The Body Keeps the Score Book Review

The Body Keeps the Score is a seminal and readable account of Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk’s research in Post Traumatic Stress and treatment. The work begins with Dr. Van Der Kolk’s clinical experience as a medical student supporting veterans of the Vietnam war and covers his treatment of trauma victims from all walks of life. As the title suggests, Dr. Van Der Kolk’s aim is to describe trauma as an event that impacts and shapes both the body and the brain. His patients have diminished capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust.  His discusses contemporary approaches to trauma recovery including neurofeedback therapy, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, all of which emphasize the neural plasticity of the brain.