In this engaging conversation, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a professor of psychiatry and author of 'The Body Keeps the Score', discusses the deep impacts of trauma on both mental and physical health. He differentiates trauma from stress and explains how traumatic experiences carve lasting imprints in our bodies. He advocates for body-oriented therapies, such as yoga, as essential tools for healing. The episode also highlights the significance of social support, emotional regulation, and movement in navigating the recovery journey.
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insights INSIGHT
Trauma Robs Control Over Self
Trauma disrupts your sense of control over your emotions and reactions.
You may become reactive or shut down, losing control of intense emotional responses.
insights INSIGHT
Trauma Extends Stress Response
Stress ends once the stressful event is over and the body returns to normal.
Trauma causes persistent stress responses that alter nervous system function.
insights INSIGHT
Social Support Buffers Trauma
Social support after trauma significantly aids recovery and resilience.
Connection with loved ones forms vital comfort and helps overcome trauma impacts.
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In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals
Charles Darwin
This book, published in 1872, is Charles Darwin's third major work on evolutionary theory. It delves into the biological aspects of emotional behavior, arguing that human emotional expressions have their origins in animal behavior. Darwin introduces principles such as 'the principle of serviceable associated Habits', 'the principle of Antithesis', and 'the principle of actions due to the constitution of the Nervous System'. He analyzes various emotions and their expressions, highlighting the universal nature of these expressions across different species and cultures. The book was illustrated with photographs, drawings, and woodblock prints, making it one of the first scientific works to use photographs extensively. Darwin's work challenged the prevailing view that human facial muscles were divinely created for unique emotional expressions, instead linking them to evolutionary heritage[2][3][4].
Today’s guest is the author of the iconic book, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, which first came out over 10 years ago and has sold millions of copies all around the world. In fact, the book has been somewhat of an international sensation and is as popular today as it ever has been.
Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.
Today’s clip is from episode 336 of the podcast with professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and President of the Trauma Research Foundation, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk.
In this clip we discuss the meaning of trauma and how it’s different from stress, how traumatic experiences leave an imprint in our bodies, and why he thinks that body-oriented therapies such as yoga could play a vital role in beginning to heal.
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee 
