Unlocking Healing: Bessel van der Kolk on the Treatment of Trauma

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Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.

The Path to Recovery: Bessel van der Kolk and His Approach to Trauma Treatment

Table of Contents

• Understanding Trauma
• About Bessel van der Kolk
• Bessel van der Kolk on the Treatment of Trauma
• Key Insights from Bessel van der Kolk
• FAQs

"For real change to take place, the body needs to learn that the danger has passed and to live in the reality of the present." - Bessel van der Kolk

Understanding Trauma

Trauma, as understood within the field of mental health, is the psychological consequence of an overwhelmingly distressing event(s), which can often lead to long-term struggles with numerous mental health ailments. Trauma can often overshadow the resilience of an individual, keeping them entrapped in the terrors of the past. Bessel van der Kolk, a world-renowned trauma expert, refers to these harrowing incidences as frozen impressions.

About Bessel van der Kolk

Knowing the genius behind the method
Bessel van der Kolk is an esteemed psychiatrist, author, and pioneer in the field of trauma research. With more than three decades of experience, Bessel van der Kolk has helped countless individuals navigate through the murky waters of trauma. His contributions to the field have revolutionized the way we understand and treat psychological trauma, and his seminal work, The Body Keeps the Score, has helped both patients and practitioners understand the deep impact of trauma on the mind, brain, and body.

Bessel van der Kolk on the Treatment of Trauma

Contrary to the traditional psychoanalytic approach, Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes the role of the body in storing and releasing trauma. Van der Kolk suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy fall short when addressing the physiological imprints that trauma leaves on our bodies.

Key Insights from Bessel van der Kolk

1. Neuroplasticity: Van der Kolk has repeatedly emphasized that our brains are plastic. Even in the face of adversity, our brains have a remarkable capacity to rewire and adapt.
2. The role of the Body: Talking isn't enough. Understanding that our body also keeps the score is crucial for effective trauma treatment.
3. The Power of Being Heard: Van der Kolk stresses the therapeutic potential of creating a safe space where trauma victims can voice their experiences.

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FAQs

• What is the body's role in storing and releasing trauma according to Bessel van der Kolk?Van der Kolk suggests that our bodies store memories of trauma at a physiological level.
• Why does Van der Kolk believe that traditional therapies fall short in treating trauma?Van der Kolk believes that these methods neglect the physiological imprints trauma leaves on our bodies.
• What is neuroplasticity and why is it important in trauma treatment?Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. It's important in trauma treatment as it shows that our brains can adapt and heal following trauma.
• What does Bessel van der Kolk mean by "The Body Keeps the Score"?This phrase reflects his belief that experiences, especially traumatic ones, leave a physical imprint on our bodies, impacting our health and wellbeing long after the event has passed.

At Aura Institute, we closely echo the treatment principles proposed by Bessel van der Kolk. Our mission aligns with the goal of trauma-informed care, recognizing trauma's widespread impact and aim to actively resist re-traumatization. Our comprehensive trauma-focused courses can help you bring a positive impact to your community.

Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.