Who is Bessel van der Kolk?

Bessel van der Kolk is a Dutch psychiatrist who is best known for his research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the effects of trauma on the brain and body. He has made significant contributions to the field of trauma treatment and has been a leading voice in advocating for the use of innovative, body-based therapies.

Van der Kolk was born in 1943 in the Netherlands, and he grew up in a family that was deeply affected by the trauma of World War II. His father was a survivor of a Japanese internment camp, and his mother had been involved in the Dutch resistance. These experiences shaped van der Kolk's interest in trauma and its effects on individuals and society.

In the 1970s, van der Kolk became interested in the treatment of PTSD, which at the time was not yet recognized as a distinct diagnosis. He was one of the first researchers to identify the physical and neurological effects of trauma on the brain and body, and his work helped to establish PTSD as a legitimate diagnosis.

Van der Kolk has also been a strong advocate for the use of body-based therapies in trauma treatment, such as yoga, neurofeedback, and other forms of somatic therapy. He has argued that traditional talk therapy is not always effective for trauma survivors, as trauma is often stored in the body and not just the mind.

One interesting personal anecdote about van der Kolk is that he is an accomplished equestrian and has been involved in competitive dressage. He has also written about the therapeutic benefits of working with horses for trauma survivors, known as equine therapy (which I've experimented with), as they can help individuals develop a sense of trust, connection, and empowerment.

Overall, van der Kolk's research has helped to revolutionize our understanding of trauma and its effects on the brain and body. His advocacy for innovative and body-based therapies has opened up new channels for trauma treatment and has helped countless individuals to heal from their traumatic experiences.

What were his core ideas and contributions?

Here are some of Bessel's major contributions to the world of psychology and trauma therapy:

Understanding the effects of trauma on the brain and body: Van der Kolk was one of the first researchers to identify the physical and neurological effects of trauma on the brain and body. He has shown that trauma can result in changes to the brain's structure and function, as well as to the body's stress response system.

Body-based therapies for trauma treatment: Van der Kolk has been a strong advocate for the use of body-based therapies in trauma treatment, such as yoga, neurofeedback, and other forms of somatic therapy. He has argued that traditional talk therapy is not always effective for trauma survivors, as trauma is often stored in the body and not just the mind.

Understanding the role of childhood trauma: Van der Kolk has emphasized the importance of understanding childhood trauma and its impact on adult mental health. He has shown that early childhood experiences, such as neglect or abuse, can have a profound impact on an individual's development and can contribute to the development of mental health issues later in life.

Developmental trauma disorder: Van der Kolk has proposed a new diagnosis called developmental trauma disorder, which describes the effects of chronic childhood trauma on an individual's development and mental health.

Advocacy for trauma-informed care: Van der Kolk has been a strong advocate for trauma-informed care, which involves understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on individuals and providing care in a way that is safe, supportive, and non-judgmental.

How might I apply his ideas to myself?

You can apply Bessel van der Kolk's work to better understand and manage your own mental health, particularly if you have experienced trauma. Here are a ideas about how you might apply his work:

• Understand the effects of trauma on your body and mind: By understanding the physical and emotional effects of trauma, you can develop a better sense of what triggers your symptoms and how to manage them. For example, if you have experienced trauma and struggle with anxiety, you may notice that your heart rate increases and you feel jittery when you are triggered. Knowing this can help you identify when you need to practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation.
• Explore body-based therapies: If traditional talk therapy hasn't been effective for you, consider exploring body-based therapies, such as yoga or somatic experiencing. These types of therapies can help you develop a greater sense of awareness and control over your body, which can in turn help you manage your symptoms.
• Identify childhood trauma: If you experienced trauma in childhood, it can be helpful to identify how those experiences may be impacting you now. For example, if you grew up in a chaotic or unpredictable environment, you may struggle with trust and stability in your relationships as an adult. By identifying these patterns, you can work with a therapist or other mental health professional to develop strategies to manage them.
• Practice self-care and self-compassion: If you are living with trauma, it's important to prioritize self-care and self-compassion. This might involve setting aside time each day for relaxation, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and practicing self-compassionate self-talk.

Writing, Interviews, Research, and Lectures

Here are some of Bessel van der Kolk's most prominent writings:

• "The Body Keeps the Score" (2014): This book is perhaps van der Kolk's most famous work and provides a comprehensive overview of his research on trauma and its effects on the brain and body. He also presents a range of innovative therapies for treating trauma, including yoga, neurofeedback, and EMDR.
• "Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society" (1996): This book is a seminal work in the field of trauma psychology and includes contributions from a range of experts in the field. Van der Kolk's chapter, "The Complexity of Adaptation to Trauma," explores the ways in which individuals can develop a range of coping mechanisms in response to trauma.

Youtube has a bunch of great interviews and lectures from Bessel as well.

Other figures you may be interested in

Here are a few figures similar to Bessel van der Kolk who have made significant contributions to the field of trauma psychology:

• Judith Herman: Herman is an American psychiatrist and trauma expert who is best known for her work on complex PTSD and the impact of interpersonal trauma. Her book "Trauma and Recovery" is a seminal work in the field of trauma psychology.
• Peter Levine: Levine is an American psychologist and trauma expert who has developed a model of trauma treatment called Somatic Experiencing. This approach focuses on developing awareness of bodily sensations and using them as a way to process trauma.
• Pat Ogden: Ogden is an American psychologist and founder of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. Her approach to trauma treatment emphasizes the role of the body in healing and includes techniques such as mindfulness and movement.
• Janina Fisher: Fisher is an American clinical psychologist and trauma expert who has developed a model of trauma treatment called Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. This approach integrates cognitive and somatic techniques to help individuals process trauma.
• Francine Shapiro: Shapiro is an American psychologist who is best known for developing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy that uses eye movements to help individuals process traumatic memories.