I wish we lived in a world in which there was no trauma. However, trauma from sexual abuse, neglect and military service is extremely common. Not only do I see this as a pastor and a chaplain, but I know people who have experienced trauma.
One of the best books on this topic is The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk. Van Der Kolk is an expert in the area of trauma and has many years of working with clients in this area.
The basic thesis of the book is that trauma is not just in the mind. When trauma is experienced by an individual, it leaves marks on the body. Many of those marks have been invisible until recently with new technology.
Van Der Kolk argues that more than just talk therapy is needed. It is one part of the puzzle, as is medication. But he also argues that looking for how the trauma affects the rest of the body is essential.
A warning: Reading this book will not make someone a trauma expert. If anything, I came to understand how little I know. But there were things that rang true what I have witnessed in people I have known.
I would also say that victims of trauma should be careful when considering reading this book. Many graphic examples of trauma are shared and I struggled with it, not having experienced trauma myself. It could be triggering.
Anyone who is working in the area of mental healthy should read The Body Keeps the Score.
Please note that links in this post are Amazon Affiliate links.
