The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Implications and Applications

• The book emphasizes the importance of integrating the body into trauma treatment, which in practice leads to the use of body-oriented therapies such as yoga and somatic practices to restore the mind-body connection.
• Van der Kolk describes the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as an effective method for treating post-traumatic stress disorder, which is practically applied by many therapists to help patients process traumatic memories.
• The book highlights the importance of safe and supportive relationships in the healing process, which in practice is embodied in creating a therapeutic environment where patients can feel protected and heard.
• Van der Kolk discusses the neurobiological aspects of trauma, which in practice helps professionals better understand how trauma affects the brain and behavior, and develop more effective treatment strategies.
• The book suggests using theatrical and dramatic methods as a way to express and process traumatic experiences, which in practice is implemented in therapeutic programs that include elements of drama and role-playing.
• The importance of mindfulness and meditation in the recovery process is emphasized, which in practice leads to the inclusion of these techniques in treatment programs to improve self-regulation and reduce stress levels.