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Bessel van der Kolk

Bessel van der Kolk Quotes

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Bessel van der Kolk is a renowned psychologist and author specializing in the study and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His work has had a profound impact on understanding the psychological effects of trauma and how to effectively treat trauma survivors.

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Famous Bessel van der Kolk Quotes

“Learning to experience and tolerate deep emotions is essential for recovery from trauma.”

Feelings Acting Healing Drama

Book:The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Source: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

“We concluded that Beecher's speculation that "strong emotions can block pain" was the result of the release of morphinelike substances manufactured in the brain. This suggested that for many traumatized people, reexposure to stress might provide a similar relief from anxiety.”

Book:The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Source: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

“I remember him saying: "The greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves.”

Book:The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Source: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

“Trauma is the ultimate experience of “this will last forever.”

Healing Mental Health Trauma Healing The Past

Book:The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Source: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

“Learning how to breathe calmly and remaining in a state of relative physical relaxation, even while accessing painful and horrifying memories, is an essential tool for recovery (209)”

Book:The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Source: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

“At the core of recovery is self-awareness. ... Yet avoiding feeling [these] sensations in our bodies increases our vulnerability to being overwhelmed by them (210)”

Book:The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Source: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

“When we pay focused attention to our bodily sensations, we can recognize the ebb and flow of our emotions and, with that, increase our control over them. (210)”

Book:The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Source: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma