How the body keeps the score on trauma | Bessel van der Kolk for Big Think+

Acclaimed psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk, author of “The Body Keeps The Score,” discusses the widespread existence of trauma and how it manifests in our bodies. Bessel van der Kolk also discusses the pervasive nature of trauma and its impact on individuals. He reflects on his experiences working with traumatized populations, particularly Vietnam veterans, and highlights the commonality of trauma in various forms, such as abuse and violence. Van der Kolk challenges traditional psychiatric approaches, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing trauma rather than merely trying to "fix" individuals. He explains the physiological and psychological effects of trauma, particularly in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and stresses the need for society to acknowledge and address the prevalence of trauma. The script underscores the significance of creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, fostering self-compassion, and working towards societal awareness and support for those who have endured trauma. ►Get Big Think+ for Business Guide, inspire and accelerate leaders at all levels of your company with the biggest minds in business. Bessel van der Kolk has studied trauma for 50 years. Though we once considered trauma exclusive to veterans and people growing up in extreme circumstances, we now know it is an extremely common experience. Van der Kolk discusses the impact of trauma and the pathway to healing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Go Deeper with Big Think: ►Become a Big Think Member Get exclusive access to full interviews, early access to new releases, Big Think merch and more. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ About Bessel van der Kolk: Bessel van der Kolk MD spends his career studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences and has translated emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop and study a range of treatments for traumatic stress in children and adults. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bigthink/message