Trauma Rewires the Nervous System: Insights with Bessel van der Kolk | Dr. Aimie Apigian

Video Description

"When you're traumatized, you can't be curious because it's dangerous to not know." Dr. Bessel van der Kolk In response to overwhelm, the body tries to keep one safe in different ways. Sometimes our body feels so shaken and shocked that it makes our mind need to disconnect from the pain of it. This is called dissociating. Yet, the body still remembers what happened. The impact to our biology doesn't go away just because we don't understand or remember something. The impact is how the body keeps track of everything from out past. When we understand that our body is reacting because it is still holding onto something from the past, it can help us uncover what needs to be healed. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk joins Dr. Aimie in this episode to explore the profound nature of trauma - how it affects the body in ways that make it keep score. He explains why trauma is not just about the events but about how those experiences become engrained in our biology, creating patterns that persist long after the danger has passed. This in turn can make trauma something that is truly "unbelievable, unbearable, and overwhelming." Our bodies are built to move when we're in danger. When we can't move during traumatic events, it changes how our brain works. This conversation looks at why this happens. It also explains how difficult experiences in childhood create patterns in our minds - like an inner roadmap - that shape how we see the world and connect with people as adults. They'll talk more on: [00:29] Why trauma leaves people unable to articulate their experiences [03:26] How dissociation works as a survival mechanism during overwhelming events [05:08] Why the lack of movement during an event is what makes it traumatic [15:14] The physical toll of living with a dysregulated nervous system [17:03] Why healing must address the basic housekeeping functions of the body [21:34] How trauma blocks our capacity to experience pleasure and worthiness If you're working with trauma professionally, supporting someone on their healing journey, or navigating your own recovery, this episode is excellent for understanding how the body keeps score while offering practical actions to reclaim agency, embody healing, and create a life worth living through curiosity and collaboration. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a Boston-based psychiatrist, author, researcher and educator. He has spent his career studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences, and has translated emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop and study a range of treatments for traumatic stress in children and adults. Guides, Tools & Resources: Biology of Trauma (the book) → https://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/book-the-biology-of-trauma-podcast/?el=YT - How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It. Please join us in the Insider's Circle where you can pre-order your copy. A Roadmap for Healing Trauma → https://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/steps-to-identify-and-heal-trauma-a-roadmap-for-healing-podcast/?el=YT Find out what trauma is, how to recognize it, and get simple steps to help you heal in this 23-page guide. Foundational Journey → https://traumahealingaccelerated.mykajabi.com/21-Day-Journey-and-All-Parts-of-Me/?el=YT If you want to be safely guided through The Essential Sequence, and lay your foundation of regulation in this online 6 week course, join me and my team of mentors for this journey into your inner world with practical somatic and parts self-practices. // Helpful Links Related To This Episode // Related Podcasts: • Episode 7: Identifying And Treating Cooper Excess To Reserve Postpartum Depression → https://biologyoftrauma.com/identifying-and-treating-copper-excess-to-reverse-postpartum-depression-with-william-walsh-part-3/?el=YT • Episode 90: Addressing the Biochemical Basis of Behavior & Changing Our Response → https://biologyoftrauma.com/episode-90-beyond-talk-therapy-the-biochemical-basis-of-behavior-amp-changing-our-responses/?el=YT Related YouTube Videos: • ​​Why Feeling Safe is Essential for Healing the Body? → https://youtu.be/7AsiEhWEgOk?si=iUaXvDya31vSArnm Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast. Comment Etiquette: I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please share your constructive feedback by using personal name or initials so that we can keep this space spam-free, and let's keep the discussion positive!