Look inside

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

4.4(67)
Available nowFree shipping
Buy Now

About the book

#1 New York Times bestseller “Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding and treating traumatic stress and the scope of its impact on society.” —Alexander McFarlane, Director of the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies A pioneering researcher transforms our understanding of trauma and offers a bold new paradigm for healing in this New York Times bestseller   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.

Editions (3)

ISBN9781101608302
PublisherPenguin Books
Publication Date12/31/14
Pages464

Reviews & Ratings

67 ratings

12 reviews

4.4

Tap to filter

  • sofiakw
    sofiakw

    6 Followers

    5.0

    Ein Grundlagenwerk und gleichzeitig ein Appell an Gesellschaft und Politik, sich für eine schützende und sichere Umgebung für Kinder einzusetzen. Dieses Buch bietet Betroffenen, Angehörigen (und Therapierenden) die Möglichkeit, zu erkennen, wie stark traumatische Erfahrungen das Leben eines Menschen beeinflussen und lähmen. Die bildgebende Medizin hat es geschafft, Traumaspuren sichtbar zu machen, doch in der Gesellschaft ist es immer noch ein Tabuthema. Es hat mich besonders beeindruckt, dass Bessel van der Kolk die Methoden, die zur Heilung führen, so klar und deutlich strukturiert beschrieben hat. Es gibt Hoffnung.

    Apr 29, 2026

  • vikusja
    vikusja

    55 Followers

    4.5

    Zuweilen ein bisschen langatmig und detailreich, hat mich das Buch sehr bewegt und ich bin der Meinung, jede*r sollte es gelesen haben.

    Lustige Story (~10 Jahre her): es wurde mir empfohlen von einem Masseur, der festgestellt hat, dass ich sehr verspannt bin und wohl Trauma in meinem Körper gespeichert haben muss 🥲

    Dec 10, 2024

  • hannahncd
    hannahncd

    8 Followers

    5.0

    Important introduction to trauma for everyone

    I found this book really helpful. As a non-traumatized person working and being friends with traumatized people this really helped me change my perspective and gain more understanding for my non-understanding. Even though the book made me want to cry and challenged me because of the confrontation with people’s horrendous experiences, I found a new understanding on how to be a friend for a traumatized person. Bessel van der Kolk has a holistic approach and his curiosity is engaging. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to get a better understanding of trauma.

    Important introduction to trauma for everyone

    May 19, 2026

3 of 12 reviews

Reading is better with the READO app.

Discover books, track progress, read together.

Library

Keep track