The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in The Healing of Trauma, by Bessel Van Der Kolk came up in the interview with John Eldridge on Pints with Aquinas. John has his own book, Wild at Heart, but wanted to start with Dr. Kolk since it was the book that helped John Eldridge with his own trauma. The Body Keeps the Score has obvious problems for Catholics in the solutions that are counseled towards the end of the book, such as yoga. There are strange conclusions, such as several national social solutions proposed that are in direct contrast to the Constitution of the United States. Lastly, it is worth noting that Dr. Kolks perspective on human sexuality is aligned with secular culture.
With some of these cautions noted, the book is worth a study. A journey through the science of the brain in regards to trauma, the history of trauma in relation to the medical community, and the journey Dr. Kolk has been on to discover what works in regards to lasting solutions to trauma is important. He has been in search of the truth and I believe that is admirable. One image stuck in my head - the idea that trauma is like a splinter that is left in the body whose infection is always there unless removed. The medical communities constant solution of popping a pill is addressed and admonished thoroughly by Dr. Kolk. Concepts such as replicating REM sleep while processing trauma, neurofeedback or being "sentenced to Shakespeare" are all ideas that echo my own (limited) experiences from what I have seen help with trauma.
The stories that are shared are difficult to read, but if you have any interest in this book you chances are you know someone that has experienced something similar. Empathy is built on understanding and this book has been helpful to me, I hope you find it helpful too. In the library if you want to borrow.
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