Nick Kelly's Key Ideas from The Body Keeps the Score
by Bessel A. Van der Kolk

Traumatized individuals often experience fragmented or dissociative memories. The traumatic events might not be processed as coherent narratives, and these disjointed memories can resurface unpredictably.

The brain is capable of change throughout life, a process called neuroplasticity. Trauma can alter brain functioning, but therapeutic interventions can help rewire the brain and promote recovery.

Trauma activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, which can become stuck in a heightened state. This dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and hypervigilance.

Healthy, supportive relationships play a critical role in healing trauma. Building trust and connection with others is a central element in therapeutic recovery.

Van der Kolk advocates for trauma-informed therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), yoga, and neurofeedback. These methods help individuals reconnect with their bodies and regulate their emotions.

Traumatized people often feel disconnected from their bodies, experiencing a lack of agency, control, or safety. Reconnecting with the body through movement, mindfulness, and other practices is essential for healing.

Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes how childhood trauma profoundly impacts brain development and emotional regulation. Traumatic experiences in early life can lead to dysregulated stress responses, difficulty forming secure relationships, and persistent feelings of fear and helplessness. Children exposed to trauma often struggle with emotional numbing, hypervigilance, and trouble processing emotions, which can affect their ability to function in adulthood. Van der Kolk highlights the importance of early intervention and therapeutic approaches like trauma-focused therapy and mindfulness.

Van der Kolk emphasizes that while trauma has far-reaching effects, healing is possible. By understanding the relationship between mind, brain, and body, trauma survivors can learn to reestablish a sense of safety, control, and connection.