Mental Health Bookclub discussion

In December our mental health nonfiction group read is The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel A. van der Kolk.

Small overview in the NY Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/18/bo...

Please use this thread to post questions and comments at any time.

Blurb:
"A pioneering researcher and one of the world’s foremost experts on traumatic stress offers a bold new paradigm for healing.

Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Such experiences inevitably leave traces on minds, emotions, and even on biology. Sadly, trauma sufferers frequently pass on their stress to their partners and children.

Renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he transforms our understanding of traumatic stress, revealing how it literally rearranges the brain’s wiring—specifically areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust. He shows how these areas can be reactivated through innovative treatments including neurofeedback, mindfulness techniques, play, yoga, and other therapies. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score offers proven alternatives to drugs and talk therapy—and a way to reclaim lives."

Goodreads staffers chose their top three books of the year (link). And guess what? Our current group reads features there!! Meg McGill, Experts Quality Program Manager, thinks this is her top 3 fave of the year.

I know this is old, but I just started reading this and it is so eye opening. I’m only a few chapters in and it has already brought some healing and understanding.

Of course mine is a library book and of course others are waiting for my copy . I’m taking this book slow because once I get a “nugget” I want to sit on it for awhile. So I reserved another copy for when I have to give up mine, I’ll just have to write down what page I left off.

I’m sure I’ll post more lol.

Stormy Sky wrote: "I know this is old, but I just started reading this and it is so eye opening. I’m only a few chapters in and it has already brought some healing and understanding.

Of course mine is a library boo..."

So glad you find this book helpful!