incest, Alcoholism, Suicide, Chronic illness, Car accident, Addiction, Pedophilia, Murder, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Abandonment, War, Sexual violence, Cancer, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Dysphoria, Death of parent, Death, Child abuse, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Self harm, Rape, Grief, Eating disorder, Drug use, Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, and Bullying
Minor: Mass/school shootings, Vomit, Gun violence, and Genocide