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How to Heal from Trauma 
Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes a careful, personalized approach to trauma healing, suggesting various techniques like EMDR and yoga, while reminding individuals that they are the true experts on their own experiences.
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Two Ways Organizations Can Support Trauma Survivors at Work 
Instead of mundane morning interactions, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk suggests that offices should engage in joyful group activities like dance parties to foster camaraderie and support, especially for colleagues healing from trauma, while empowering employees and cultivating community.
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How Trauma Survivors Numb Their Pain 
In a video lesson, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes the importance of compassion when interacting with trauma survivors, highlighting that seemingly negative behaviors may be coping mechanisms for deep emotional pain and urging us to consider their struggles before passing judgment.
An older man with glasses and a beard, wearing a dark sweater over a collared shirt, gestures with his hand while speaking against a plain white background. BT+ logo in top right corner.
How Trauma Affects Behaviors and Relationships 
Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk explains that trauma survivors often experience uncontrollable, exaggerated emotional reactions, leading to shame and difficulties in relationships, as their trauma-stunted emotional intelligence hinders their ability to connect and communicate effectively with others.
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How Trauma Changes the Brain 
Bessel van der Kolk explains that trauma alters brain function and perception, creating distorted internal maps of the world that influence responses to threats, with effects varying by age and the presence of social support during the traumatic experience.
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Class
Understanding Trauma
To foster inclusive and compassionate spaces for trauma survivors, we should understand the neurology of trauma and its profound effects, as emphasized by psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk.
A man with his hands in his chest.
Understanding Trauma
Bessel van der Kolk explains that trauma, once seen as an exception, is now recognized as common, emphasizing the importance of understanding experiences and behaviors rather than viewing trauma as something that needs to be fixed.