The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma

Bessel van der Kolk

Oct 2019 · Penguin · Narrated by Sean Pratt

4.8

69 reviews

Audiobook

16 hr 16 min

Unabridged

Eligible

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About this audiobook

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE NEW YORK TIMES AND AUDIBLE BESTSELLER

The effects of trauma can be devastating for sufferers, their families and future generations. Here one of the world's experts on traumatic stress offers a bold new paradigm for treatment, moving away from standard talking and drug therapies and towards an alternative approach that heals mind, brain and body.

This inspiring and timeless audiobook is read by Sean Pratt.

'An astonishing and important book. The trauma Bible. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone struggling with...well...anything' Tara Westover

'Dr. van der Kolk's masterpiece combines the boundless curiosity of the scientist, the erudition of the scholar, and the passion of the truth teller' Judith Herman, author of Trauma and Recovery

© Bessel van der Kolk 2014 (P) Penguin Audio 2019

Ratings and reviews

4.8

69 reviews

Kia

28 April 2024

This book is the most helpful and insightful book I've read. In conjunction with many years of therapy, this book helped me understand myself and a recent diagnosis, as well as helping me understand the behaviours of some of those around me. Listening to it at the right time in my life meant it also helped me finally leave an abusive relationship with empathy for them and boundaries for myself. Even if you don't have trauma yourself, it is such an insightful book to at least recognise some behaviours and patterns in traumatised people - whether partners, friends, clients, etc. I recommend this book to everyone.

Sian Thacker

12 April 2024

Not an easy listen, humans are very cruel to each other at tines, but very worthwhile especially if you have suffered difficulties and/or work as a teacher, nurse and doctor. I would highly recommend this book.

Mateusz Kitlas

24 October 2020

Although the book is written by a doctor of medicine and describes neurological mechanisms behind trauma, it's written in a very personal manner with a great compassion for the author's numerous patients. Among great informative value, it's also easy to read and contains references to many studies covering the presented knowledge. Despite being about trauma, the book is helpful for every human being.

6 people found this review helpful

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, USA, and the director of the Complex Trauma Treatment Network. A past professor of psychiatry at Boston University Medical School, Dr van der Kolk is the author of several scholarly books and over a hundred scientific articles.

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