The 2014 Merle Jordan Conference - Dr. Bessel van der Kolk - Session 3

The 2014 Merle Jordan Conference
Terror, Trauma, and the Sacred: Psychological, Clinical, and Religious Perspectives
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk - “The Body Keeps the Score: How Trauma Is Lodged in Embodied Experience”
Dr. van der Kolk has been the Medical Director of The Trauma Center in Boston for the past 30 years and is past President of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Though he identifies himself primarily as a clinician, he has published well over 100 peer reviewed scientific articles on various aspects of trauma, including the use of yoga and neurofeedback in the treatment of PTSD.
Sponsored by The Albert and Jessie Danielsen Institute at Boston University
June 20, 2014

[@FishbowlSoulSwimming]

I love hearing this immensely wise man speak. If more therapists/psychiatrists followed his lead I think we'd be in much better shape.

[@kahlodiego5299]

If the mental health system followed his lead there would be hope.

[@ruthhopkins9326]

Me too, he is wonderful!

[@kenitcimm3467]

He speaks to the ordinary person....being the greatest in ones ability to communicate. Just brilliant communication..

[@kenitcimm3467]

I believe it is in his juxtapositioning the addressing of Maslows Heirachy of needs with his work in trauma that he speaks as well as he does!! He covers the GAMOT of the issues needed to be acquired to talk 'generally' about 'such a complex issue' such as 'trauma'. By his focus on the body....he is able to reconstruct the necessary particulars to everyday lives afflicted by the work he talks about in trauma recovery. It is 'recovery' that most people need to hear about!!!!...and he works very directly in attributing the body its place and how the body holds it I think that is most important in his discussions and talks! Lovin' ya work and appreciating you Profressor!!

[@kenitcimm3467]

"CNN and FOX News loving trauma"....how true is THIS??...."then you don't hear about it any more". How accurate this statement is about the content of media we recieve!! He might want to be careful of such comments. People virtually consider it their right to hear about it! -lol!! *sarcasm alert* America would desire it 'even more' due to the countries 'obsession' with guns entrenched as a cultural issue-(like it's a culture needing protection or something!!!) ....as if their Constitution made gun ownership a God given right!!!

[@makaylahollywood3677]

I love this man's intellect, wisdom, common sense, sense of humor and overall demeanor. Brilliant work which will benefit our now traumatized society. Dr. Van der Kolk- you are so down to earth and normal; really impressed.

[@louisemontague8009]

Tf5-. 5 5- 5- 4hi 5g

[@lindamellingen5977]

I love how he had the courage to learn something that went against his «beliefs»! That is courage, curiousity and empathy. Love it.

[@RobinAndersen-fn3ux]

thank you Doctor Bessel for never stop the research , im work in progres . But the time and effort was worth it , finally can have peace of mind, self love, and permission to live.

[@MusicaAngela]

This man has done wonderful work figuring out what can help people and children who suffer from traumatic experiences. His book which just came out is excellent! It is well written and will be helpful to people and therapists for years to come. It's called "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel Van de Kolk

[@FaithFashionFinances]

Currently reading it's been very healing for me

[@williamcalderon8541]

The greatest PTSD researcher!

[@theohuioiesin6519]

Bessel’s advice has given me a new life By means of the Bottom up approach to healing CPTSD.

[@cindyclark5804]

He's good. I am a nothing a still felt his compassion. Learning some. God bless him.

[@endlesssky6225]

Mr. Van der Kolk is fascinating and has a very soothing voice, thank you for uploading !

[@HelenGlenInternational]

As a trauma sufferer, every word he said is true! Great work Dr Bessel Van De Kolk! I'm very impressed to know that by using (EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing I'm on the right path to helping in the healing process of others in need.

[@toulad5317]

This book was integral in my healing process. A word of caution against using yoga and meditation for acute trauma victims, as there is the danger of dissociation and further loss of identity. Story is incredibly important and rewriting one's script with pen and paper or keyboard. Each and every story is important as we all have inherited the legacy of the diaspora xxx

[@minaveronicat9828]

Could you please explain the danger of dissociation and further loss of identity?

