One of the most impactful books I encounter regularly is The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. I listen to this book on Audible at least once a month, and it has become a cornerstone for my work with trauma-informed clients. In fact, I encourage many of my clients to include it in their monthly routine as well. It’s more than just a book—it’s a catalyst for understanding the profound connection between trauma, the brain, and the body, and how that understanding can lead to healing.
If you’re someone who has experienced trauma or feel stuck in a cycle of physical or emotional pain, this book offers not only insights but practical paths toward healing. I personally recommend starting with the audiobook, as it allows you to absorb the content in a relaxed state, which is vital when dealing with heavy topics like trauma. I find that listening to it while doing something simple, like folding laundry or washing dishes, provides the perfect balance. It gives your mind the space to process emotions while staying grounded in the safety of your own home.
Trauma’s Impact on the Brain and Body
The title alone, The Body Keeps the Score, hints at one of the central themes of the book: trauma leaves an imprint not just on the mind but also on the body. Many people mistakenly believe that trauma only exists in the mind or emotions, but Dr. van der Kolk explains how trauma physically reshapes the brain and body.
Over time, these changes can lead to a hyperactive alarm system that keeps us in fight, flight, or freeze mode, long after the traumatic event has passed.
This “stuck” state can manifest in a range of symptoms, from anxiety and panic attacks to physical pain or even chronic illnesses. If you or someone you know has ever struggled with unexplained physical ailments or feelings of being “on edge” without knowing why, this book can shed light on why those feelings persist—and how to begin moving past them.
The Burden of Stress Hormones
Another key takeaway from the book is the role stress hormones play in perpetuating trauma’s grip on the body. When we experience trauma, our bodies enter survival mode, and stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge to help us cope. However, when trauma is unresolved, the body can remain in this heightened state for years, constantly secreting these stress hormones.
Over time, this can wear down our immune systems, strain our organs, and make us more vulnerable to illnesses. It’s a vicious cycle—one that’s hard to break without understanding what’s happening internally. Dr. van der Kolk’s work teaches us that healing trauma requires learning how to regulate these internal systems, giving the body a chance to recover from the constant state of alert.
The Brain, Mind, and Body: A Powerful Trio
A major strength of The Body Keeps the Score is how it emphasizes the interconnectedness of the brain, mind, and body. Often, traditional approaches to mental health focus solely on the mind, neglecting the body’s role in the healing process. But as van der Kolk explains, the mind can’t fully heal if the body remains in distress.
By understanding how trauma reshapes both the brain and body, we can begin to address the underlying physiological issues that may be contributing to emotional and mental struggles. This is why I encourage my clients to think holistically about their healing—embracing approaches that integrate the physical and psychological aspects of trauma.
Gaining Power Over Your Physiology
One of the most empowering messages from the book is that we have the ability to regulate our own physiology. Trauma may leave lasting scars, but with the right tools and approaches, we can regain control over our bodies. This might involve learning to manage emotions, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in specific types of movement, like yoga or other forms of bodywork.
In my practice, I use many of these techniques with clients, helping them build the skills necessary to feel more in control of their internal states. It’s not just about learning to cope with difficult emotions—it’s about mastering the sensations within your body so that they don’t control you.
Attachment and Early Life
Dr. van der Kolk also dives into the concept of attachment and how our earliest relationships, especially with caregivers, shape our ability to cope with trauma later in life. Healthy attachments in infancy can create a strong internal locus of control, meaning that as adults, we feel more equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Conversely, early attachment disruptions can leave us feeling powerless, disconnected from our bodies, and unsure of how to regulate our emotions. Understanding the role of attachment helps many of my clients reframe their experiences and gives them a deeper understanding of why they might struggle with certain relationships.
Psychosomatic Issues and Latent Trauma Responses
Perhaps one of the most eye-opening sections of the book for many people is its discussion of psychosomatic issues—physical symptoms with no apparent physical cause. Often, trauma survivors experience chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues that medical tests can’t explain. These symptoms are real, but their roots lie in unresolved trauma.
What’s more, it’s common for people to be living under latent trauma responses without even realizing it. They may not consider themselves trauma survivors because they haven’t had an “obvious” traumatic experience. Yet they continue to struggle in personal, professional, or romantic relationships, not knowing that their bodies are still responding to past emotional wounds.
It’s common for people to say, “But nothing traumatic happened to me.” Yet they continue to feel overwhelmed, struggle with relationships, or have ongoing physical complaints. The Body Keeps the Score can be a revelation for those who don’t recognize the link between their present struggles and their past.
A Call to Action: Listen Before You Read
If this resonates with you, I invite you to listen to The Body Keeps the Score in a safe space before trying to read it. Listening allows you to engage with the material at your own pace, and hearing the information can be less overwhelming than reading. I personally found that listening while doing simple tasks, like dishes or laundry, helped me stay grounded and gave me space to process the emotions that surfaced. It’s important to create an environment where you feel secure, alone if possible, to absorb the material in a way that doesn’t feel too intense.
Healing from trauma is not a linear process, but understanding how the body and mind are intertwined is a powerful first step. Whether you’re working on your own healing or supporting a loved one through theirs, The Body Keeps the Score offers invaluable insights into why we feel the way we do—and how to reclaim control over our lives.
Final Thoughts
Trauma is complex, but healing is possible. Books like The Body Keeps the Score are profound tools that open the door to greater understanding and self-compassion. Listening to this book can be a transformative experience for anyone navigating trauma, even if they don’t yet realize the extent to which it affects them. Give yourself the space to listen, reflect, and feel. And when you’re ready, take the next step in your journey toward healing.
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