Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps The Score
Bessel van der Kolk: Redefining Trauma Recovery Through Mind-Body Healing
Bessel Van der Kolk has been a trailblazer in reshaping our understanding of trauma, PTSD, and the intricate pathways to recovery. Over decades of research and clinical practice, van der Kolk has revolutionized the way we approach trauma, focusing on the deep connection between mind and body in healing.
His vast experience, spanning from traditional methods to what some consider more alternative approaches, has been a lifeline for countless individuals struggling with the invisible scars of their past. Through his groundbreaking work, he has given hope to those seeking holistic and effective ways to rebuild their lives after trauma.
Bessel van der Kolk’s Early Years and the Quest for Deeper Answers
Bessel van der Kolk’s journey into trauma studies began early in his career when he noticed the limitations of traditional psychiatric models. Working with Vietnam War veterans and survivors of abuse, he saw firsthand how conventional treatments fell short of addressing the root causes of their pain. This realization propelled him to seek deeper, more integrative approaches to trauma care.
His work laid the foundation for pioneering therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and neurofeedback. These approaches recognize that trauma isn’t just a psychological wound; it lives in the body, affecting how people think, feel, and even move through
The Heart of His Teachings: Healing Mind and Body Together
Van der Kolk’s teachings emphasize that trauma doesn’t just live in memories; it’s stored in the body. Healing, therefore, requires an approach that engages both mind and body. His book, The Body Keeps the Score, distills years of research and practice into a powerful guide for understanding how trauma impacts the brain and body, shaping our ability to trust, connect, and experience joy.
He advocates for therapies that incorporate physical movement and awareness, such as yoga, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing, alongside more traditional methods. His integrative approach speaks directly to those seeking recovery that goes beyond talking and thinking—to feeling, moving, and truly living again.
Bessel van der Kolk Quote
“The body keeps the score: If the memory of trauma is encoded in the viscera… why do we not pay equal attention to the body in treating mental health?”
Important Career Highlights of Bessel van der Kolk
In addition to his groundbreaking contributions to trauma therapy, van der Kolk has held prominent academic and clinical positions. He served as a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and directed the Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts, which he founded in 1982. His work at the Trauma Center established it as one of the leading institutions in the field, focusing on innovative and comprehensive approaches to trauma care.
A key highlight of van der Kolk’s career was his involvement in early research on the neurobiology of trauma. He was among the first to show how trauma alters brain function, particularly in regions associated with memory and emotion regulation. His advocacy for recognizing trauma’s physiological impact helped shift the medical community’s understanding and approach to PTSD.
Van der Kolk was also a founding member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, a coalition aimed at improving access to care and advancing research for children impacted by trauma. His influence extends beyond academic research, as he has also contributed to shaping national policies for trauma-informed care.
Bessel van der Kolk Quote
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health.”
Exploring the Healing Potential of Psychedelics in Trauma Therapy
The use of psychedelics in trauma therapy has emerged as a compelling area of exploration in recent years, with experts like Bessel van der Kolk and Gabor Maté at the forefront. These substances, when administered in a controlled, therapeutic setting, have shown promise in helping individuals process deeply entrenched trauma and emotional pain that may not respond to conventional treatments.
Key Figures in the Field
Gabor Maté, a globally recognized trauma expert and advocate for compassionate healing, has been a strong proponent of psychedelics like ayahuasca in addressing trauma and addiction. His work explores how psychedelics, combined with skilled guidance, can help patients access repressed memories, emotions, and patterns, facilitating a deeper understanding of themselves and their pain.
In addition to Maté and van der Kolk, organizations like the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), led by Rick Doblin, have been instrumental in advancing research on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Studies from MAPS and other institutions indicate that psychedelics, when used responsibly, can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
The Benefits of Psychedelics in Therapy
- Deep Emotional Processing: Psychedelics have a unique ability to bypass the brain’s defense mechanisms, allowing individuals to confront and like psilocybin and MDMA promote neuroplasticity, potentially helping the brain rewire itself to form healthier thought and emotional patterns.
- Enhanced Therapeutic Alliance: Psychedelics can foster feelings of trust, safety, and connection, which are essential for effective therapy.
- Spiritual and Existential Insights: Many patients report profound, transformative experiences that help them reframe their understanding of themselves and their trauma.
The Risks and Considerations
While the potential benefits are significant, psychedelics are not a universal solution. The use of these substances requires careful consideration, as there are risks involved, particularly for individuals with certain mental health conditions:
- Psychological Vulnerability: For individuals with severe paranoia, psychosis, or borderline instability, psychedelics can exacerbate symptoms, leading to heightened anxiety or delusions.
- Uncontrolled Environments: Using psychedelics without proper therapeutic supervision can lead to distressing or harmful experiences.
- Integration Challenges: The insights gained during a psychedelic experience can be profound, but without adequate integration support, these insights may not translate into long-term healing.
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: Psychedelics remain illegal in many parts of the world, and accessing safe, therapeutic settings is challenging in these areas.
Bessel van der Kolk Quote
“Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you.”
A Delicate but Promising Field
I want to acknowledge that I have no personal experience with psychedelics in therapy, so I cannot offer firsthand insights. However, listening to the expertise of figures like Bessel van der Kolk, Gabor Maté, and Rick Doblin, it’s clear that they’re uncovering something potentially groundbreaking. Psychedelics appear to open doors to parts of the psyche that are otherwise difficult to access, but this must be approached with care.
