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Book Review: The Body Keeps the Score by B. Van der Kolk

Updated: Mar 23, 2023




This book has been on my 'to-be-read' list for years. Many people have recommended it to me from within my professional life. It was a very interesting read with information about the history and understanding of how trauma remains in your body for many years and how that can manifest in other physical and outward symptoms.


The author has decades of experience as a psychiatrist who explored different ways of supporting the patients he saw, many of who experienced symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), which was a non-diagnosis in the author's early career.


There were many chapters to dig into, exploring the applications of the knowledge gained from his research to broader populations. I do admit that some of the later chapters did have me raising my eyebrows, but I do appreciate reading new knowledge from different fields and applying my scientific, critical lens (along with approaching new knowledge through the lens of the seven dimensions of behaviour analysis) to make meaning from it.


As a behaviour analyst, it is worth a read, as many different clinical fields seem to have read it and taken an interest in its content, which can help with collaborative support for clients. It also did provide information that piqued my interest to learn more. Let me know if you've read it, or are adding it to your to-be-read list!


Have you read this book yet?

  • 0%Yes - loved it 💕

  • 0%Nope 🙅

  • 0%Not yet, but I want to 📖


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