[@katja6332]

It's true but more when you do it from a not well trained yoga teacher. In traditional hatha yoga, you don't meditate or do religious awakening stuff which is so common in the west, it's so trendy. My old yoga teacher started with my feet and grounding techniques. "Until you can't stand probably, you have to practice the standing poses." "You start with the first chakra and this is about becoming grounded and feel safe and awake in your body." he repeated those sentences and it helps me until today. I can ground myself very quickly now. But it took me years to get there. Breathing is important as well, some breathing techniques are not for traumatized people to start with. Otherwise you will become more unhinged. Again, others will help you to stay safe and calm down your nervous system. Chanting helps. But don't ask questions about the spiritual too soon. Just enjoy your voice become better and better and how your back starts to ache a little bit after singing ohm for an hour every evening. Because you develop muscles you didn't had, right behind your lungs on your back and become stronger, your voice will profit from it. I know many people who are traumatized with weak voices. Hence, improving your power of the voice in a safe group is powerful. I went to India for doing yoga and the teacher explained to me what typical western culture does wrong and unfortunately even Indian based yoga teacher are "pleasing to western wishes" and talk about spiritual development etc. He said "You start with the standards, like a house, you don't start with the top, spirituality is on the top here (tapping on the front of the head) that comes years later, after your foundation is properly build (pointing to the feet). We start there and slowly go up and maybe years later you are capable of going there (pointing to the top). "Respect our old knowledge. We know." and chuckled. Another interesting difference is that in western yoga classes, the teacher is like a fitness trainer dancing in front of you. And you, like the whole group, is trying to follow up. In India, with two different yoga teachers, they were walking around and giving you personal information what you should do and hoe based on what level you had. Because everyone needs different levels for different asanas. Imagine that. They give you personalized support and still you are in a small group. Yoga helped me tremendously. I didn't knew that back then but I was lucky to have had a good teacher.

[@hmmcinerney]

@@katja6332 unfortunately yoga is the West has turned into an Instagram moment, which is very off putting to people. When I told people of the benefits I found, they’d say that they couldn’t ‘do’ those poses. I’d explain that the simplest poses can be done by almost anyone. You don’t need racehorse legs and a mountaintop background.😀

[@Fefe559]

most brilliant dr - miles above everyone else & tells the truth! Love his rebellion & compassion!

[@dee5105]

My addiction counselor told me of this man and I'm so happy to hear him..

[@jennifermiastarg8712]

This is exactly me! I accidentally found you and listened intently while connecting in every forum. Thank you sincerely as I wish that talking directly was an option. Feel blessed to have a clear understanding that of an area that I definitely am identifying as self.

[@catelewis7223]

wow...I loved this.

[@MartaWyngaard]

Love the honesty!

[@djdebssuperlawyersjusticeu9855]

DANCING is great therapy

[@ironjohnlad]

brilliant talk. Somatic approaches to trauma really work !

[@theincandescentman685]

It's the smartest way to live in courage to speaking the truth to tell it all.

[@bash1982M]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@theincandescentman685]

It feels good to feel good. Kindness is a killing machine for psychologists of today's strange world! Loving the I Am today. The beauty of the sun is shining above the ground! 🌞☀️🌟🤣😂🌟🌟🌟🌟☀️☀️☀️

[@susanchalkley9480]

I woke up in the middle of an operation..and I have had nero feedback...thank you for all your insights and words....yes knowing and being in IN your body is important

[@theincandescentman685]

You're right. You're entitled to say what's your right to say. I've been wrong about everything but I'm learning how to. Easy on me.

[@ofelia829]

Awesome!

[@maudchica]

Absolutely Great! Thank you very much! This Dutch man, gift of god

[@theincandescentman685]

I have all the mental health issues known to mankind as were named after mine. So yes when it's told many times, it becomes acceptable all the times. I'm happy with it. It's the truth.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

Excellent

[@lovehappiness3911]

Praise Jesus! Ave Maria💝 God bless you d Dr. Bessell~

[@elisabethcampbell1405]

Hi Mr van der Kolk my name is Lies Dekens the book The body keeps the score made me realise what trauma is and how it and affects us. Thanks

[@BobMoranCreativityCoach]

Can the conference organizers consider hiring audio visual people that can make a decent record of the conference speakers?

[@karina-jx4zv]

yes yes & yes

[@theincandescentman685]

Let There be Light.

