Chapters 1 & 2

 Chapter 3 discusses the research conducted at Harvard Medical was very interesting. I can't believe that the studies they conducted had such concrete outcomes. It is astonishing how the human mind works and just hearing the narrative of their trauma produced such significant symptoms. I thought it was most interesting how the Broca's area which is affected in stroke patients is effected in trauma victims. I found through the reading how the book states that "trauma by nature drives us to the edge of comprehension, cutting us off from language based on common experience or an imaginable past." That sentence puts trauma into perspective for people working with our clients. Another important part in chapter 3 is that it is easier for clients to talk about what has happened to them than to notice, feel, and put into words the reality of their internal experience. It makes me think of motivational interviewing and how much of an important role that plays in order to get c...

 Beginning in Chapter 1, Van Der Kolk talks about how he met a Vietnam Veteran who was experiencing intense emotions related to his inability to cope from his time in Vietnam. Van Der Kolk eventually set up a group of Veterans and was able to determine that the Veterans were able to seek some relief by sharing their experiences during the war. Van Der Kolk outlined how trauma changes people's perceptions and imaginations. I have no experience in working with people in a group setting. Around my area, to my knowledge there are no group therapies unless it is associated with substance abuse treatment. That is not considered trauma therapy, but I'm sure life experiences are discussed in the group setting. I like how Van Der Kolk was able to make connections with people regarding trauma. They all shared some symptoms of PTSD and he understood that. It solidifies the predictions I can make in my own job when I see people who have gone through the same type of trauma. It made me star...