Reviewed by Michael McManus, MSW, LCSW
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., stands as a landmark exploration of trauma’s enduring effects on the brain and body, presenting the results of several decades of clinical work and research in compelling, accessible prose. Van der Kolk’s narrative is both scientific and deeply human, drawing the reader into stories of patients whose struggles illuminate the intricate ways trauma imprints itself physically as well as mentally. The book’s central thesis is clear: traumatic experiences disconnect the mind from the body, yet the body continues to hold the raw sensations and survival instincts of those experiences, manifesting in lasting emotional and physical symptoms.
The author, recognized as a pioneer in trauma research, details how traditional “talk therapy” often fails to reach the deep, wordless injuries trauma inflicts. Instead, van der Kolk blends neuroscience with body-oriented practices and ancient healing techniques, advocating for an integrative approach that offers hope for recovery—an approach that includes mindfulness, yoga, and innovative therapies geared toward restoring agency and ownership of one’s body.
Van der Kolk’s writing, while occasionally technical, remains remarkably empathetic and articulate, allowing even readers without specialized knowledge to understand the science behind trauma and its somatic consequences. The case studies presented, including those related to childhood abuse, war, and post-pandemic anxiety, ensure the book resonates widely, revealing trauma’s prevalence and impact across generations and communities.
Ultimately, “The Body Keeps the Score” is not just a medical text but a call for compassion in the treatment and understanding of trauma survivors. Its vivid storytelling and authoritative science make it essential reading for therapists, survivors, and anyone interested in the resilience and healing of the human spirit.
Michael McManus, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. He and his wife, Angela, who’s also a therapist, have lived in the area for approximately 40 years and raised four children together. They enjoy hiking, biking, yoga, reading, and cooking. For more information or to set an appointment, reach Michael by text or phone at (850) 837-0123 or at his website: Psychotherapy30A.com.
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