ACC's recommended read for the month of February:

ACC's February Read

This month's recommended read is titled "The Body Keeps the Score," by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

If you have ever wondered how trauma shapes the brain and body, The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is an essential read. This groundbreaking book explores the deep connection between trauma and the human nervous system, offering both scientific insight and hope for healing.

Why This Book Matters

Dr. Bessell van der Kolk, a psychiatrist and trauma expert, breaks down how adverse experiences- whether that be childhood neglect, combat, assault, or other distressing events- literally reshapes the human brain and body. He explains how trauma can manifest in physical symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and even chronic illness. The book also sheds light on how traditional talk therapy alone isn't always enough and why combining body-based approaches (such as EMDR, yoga, and neurofeedback) with talk therapy can be transformative.

Key Takeaways

1. Trauma is stored in the body. Even if memories fade, the nervous system holds onto distress, often leading to hypervigilance, dissociation, or chronic pain.

2. Healing sometimes requires more than just talking. Effective recovery often involves combining movement, mindfulness, and connection- therapies that can engage the body, not just the mind.

3. Survivors are not broken. With the right interventions, the brain can rewire itself, and healing is possible.

Final Thoughts

While The Body Keeps the Score is rich with research, it's also deeply compassionate and readable. It provides a mix of personal stories, scientific exploration, and practical strategies for recovery. If you're ready to understand trauma in an entirely new way, this book is a must read.

Have you read The Body Keeps the Score? If so, what were your biggest takeaways personally? We would love to discuss it in the comments!

By: Haleigh Tumminello