A short review: The Body Keeps the Score. Bessel van der Kolk. 2014

Essence of the book and keywords: The causes of PTSD. History of trauma treatment. Complex PTSD. The connectedness of brain, mind and body in the treatment of trauma.  Learning self-regulation and other self-help techniques. Interventions. Yoga, mindfulness.  Shame.  Psycho-education. Neuroplasticity.

This book may have only been around for just over a decade but it has already become a classic, and I can understand why.  This book had a deep effect on me during my trauma training.  The book is written in a conversational style where I felt as if the author was addressing me directly, yet he is able to convey complex theory in a way which is (relatively) easy to understand.

Here is an extract from the prologue:

…trauma produces actual physiological changes, including a recalibration of the brain’s alarm system, an increase in stress hormone activity, and alterations in the system that filters relevant information from irrelevant. We now know that trauma compromises the brain area that communicates the physical, embodied feeling of being alive.

We can now develop methods and experiences that utilize the brain’s own natural neuroplasticity to help survivors feel fully alive in the present and move on with their lives. There are fundamentally three avenues:

1) top down, by talking, (re-) connecting with others, and allowing ourselves to know and understand what is going on, while processing the memories of the trauma;

2) by taking medicines that shut down inappropriate alarm reactions, or by utilizing other technologies that change the way the brain organizes information.

3) bottom up: by allowing the body to have experiences that deeply and viscerally contradict the helplessness, rage, or collapse that result from trauma.

 The self-learning I derived from this book was profound.  There were many “I can see that in myself” type moments.  For instance, during my own training I began to realise that I was not particularly in touch with my internal state, with my own body sensations, so chapter 6. Losing your Body, Losing your Self was a gold mine for me.

The chapters have punchy headings which magnetically draw the reader in: “Lessons from Vietnam Veterans” – we are reminded of how much we learn from the client while wondering what horrors this chapter may reveal.  Other chapters: “The Unspeakable Truth”, “Trauma before Dawn”.  “Sentenced to Shakespeare”.

I expect I am not alone as a counsellor in loving to read anecdotes and case-histories.  They not only bring a subject to life but they serve a crucial purpose in the learning process.  The Body Keeps the Score is full of them. Many are hard to read due to the emotionally charged content yet paradoxically I couldn’t put the book down because of the deep learning they offered.  I found that the final section of each chapter is generally an excellent summary of what’s gone before.

Many therapists use the book as an ad hoc reference guide but I believe it deserves much more than that.  I believe it is worth the effort to read right through. This may be time consuming but doesn’t have to be daunting: despite the variety of each chapter there is a strong continuity that runs through the book which draws the reader on.

In summary, very readable, very insightful.  A must read for clients, their important others and all students, counsellors, therapists etc.  And finally, this is a practical book which I believe you will always keep handy on your bookshelf.

Some interventions:  psycho-education, body/breathing, music, theatre, animal assisted therapy. mindfulness.  There are many more.

Get in touch if anything has touched you in the above.  Counsellors and trainees:  don’t hesitate to get in touch if, having read the book, you think I may be able to assist with your training.