Deactivation of the prefrontal cortex affects our ability to regulate our own stress hormone systems, resulting in panic, agitation, and hypervigilance responses in PTSD patients. The amygdala is usually in a hyperactive state which increases the release of stress hormones and impairs the functioning of the hippocampus, meaning traumatic memories remain vivid. The amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are the primary stress responders in the brain - understanding these areas of the brain is important for effective trauma treatment. Here are some of the key points van der Kolk describes: Not only does he make this complicated material much easier to digest, but he also injects humor into it to keep it engaging and entertaining. Both require gentleness to promote healing.īessel van der Kolk expertly explains the complex neuroscience of how the brains of those who have experienced trauma differ from those that have not. Trauma is a type of psychological injury, in the same way that a broken leg is a physical injury. Discovering traditional treatment methods often created detrimental effects more than positive ones due to their traumatic experiences led him to pioneer new techniques that broke away from accepted norms - providing fresh hope for those suffering symptoms of trauma worldwide today. Van der Kolk himself grew up amidst post-war poverty and despair before encountering his first exposure to trauma at the Veterans Administration in Boston with Vietnam veterans. His father, a passionate voice against oppression and Nazism, was imprisoned while his uncle endured hardship as a slave laborer in Burma. Van der Kolk's formative years were marked by the tragic events of World War II. This blog post begins with a short biography of the author, then summarises my takeaways key takeaways that I believe are important for anyone who has experienced trauma to know. 
With his captivating storytelling style, van der Kolk paints a vivid picture of how traumatic memories are stored in one's brain - making this comprehensive exploration practical for clinicians as well as accessible enough for every reader that wishes to gain insight into healing from past wounds. This book beautifully weaves together an understanding of how trauma affects both our minds and bodies, while providing tangible interventions designed to address deep-seated emotional pain. Reading Bessel van der Kolk’s 'The Body Keeps the Score' helps to bring into focus why I'm passionate about my work.
0 kommentar(er)
