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Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.

For the layman, this isn’t an easy read–it’s full of clinical research, technical terms, and stories that will break your heart. But it’s worth the time and the effort. This intense read shares some real-life stories that will horrify readers. It also includes frustrating revelations on how people are denied help for ridiculous reasons. But there’s also a lot of hope in it, as doctors ARE discovering ways that help people, even if insurance won’t cover it.

Mental health is a big issue these days, and creating safe spaces isn’t helping anyone. People need healing and help, and Bessel van der Kolk has experimented in so many ways to see what works and how it can help. Reading about many of these stories has softened my heart toward survivors (especially children). And though I’ve not suffered any major trauma in my life, it’s made me more self-aware (which I hope will help me to cope better).

A fascinating read.

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For more books on mental health, consider:

Radical Love by Zachary Levi
Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel