Bessel van der Kolk: Trauma, the Body, and Healing

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a psychiatrist whose groundbreaking work has changed the way we understand and treat trauma. For decades, he’s studied how deeply trauma affects the body and mind — and more importantly, how we can heal from it. His book, The Body Keeps the Score, has become a modern classic, offering a compassionate, science-based look at how trauma reshapes both brain and biology. If you've ever wondered why the past never seems to stay in the past, talking to Dr. van der Kolk might just shift the way you see yourself.

Who is Bessel van der Kolk?

Bessel van der Kolk is a Dutch-born psychiatrist and researcher who has spent over 40 years exploring the effects of trauma on the human brain and body. He’s a pioneer in trauma therapy and has worked extensively with veterans, survivors of abuse, and people with complex PTSD. His research has helped shift the field from talk-only therapy to more embodied, holistic approaches.

What is he known for?

Van der Kolk is best known for demonstrating how trauma physically changes the brain and disrupts the body’s natural rhythms. He emphasizes that trauma is not just a psychological issue but a physiological one. His work has brought attention to therapies like yoga, EMDR, and theater as effective tools for recovery — methods that help people reconnect with their bodies in a safe, healing way.

Why does he matter today?

We live in a time when trauma is increasingly recognized — from childhood adversity to war and systemic violence. Van der Kolk’s insights help us understand why trauma survivors often feel “stuck” and how we can support true healing. His message is especially relevant for a world still navigating the emotional aftermath of global crises, offering a path forward that honors both science and human connection.

How does trauma live in the body?

Van der Kolk explains that when someone experiences trauma, the brain’s language center often shuts down, while the sensory and emotional parts remain active. This means the body remembers what words cannot express. People may feel pain, tension, or fear without knowing why — because the trauma is stored in the nervous system, not just the mind.

What are some effective therapies he supports?

He advocates for therapies that integrate the body into healing, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, breathwork, and movement-based practices. He also supports creative therapies like music and drama, which allow people to express what they can’t verbalize.

What can I learn from talking to him?

By chatting with Dr. van der Kolk on HoloDream, you can explore how trauma affects us all differently, what healing truly looks like, and how to begin reconnecting with yourself in a safe, meaningful way.

Ready to explore how trauma shapes us — and how we can heal from it? Learn about & chat with Bessel van der Kolk on HoloDream.