In The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk examines the nature and effects of trauma on a person's mind and body. In writing the novel, van der Kolk drew on his experience in the field of mental health and trauma. His thesis is that contrary to popular belief, trauma impacts not only the mind but the body.
The book pays particular attention to the neuroscience surrounding trauma. Van der Kolk explains that traumatic events can reshape a person's brain structure and how their brain functions. As a result of this change, many experience physical and psychological disturbances. To prove his thesis and explore trauma, van der Kolk incorporates real-life case studies, cutting-edge scientific findings on trauma and the brain, and various therapeutic techniques and approaches.
Throughout the book, van der Kolk advocates for a holistic approach to mental health treatments. He says that any treatment ought to incorporate not just the mind but the body—which, before the publication of the book, was a novel approach. To that end, van der Kolk also talks about the broader societal implications of trauma and posits potential treatments for the ills of society, along the way emphasizing trauma's role in mental health disorders and its intersection with childhood development.
Ultimately, trauma exists in the body for life, even when it might have been suppressed by the conscious mind. By grounding his assertions in objective, factual neuroscience, the book demystifies the often-complex reactions trauma survivors experience. Additionally, van der Kolk's exploration of diverse therapeutic approaches emphasizes the need for integrated healing methods that address both mental and physical aspects of trauma.
Furthermore, the book emphasizes the pervasive nature of trauma and the collective responsibility everyone has for trauma. To that, that, van der Kolk bridges the divide between medical science, psychology, and sociocultural perspectives. Van der Kolk's emphasis challenges traditional views of mental and physical health, which say that the two are separate. After all, healing is not a one-size-fits-all journey. People are different, and so are their journeys. Van der Kolk recognizes this and finally makes the argument that, regardless of a person's unique circumstances, they can find a route to healing that resonates with them.
