Van Der Kolk Trauma

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As Krista Tippet and Bessel van der Kolk discuss the topics of the human body and mind, the conversation sheds light on the link between trauma and its physical effects, further challenging the belief that trauma is only confined to the mind. He suggests in the discussion that the body stores memories and is not just a limitation to muscle memory, reflecting Bessel van der Kolk's observations and research. Trauma, as per van der Kolk, often shows itself through symptoms like pain, digestive problems, and muscle tension; these are signals from the body when words fall short to convey the experience. Van der Kolk's focus on addressing these signs is crucial; it redirects therapy to acknowledging experiences validating all aspects of a patient's response to …show more content…
This perspective highlights how trauma is not confined to our minds, but is also deeply ingrained in our bodies, affecting muscles, nerves, and breathing patterns. Expressing experiences through symptoms like unexplained pains, heightened reactions, or changes in bodily functions can make it challenging to put into phrasing or fully understand cognitively. Van der Kolk's argument throughout the episode posits a revolutionary view, suggesting that to truly comprehend the full scope of trauma, one must recognize the silent language spoken by the body. This somatic language, though devoid of words, communicates through symptoms and reactions, offering vital clues to the underlying trauma lodged deep within the fabric of our being. By giving a nod of acknowledgment to the inextricable bond between physical and mental health, this perspective disrupts traditional notions that prioritize the mind over the body, instead advocating a more comprehensive means of healing that recognizes both the articulated and unarticulated effects of trauma to foster recovery, addressing the whole

Bessel Van Der Kolk Trauma

significant debilitation in people’s lives. As these assumptions above exist, I too incorrectly believed that trauma and PTSD lied in the victim’s conscious and could be corrected by standard talk therapy. Through the course of this class so far this proved to be far from the truth. I will use Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body In The Healing of Trauma as the basis for my claims…

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Bessel Van Der Kolk Summary

Bessel Van der Kolk is a neuroscientist who has studied and helped to understand trauma and how it relates to so many mental health issues. Van der Kolk used many of his client's cases from his therapeutic experiences to help explain the connection between trauma and a person's mental health. Some key takeaways from this book are as follows: a) Just as we can destroy each other, we can also heal each other. b) Language gives us the power to change by communicating our experiences. c) We can control…

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