Book Review: THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by Bessel van der Kolk

 

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh. Boy. This was a challenging book to read, but so worth the effort and time! I highly recommend it.

Trigger warning: this book goes into explicit detail when relating examples of trauma. I tried to skim some of those examples, because I didn't want to internalize it all, and sometimes I had to set the book down for a while after reading the heartbreaking details of other people's trauma.

This book explains so much valuable information. Now that I've finished reading, I will go back and review the highlights, bookmarks, and notes I made throughout it. I'll journal about those points and discuss them with my therapist.

While I dread the idea of working through my own trauma, I am excited at the idea of healing my broken bits. This book has left me feeling hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.

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Book Review: INTUITIVE EATING by Tribole & Resch

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach by Evelyn Tribole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book broke me. Seriously.

I've always known I had issues with food, but I had no idea my issues ran so deeply. This book was a huge eye opener for me. After reading it, I realized I had to seek help from a professional therapist--someone to go through the book with me chapter by chapter to discuss what issues were triggered for me and how I could resolve them. So I researched therapists who specialize in disordered eating, and I met with four to try to find a good fit for me. Interestingly enough, all four therapists told me that I do not have disordered eating and I do not need a therapist who specializes in that. They all told me I have unresolved trauma and I need a therapist who specializes in PTSD and trauma work. Huh. Imagine that. So now I'm meeting weekly with a therapist who assures me that once I've dealt with the trauma from my past and once I learn new coping mechanisms, the food issues will be resolved. I'm dreading having to face all that old junk, but I am excited to heal my broken bits. Wish me luck. ...

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