In his book The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel Van Der Kolk argues that trauma exists everywhere and is a fact of life for most - if not all - people. 25% of Americans are alcoholics; 20% have been molested; 33% of couples engage in physical violence; veterans and their families - almost everyone in the world has experienced something traumatic. In his book, Van Der Kolk aims to explore how trauma effects and shapes a person and their brain, explaining that trauma reshapes how people experience pleasure, self-control, and trust (among a number of other things). Above everything, though, Van Der Kolk illuminates how people can heal from their damaging experiences and how they can reclaim their lives.
In making his conclusions, Dr. Van Der Kolk used his own research as well as the research of other people, Dr. Van Der Kolk exposes something that few people know about: trauma can change who they are as a person. Someone who may have been outgoing and not depressed could be traumatized and become more introverted, depressed, and distressed.
A New York Times bestseller, The Body Keeps the Score has been well-reviewed by critics and audiences alike, who have praised the book for its unique approach to trauma, life experiences, and how people can reclaim their life. Alexander McFarlane, the Director of the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, reviewed the book and wrote that the book is "Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding and treating traumatic stress and the scope of its impact on society."
