The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
A Profound Exploration of Trauma and Healing.
Some books arrive in your life not just to be read, but to be lived through—and The Body Keeps the Score was exactly that for me.
Reading this book was not easy. In fact, it was one of the most emotionally challenging reads I’ve taken on. I had to go slowly, often putting it down to breathe, feel, reflect… and then gather the courage to keep going. But despite the difficulty—or maybe because of it—it was incredibly powerful and deeply transformative.
What I appreciate most about Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s work is the way he takes us through his own journey of discovery. The book begins by tracing the arc of his career—how he came to understand the hidden injuries of trauma, abuse, and neglect, and how neuroscience has given us tools to finally document their effects on the brain and body. That first section, the deep dive into how trauma shapes and rewires the brain, was the hardest for me. It brought up so much, and yet, as much as I had to stop reading, I had to get back into it. There was something about the clarity of it all that helped me understand myself and others in a way I hadn’t before.
As a trauma informed somatic coach, I work with trauma through the body, and this book gave me language, research, and context that enriched everything I thought I knew. It painted the full picture—from the disorientation trauma can create to the many avenues for healing and reconnection.
The second half of the book, which explores tools and pathways for healing, felt like a breath of hope. It reminded me that talking, feeling, connecting, and being witnessed are not only therapeutic—they’re essential. Whether through EMDR, yoga, neurofeedback, safe relationships, or simply learning how to listen to the body again, there are ways to return to wholeness.
I’m still digesting so much of what I read, and honestly, I’m committing to rereading it again—this time with hopefully more softness, more grounding, and more spaciousness. If the first read was a reckoning, maybe the next will be a gentle companion.
About the Book
Written by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score is a groundbreaking work that explores how trauma literally reshapes both the body and brain. Drawing from decades of clinical practice, neuroscience research, and real-life case studies, van der Kolk presents a comprehensive understanding of the imprint trauma leaves on the nervous system—and how healing is possible.
The book is divided into several parts. The first half focuses on the science: how trauma affects brain development, memory, perception, and our ability to connect with others. This section is intense but eye-opening. The second half offers hope, exploring a range of therapies that have proven effective—from traditional talk therapy to somatic experiencing, EMDR, movement, mindfulness, theater, and more.
At its core, this book affirms that trauma is not just something that happens to us—it’s something that happens within us. But it can be transformed. With compassion, science, and a fierce belief in our capacity to heal, van der Kolk guides readers through the path of reclaiming their lives and reconnecting with their bodies.
Key Themes
Trauma and the brain-body connection.
The role of childhood attachment and safety.
How trauma manifests physically and emotionally.
The science of memory and dissociation.
Somatic healing modalities (e.g., EMDR, yoga, theater).
The importance of safe relationships in recovery.
Neuroplasticity and the possibility of change.
Book Club Reflections & Questions
What part of the book challenged you the most, and why?
How did the book shift your understanding of trauma and its impact on the body?
What insights did you gain about your own story or healing journey?
Which therapeutic modality mentioned in the book intrigued you most, and why?
How does this book relate to the work we do in Seekers Circle or other healing communities?
How can we bring more trauma-informed awareness into our relationships and daily life?
What are your thoughts on the idea that the body "remembers" even when the mind forgets?
Were there moments that made you emotional or offered a sense of recognition or relief?
How do you see this book influencing your future choices in care, therapy, or community?
If you could recommend this book to someone, who would it be—and why?
This is a book that asks a lot from you—but it gives even more. For anyone walking the healing path, The Body Keeps the Score is an essential companion. Not an easy one, but a necessary one. Let’s take this conversation gently and courageously—together.