If you have ever wondered why painful experiences seem to lodge themselves in the body long after the mind has tried to move on, this is the book that put that question into the mainstream. Drawing on decades of clinical work, Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. examines how trauma reshapes the brain, the nervous system, and the body itself. It is a landmark account that has become essential listening for survivors, clinicians, and curious readers alike.
Get the The Body Keeps the Score Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printWhat The Body Keeps the Score is about
“The Body Keeps the Score” is a work of nonfiction by psychiatrist and researcher Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., one of the leading voices in the modern study of trauma. Blending neuroscience, case observations from his own practice, and the history of how psychiatry has understood psychological injury, the book argues that overwhelming experiences leave their mark not only on memory but on the body and brain. Van der Kolk explores how trauma can affect the way people feel, relate to others, and regulate themselves.
Beyond explaining the problem, the book surveys a range of approaches that aim to help people recover and feel safe in their bodies again. Accessible yet grounded in research, it has resonated widely with general readers and professionals, helping shape how a broad audience thinks and talks about trauma and healing.
| Author | Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. |
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Why The Body Keeps the Score is great on audio
On audio, van der Kolk’s blend of explanation, science, and human stories flows naturally in a single steady voice, making dense ideas easier to absorb than they sometimes are on the page. It suits commutes, walks, and repeat listening, since the material rewards revisiting key chapters. Listeners who like learning from an authoritative, conversational narration will find this format a comfortable fit.
Who should listen
Listen if you are drawn to psychology, neuroscience, or first-person insight into how the mind and body respond to hardship, or if you work in a caregiving or clinical field. It also speaks to readers seeking to understand their own experiences with more compassion and context. Those looking for light entertainment, a quick self-help fix, or a purely narrative story may want to skip it, and sensitive listeners should know the subject matter is serious by nature.
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How to listen to The Body Keeps the Score
The Body Keeps the Score is available on Audible and Amazon. If you’re new to Audible you can listen with a free trial, or buy the audiobook (also in Kindle and print) on Amazon.
Get the The Body Keeps the Score Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printFrequently asked questions
How can I listen to the The Body Keeps the Score audiobook?
You can get it on Audible or buy it on Amazon. If you are new to Audible, you can start with a free trial and use it to begin listening.
Is this audiobook fiction or nonfiction?
It is nonfiction. The book draws on neuroscience, research, and clinical experience to explain how trauma affects the brain and body, rather than telling a fictional story.
Do I need a background in psychology to follow it?
No. While it is grounded in science and clinical work, van der Kolk writes for a general audience, explaining concepts in accessible language so curious listeners without a medical background can follow along.
Does the audiobook contain spoilers or graphic detail I should know about?
As nonfiction, there is no plot to spoil. However, the subject is trauma and its effects, so the material can be intense and emotionally heavy at times for sensitive listeners.