Bessel van der Kolk

Bessel van der Kolk is a Dutch-American psychiatrist, researcher, and author, best known for his work on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the effects of trauma on the brain and body. He has been a leading figure in the field of trauma therapy for several decades and has contributed significantly to understanding how trauma affects neural development, memory, and emotional regulation.

Key Facts About Bessel van der Kolk

• Born: 1943, in The Netherlands
• Profession: Psychiatrist, researcher, and educator
• Specialization: PTSD, developmental trauma, neurobiology of trauma, treatment modalities
• Notable Work: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (2014)

Contributions to Trauma Research

Van der Kolk’s research has focused on how trauma affects the brain and body, particularly in children and individuals with complex PTSD. His work highlights that trauma is not just a psychological issue but also a physiological one, affecting brain structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.

He has advocated for a range of treatment approaches beyond talk therapy, including:

• Somatic therapies (e.g., yoga, EMDR, neurofeedback)
• Body-centered approaches to healing trauma
• The role of play, movement, and relationships in trauma recovery

The Body Keeps the Score (2014)

His book The Body Keeps the Score became a bestseller and has had a major impact on trauma-informed therapy. It explores how trauma rewires the brain and body, leading to chronic stress, dissociation, and emotional dysregulation. The book also outlines alternative healing methods that engage the body as well as the mind.

Legacy and Influence

Van der Kolk has worked with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and founded the Trauma Research Foundation. His work has influenced mental health professionals worldwide, promoting a more holistic and neuroscience-based approach to trauma treatment.