The Body Keeps The Score

The Body Keeps the Score
Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma
By Bessel van der Kolk

A groundbreaking exploration of trauma—and how healing becomes possible through reconnecting mind and body.

In this internationally acclaimed work, leading trauma expert Dr Bessel van der Kolk offers profound insight into how trauma reshapes both the brain and the body—and why true healing requires more than just talking about the past.

Blending cutting-edge science with compassionate storytelling, this book reveals how trauma lives within us, and how recovery can unfold through approaches that restore balance, safety, and connection.

Inside this book, you’ll discover:

• How trauma impacts the brain, body, and nervous system
• Why traditional treatments alone are often not enough
• The science behind how and why people relive traumatic experiences
• New and emerging approaches to healing

Healing approaches explored include:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Yoga and body-based therapies
• Movement, sport, and physical regulation
• Creative therapies such as drama and expression

Key insights:

• Trauma is not just remembered—it is physically held in the body
• Healing involves restoring a sense of safety, connection, and presence
• The integration of body and mind is essential for recovery
• There are multiple pathways to healing—each person’s journey is unique

What makes this book essential:

• A globally respected and widely referenced work in trauma research
• Combines neuroscience, psychology, and lived experience
• Offers both deep understanding and hope for recovery
• Valuable for practitioners, carers, and anyone seeking healing

A compassionate path forward:

This book acknowledges the reality of trauma while offering a powerful message—healing is possible. By reconnecting with the body and gently restoring balance, individuals can move from survival toward a life of meaning, connection, and vitality.

About the Author

Dr Bessel van der Kolk is one of the world’s foremost experts on traumatic stress. He is the founder and medical director of the Trauma Center in Boston and has spent decades researching and developing treatments for trauma. He is a former professor of psychiatry at Boston University Medical School and author of numerous scientific publications.

Product Details

• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 560
• ISBN: 9780141978611
• Dimensions: 19.5 x 13 x 4 cm