[@jetjet642]

If only this had closed caption!!!

[@djdebssuperlawyersjusticeu9855]

MOVe the body

[@hellowondrrful]

I find I disagree with some things, I understand addiction (for myself), it’s a matter of absolute sacrifice and willpower and balance. That’s the objective to obtain inner peace. It’s not easy. But I think there are viable solutions. And then there are people like my sister...that I don’t think will ..but hope? Also said a person doesn’t choose not to sleep, but I only sleep once every while (2-3) Meditation, yoga, connection, cutting out the abusive relationship destroying you (hardest) ,quitting drinking, micro , tea, vitamins, LOTS OF WATER (like pretend your drowning something) Eat small meals often. (Protein bars are friends, to nibble) Do things you enjoy (watch cartoons , play video games) But also get outside (2 hour hikes, rollerblade, walk) staying active! People laugh at me cause I’m always stretching when I walk ...? And I’m overcoming trauma...that most people wouldn’t believe. It’s laughable but like the excruciating kind. Except this doctor guy I’m sure will be like 👍 This was eye opening ...

[@MS-ho7yo]

I cannot find any information about the film that he references by Steven Lazeroff? Does anyone have any info about this film?

[@Naomi-vf6gv]

I'd like to know too. Google is letting me down!!

[@TM-rk5dj]

🙌

[@barbaraconnett5057]

Dr. Because it hurts to walk, I haven been walking, I now I find I’m dizzy, I do have a peddle machine, thank you 😊

[@theincandescentman685]

How bad is it? It's never been better. All is well for as long as one harms none.

[@endlesssky6225]

1:04:20 thatˋs me, thank you Mr. Van der Kolk

[@northsouthroad6760]

I am just starting to accept my parts and would like to hear more from your perspective. Do you have a link to recommend? Thanks

[@mariopinot9884]

Nice

[@reallythere]

What if you're still going through trauma? How do you navigate through a crisis you created without making more damage

[@djdebssuperlawyersjusticeu9855]

Talking doesn't make TRAUMA ABUSE SURVIVORS HEAL TOTALLY!!!4/25/2020!(**DJ.DEB.USA., SUPERLAWYERS HERE SHOWING LOVE FOR ALL ANGEL'S!!!!! JUSTICE ANGELS

[@testtest2609]

But language can help name and understand what is happening to you.

[@ahmedchoudhury9606]

He is a human I would aspire to be.

[@MissChevious1]

6:20-6:25 EXACTLY

[@marylouleeman]

It's his God-given demeanor that I am drawn to in addition to the great teaching and avid science and ever hopeful outlook. He is like Santa Claus and a big teddy bear grandpa uncle guy all in one. Brilliant!! (For me, religions are another thing from my spiritual walk with my loving Father God. Some of them are so dry.)

[@myshopping812]

💖🙏💕

[@theincandescentman685]

Confusing me is confusing you. So blame me not or you're blamed for your blame. What happiness could bring you other than bringing news of happiness? When you start listening then I'll speak. Oh? Am I speaking? Didn't know I was. 🤣😂

[@waynewells1958]

Let the Dr. Know about compounded traumatic stress disorder. It compounds like interest but not in a good way. When you continue to be traumatized by others who have not acknowledged thier trauma. Oppression breeds oppression

[@Apocryphon1]

He already knows. My question is what solution do you have to c-PTSD if others don’t acknowledge their fault? Is humanity stuck in a hopeless cycle of reactive violence? What Did Dr. Van Dee Kolk say about the experience w South Africa where there was very little responsibility taken by the people at fault?

[@markkennedy7404]

I would profoundly disagree with the comment that religion is an aid to ownership of one’s body. Religion works in the opposite direction to instead bind the mind and body in a hypnotic state which is enslaving of the self. The rituals and the frequencies of sounds and scents and the very stories and imagery of religious dogma combine to instil fear and awe.

[@jeannetteichikawa8461]

I am desperate! Can you help me?

[@testtest2609]

Please try journaling. It is free...write down what is distressing you, the emotions, the fears, the beliefs, what you think will happen, memories, etc. Remember: you have to feel to heal. Other tools for healing and getting in touch with your feelings/thoughts/beliefs (what keeps you in trauma) - - spending time in nature/with animals, EMDR, fasting, yoga, meditation, breath work, bodywork, massage, floatation tank, cold water bath, micro-dosing psychedelics, magnesium, etc. Check out Dr. Gabor Mate on KZbin. Good luck.

