In The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk examines how trauma reshapes both the mind and body, leaving lasting imprints on emotions, memories, and physical health. Drawing from decades of clinical practice and research, he explains how experiences of abuse, neglect, or violence disrupt the brain’s natural balance, leading to anxiety, depression, and physical pain. Bessel van der Kolk highlights the limitations of traditional talk therapy and emphasizes the need for holistic approaches that address both the psychological and physiological effects of trauma.

As The Body Keeps the Score unfolds, Bessel van der Kolk introduces innovative treatments such as EMDR, yoga, neurofeedback, and body-centered therapies that help survivors reclaim control over their lives. He shows how reconnecting with the body and fostering safe relationships can restore trust, resilience, and healing. With science and compassion, Bessel van der Kolk transforms The Body Keeps the Score into a groundbreaking guide that redefines how trauma is understood and treated¹.