Controlled environments, professional supervision, and a clear therapeutic framework are essential. These substances are powerful and delicate tools, not quick fixes, and more research is needed to fully understand their potential and limitations.
For some individuals, particularly those with unstable mental health, the use of psychedelics can pose risks. It’s crucial that treatment protocols prioritize safety, consent, and careful screening to ensure that these therapies help rather than harm.
The Path Forward
As the field grows, we need more clinical studies, ethical guidelines, and awareness about who can safely benefit from these therapies. Psychedelics hold immense promise for transforming trauma care, but like any powerful tool, their use requires respect, caution, and deep understanding.
This is an area worth following, and I’m inspired by the progress being made. For now, let’s continue to approach it with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to safe, ethical exploration.
Why His Work Matters Today
Van der Kolk’s influence extends far beyond therapy rooms. His insights have shaped modern trauma care, introducing a more empathetic, body-aware, and science-backed approach to healing. His research into how trauma alters the brain has revolutionized the understanding of conditions like PTSD and led to therapies tailored to each individual’s unique experience.
Thanks to van der Kolk’s advocacy, techniques like yoga, breathwork, and body-centered therapy have gained credibility in the mainstream. For many, these methods have provided a sense of relief and empowerment that traditional talk therapy alone couldn’t achieve.
The Personal Impact of van der Kolk’s Work
For me, Bessel van der Kolk’s teachings feel like the confirmation of something I’ve intuitively known for years: healing isn’t just a mental process—it’s physical, emotional, spiritual and deeply human. His vast knowledge, built over decades in both traditional institutions and more progressive spaces, is a source of endless inspiration.
His work has been instrumental in shaping programs I’ve developed for holistic trauma healing and narcissistic abuse recovery. The depth of his insights, combined with his compassion and commitment to humanity, resonates profoundly. Alongside the wisdom of Gabor Maté and Peter Levine, van der Kolk’s approach has reminded me that healing is as much about reconnection—with ourselves and others—as it is about recovery.
Bessel van der Kolk Quote
“The single most important issue for traumatized people is to find a sense of safety in their own bodies.”
The Legacy of Bessel van der Kolk: A Call for Courageous Healing
Bessel van der Kolk’s contributions to trauma therapy are nothing short of revolutionary. He has transformed the conversation from “how do we treat trauma?” to “how do we truly heal?” By bridging rigorous scientific research with practical, holistic applications, he’s created pathways that honor the full complexity of human experiences. His work doesn’t just stop at addressing symptoms—it seeks to restore the wholeness of the person.
Van der Kolk’s legacy is not only in the groundbreaking therapies he’s pioneered but in his courage to challenge rigid systems. He represents a rare kind of professional: one who combines academic excellence, deep empathy, and a fearless commitment to innovation. His willingness to explore alternative methods when traditional ones fail has set a vital example for the next generation of healers.
We need more brave, compassionate, and visionary individuals like him in the world—people who are unafraid to question outdated paradigms and who prioritize humanity and healing over maintaining the status quo.
Bessel van der Kolk Quote
“In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.”
Bessel van der Kolk and His Wife Licia Sky: Partners in Healing and Somatic Therapy
In 2024, at the age of 80, Bessel van der Kolk married Licia Sky, a multi-talented artist, somatic educator, and singer-songwriter. Their partnership is both personal and professional, as they frequently collaborate on workshops and trainings that integrate somatic practices, movement, and creative expression into trauma recovery. Licia is the co-founder and global ambassador of “The Trauma Research Foundation”, an organization dedicated to advancing trauma-informed care and promoting innovative approaches to healing
Licia Sky’s work complements van der Kolk’s teachings, emphasizing the role of body awareness, creativity, and safe connection in healing. Together, they have developed experiential workshops that guide participants through embodied practices to reconnect with their bodies and emotions. Their collaborative efforts have expanded the reach of van der Kolk’s work, demonstrating the power of integrating artistic and somatic approaches into trauma therapy.
Their relationship exemplifies a shared passion for healing and a commitment to empowering individuals to reclaim their sense of self through creative and holistic practices.
Bessel van der Kolk Quote
“Learning to observe and tolerate your physical reactions is the first step to reclaiming your life.”
Explore, Heal, and Transform
I encourage you to dive into Bessel van der Kolk’s work, starting with his seminal book The Body Keeps the Score. It’s a treasure trove of insights and practical tools that illuminate how trauma affects us—and how we can reclaim our lives. His lectures and teachings provide not only knowledge but also inspiration for taking the next step in your healing journey.
For those seeking a deeper, guided experience, I invite you to explore my own healing programs:
These programs are deeply aligned with the teachings of pioneers like van der Kolk, Gabor Maté, and others. They integrate somatic practices, mindfulness, and cutting-edge trauma-informed approaches to facilitate profound, lasting recovery. Whether you’re working through personal trauma or reclaiming yourself after narcissistic abuse, these programs offer a compassionate, transformative path forward.
Healing isn’t just about recovery—it’s about reclaiming your wholeness, your sense of self, and your capacity to live fully. Let the wisdom of these experts inspire you to step into a new chapter of your journey.
Lots of Love / Ami Elsius
May all beings be happy, peaceful and free
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Bessel van der Kolk Quote
“Our capacity to destroy one another is matched by our capacity to heal one another. Restoring relationships and community is central to restoring well-being.”
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