[@kyshtakyshta3248]

[@howard1beale]

57:00 I'm a terrible person..." That's not all the 4 year old thinks! It could think "She's a terrible person and anyone who looks, or smells or sounds like the mother is also a terrible person who might try or is trying to kill me." Also the younger the child the less resourceful. I think by 4 or 5 most kids are much less mother /caregiver centred. They have school and teachers and neighbours that Should be helping them to get a more objective view of the abusive parent.

[@raphaellavelasquez8144]

"I am desperate. Can you help me?"

[@finsterthecat]

What’s going on?

[@marycoleman4301]

Sedona method releasing is brilliant

[@RubyBegonia]

It is a shame that his voice is garbled and that there are no subtitles to be clear about what is being said. He has so much insight to present but terms and explanations are lost.

[@inesarrubla3932]

why is it that though my English is not my native language and is far from perfect, I can understand and follow each of Van der Kolk's words, and follow and feel their meaning thanks to the tone that runs through each vocal and consonant ...making me laugh out loud, cry like a calf, make sounds of surprise, recognition, gratitude, and love for him

[@davisworth5114]

"Running for home"...... it was the total lack of empathy from family that left Vietnam veterans bereft of the sanctuary that "home" is supposed to be....... He shows disdain for theology, does he consider that Jesus had PTSD? Does he know how healing it is to play a piano?

[@robertcrusher1972]

This comment seems to accuse him of having no empathy for Vietnam Veterans or, a PERSON, like Jesus. I dont think that's correct. He has empathy for ANYONE that suffers trauma.

[@samniacat]

Actually he was fired from the Trauma Center at JRI. He wanted to present at Harvard but they fired him too. Good Islmaphobia, Bessel. He goes from ashram to ashram but is still a nortorius bully (except to men).

[@testtest2609]

He may be quite fallible but his research, observations and book are legit. I recommend Gabor Mate...he has matured and is very self aware of his faults and admits that he was quite unpleasant when still traumatized. His honesty and integrity are necessary correctives for the denial Western men.

[@sandraoaks7887]

I’m glad I already have some info ab this drs views on childhood abuse & EMDR bc otherwise I wouldn’t listen a moment longer if he didn’t. I don’t appreciate his disrespectful attitude towards ppl of faith among other jabs. I thought listening to him would b helpful since I have trouble w/ concentrating. That only works if the Dr keeps is oath “do no harm”. This is one of those liberals who’s knows best & step aside if u believe n God & country & realize how horrible socialism then communism is. I hope this isn’t time wasted. Why couldn’t he just talk ab the issue at hand? Childhood abuse & EMDR. Finding ways around the horrible pain one feels after having to deal w/ two drunks 4 18 yrs then the medical field doesn’t mention EMDR 4 25 yrs. Just take this med, didn’t work try this one, twenty different meds later try ECT didn’t work etc 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Auriflamme]

If your faith isn't strong enough to deal with a very minor criticism without getting so defensive and disordered, then perhaps the problem doesn't lie at the feet of this man. I accept that you have deep-seated trauma issues, but you'll never get beyond it by being so defensive. If you can accept that he has different views and just listen to what he has to offer, I truly believe, you'll be all the better for it. It's hard to open yourself up and be vulnerable when every fibre of yourself is telling you to put up the shield, to protect yourself, but it is the only way to really begin to heal.

[@jodollman8136]

You're free not to listen. He is free not to respect religious organizations.

[@ddss97]

His opinions don’t change his work and what he’s done for so many people regardless of prejudice and religion. Aren’t you supposed to be god fearing? Don’t come in the name of god when you only bring sournesss 🤷‍♀️

[@lisaseckold9296]

Sandra Oaks yes, I've been wondering if anyone else noticed the numerous jabs - including at people whose body language is not completely open and enthusiastic toward him (ie at people who are self-protectively cautious about accepting everything a person behind a lectern tells them - a quality I would think a trauma expert would encourage, or at the very least understand, rather than ridicule).

[@lolly_golightly]

I

[@ofelia829]

Awesome!