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.
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.
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:
Here are some of Bessel van der Kolk's most prominent writings:
Youtube has a bunch of great interviews and lectures from Bessel as well.
Here are a few figures similar to Bessel van der Kolk who have made significant contributions to the field of trauma psychology: