The Body Keeps the Score
“A must-read for anyone seeking to comprehend and address traumatic stress and its wide-reaching effects on society” – Alexander McFarlane, Director of the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies
A trailblazing researcher redefines our perspective on trauma and presents a daring new approach to healing in this bestselling book on the New York Times list.
Trauma is an inherent part of human existence. Veterans and their families navigate the difficult aftermath of warfare; one in five Americans has experienced sexual abuse; one in four grew up in households with alcoholics; and one in three couples have been involved in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading authority on trauma, has dedicated over thirty years to working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he leverages recent scientific breakthroughs to demonstrate how trauma physically alters both the body and brain, impairing individuals’ ability to find joy, connect with others, exercise self-control, and develop trust. The book explores groundbreaking therapies – from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga – that open new avenues for recovery by harnessing the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Drawing on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research alongside that of other top experts, The Body Keeps the Score reveals the profound influence of our relationships to both wound and heal – and provides renewed hope for individuals seeking to reclaim their lives.
#1 New York Times bestseller
Information about the Audiobook:
| Publisher | Bessel van der Kolk M.D. |
| Publish Date | September 08, 2015 |
| Pages | 464 / 16 hrs and 15 mins |
| Language | English |
| Type | Unabridged Audiobook |
| EAN/UPC | 9780143127741 |
The Body Keeps the Score. By Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Audiobook Available — Buy Now!

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SKU book: 9780143127741 📖 ASIN Number Amazon: B08TX585RN
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“The trauma caused by childhood neglect, sexual or domestic abuse and war wreaks havoc in our bodies, says Bessel van der Kolk in The Body Keeps the Score… Van der Kolk draws on thirty years of experience to argue powerfully that trauma is one of the West’s most urgent public health issues… Packed with science and human stories, the book is an intense read… [T]he struggle and resilience of his patients is very moving.”
– Shaoni Bhattacharya, New Scientist“War zones may be nearer than you think, as the 25 percent of US citizens raised with alcoholic relatives might attest. Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk argues, moreover, that severe trauma is ‘encoded in the viscera’ and demands tailored approaches that enable people to experience deep relief from rage and helplessness. In a narrative packed with decades of findings and case studies, he traces the evolution of treatments from the ‘chemical coshes’ of the 1970s to neurofeedback, mindfulness and other nuanced techniques.”
– Nature“A fascinating exploration of a wide range of therapeutic treatments shows readers how to take charge of the healing process, gain a sense of safety, and find their way out of the morass of suffering.”
– Pat Ogden Ph.D., Founder/Educational Director of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute; author of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment“This is masterpiece of powerful understanding and brave heartedness, one of the most intelligent and helpful works on trauma I have ever read. Dr. van der Kolk offers a brilliant synthesis of clinical cases, neuroscience, powerful tools and caring humanity, offering a whole new level of healing for the traumas carried by so many.”
– Jack Kornfied, author of A Path with Heart“The Body Keeps the Score is masterful in bringing together science and humanism to clearly explain how trauma affects the whole person. Bessel van der Kolk brings deep understanding to the pain and chaos of the trauma experience. The treatment approaches he recommends heal the body and the mind, restoring hope and the possibility of joy. One reads this book with profound gratitude for its wisdom.”
– Alicia Lieberman, Ph.D., Professor of Medical Psychology UCSF, Director of the Child Trauma Research Project, San Francisco General Hospital; author of The Emotional Life of the Toddler









Emma Smith –
This is one of the most important books I’ve ever read. Don’t let the word “trauma” keep you away from this one, we’ve all had emotional and physical pain that has affected our bodies more than we realize, and I took so much from reading about how these things could manifest over time.
Ink book –
This hardcover edition of The Body Keeps the Score offers a profound and groundbreaking exploration of trauma’s physical and psychological impact. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s insights into innovative therapies and healing processes provide hope and understanding for survivors. An essential read for anyone interested in trauma recovery and mental health.
James Smith –
A wonderful way to enjoy a story on the go 🚶♀️
Book Review –
I recently listened to The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, and it truly opened my eyes to how trauma affects our minds and bodies. The stories and research shared are powerful and healing 💙. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding trauma and recovery. Highly recommended!
Audio Books –
I loved this audiobook! ❤️ The story touched my heart and made me think. Perfect for relaxing evenings. 🌙✨
AudioBooks Shop –
Listening to the audiobook was a great experience. The narrator’s voice added an extra layer of depth to the story.
Very heady but great information –
This book is so full of great perspectives as well as a boatload of studies and technical information that can become overwhelming at times but is at the same time always intriguing. Made it through on audio after owning the paper copy for a year an never getting past 1/4 way through. Narrator was EXCELLENT.
Glad I made it.
Kristina –
this book really covers it all. there were some realizations I made about myself, some about others and some I simply marvelled that anybody had lived through and recovered from. this book gave me a deeper appreciation for veterans and psychology as a whole. it really opened my eyes to the amount and types of trauma that are experienced. it also addressed many different forms of treatment and how they are beneficial in aiding the mind to let go.
WOW!!! I wish I had read this decades ago … –
This is so well written. I listened to it on audio. After decades of therapy for PTSD, I didn’t think I could “learn” any more that would help me out. I’ve gone thru soooooo many therapies. However, this was incredible at explaining in a manner I can understand (neurology is heavy!) so that I can be aware when my brain is telling me things which I can now apply “tools” to that I’ve learned throughout the years. It gave me a feeling of “I’m really ok” whereas normally I would blame myself for being “stupid” in not being able to “control” certain emotions (that seemed ridiculous to me at my age of 63). I’m going to listen to it again and take more notes so that I can have my arsenal of tools at the ready so as not to go down a spiraling emotional path for days on end. If you’re dealing with childhood trauma (sexual, physical or emotional), this book could be for you. Mind you, I’ve been through years of therapy for this and worked thru very many issues/problems so if you’re new in realizing your trauma, this may be a bit much for this period in your recovery. I can’t say enough about it! It was truly an awakening for me in many areas of my life. Kudos to the author for his work with PTSD patients and the “naming” of a diagnosis for it so people, especially our soldiers, can now get the sorely needed help. Great narrator as well – I felt like I was in the stories!