"Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside us"

Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a titan in the world of trauma research. He’s the author of the seminal best-selling book about trauma - The Body Keeps the Score - which has been published in 38 languages and read by millions of people around the world.

As the title of his book implies, trauma leaves imprints within our bodies and brains that can lead to physical and mental health problems.

Bessel has studied numerous ways that help us heal – and he splits them into three categories: Top Down, bottom up – and medicinal.

Top down processing involves things like traditional talking therapies.

Bottom up focusses on somatic, body based interventions.- as feeling safe within our own bodies is key.

Medicinal treatment is where SSRI anti-depressant medication comes in.

In this episode:

How common trauma is
Bessel’s frustration with the 'over medicalisation' of trauma
We are social creatures, the importance of our place in social systems
The role of our parental relationships
The British boarding school phenomenon
How trauma drives people to great achievements
Trauma is pre-verbal
The benefit of being triggered and leaning into that
The importance of mindfulness
Somatic therapies including yoga, QiGong and team sports
Shadow work/ internal family systems
Psychedelic therapy
Advice if you want to address your own trauma & how to avoid passing it down generation to generation

CAUTION: This conversation contains themes of an adult nature and references to sexual assault.

Bessel's website: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/

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