6 ways to heal trauma without medication | Bessel van der Kolk | Big Think

Summary

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned psychiatrist with 50 years of experience in studying trauma, emphasizes the limitations of conventional treatments like Prozac and Zoloft for PTSD. He advocates for alternative therapies such as EMDR, yoga, and theater, which foster a deeper connection to the body and enhance self-compassion. Van der Kolk discusses the promising results of using MDMA as a therapeutic tool, allowing patients to confront their trauma with compassion and understanding. He underscores the importance of personalized treatment approaches, highlighting that healing from trauma is a unique and experimental journey for each individual.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes the limitations of conventional PTSD treatments like Prozac and Zoloft, highlighting their ineffectiveness.
• 🧠 Trauma responses originate in the body, making it crucial for individuals to develop a sense of safety within themselves.
• 💡 EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has shown remarkable results in helping individuals process traumatic memories by rewiring brain circuits.
• 🧘‍♂️ Yoga is found to be more effective than traditional medications in treating PTSD, as it fosters a deeper connection with the body and enhances self-awareness.
• 🎭 Engaging in theater and movement therapy helps individuals explore different roles and emotions, contributing positively to trauma recovery.
• ⚡ Neurofeedback can train individuals to regulate their brainwaves, promoting calmness and focus, which are beneficial in trauma healing.
• 🌈 Van der Kolk expresses enthusiasm for using psychedelics like MDMA in trauma therapy, noting their potential to help individuals confront and process traumatic experiences with compassion.
• 🤝 Acknowledging trauma and developing self-compassion are crucial steps in the healing process.
• 🔍 Healing from trauma is a personal experiment; different individuals require different approaches for effective treatment.
• 🗣️ Van der Kolk stresses that what works for one person may not work for another, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment in trauma recovery.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Bessel van der Kolk's work?

Bessel van der Kolk focuses on studying trauma and its effects on individuals, exploring both conventional and non-conventional treatment methods.

What did Bessel van der Kolk find about conventional drugs for PTSD?

He found that conventional drugs like Prozac and Zoloft did not work very well for treating PTSD.

What is EMDR and how does it help with trauma?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a method that involves asking individuals to recall traumatic memories while following finger movements, which helps change the brain's response to those memories.

How effective was yoga compared to conventional treatments for PTSD?

Yoga proved to be a more effective treatment for PTSD than any of the conventional drugs studied.

What unique approach does the 'Shakespeare in the Courts' program use?

The program helps juvenile delinquents engage with theater, allowing them to explore different roles and feelings, thus fostering a deeper experience of themselves.

What role does neurofeedback play in trauma treatment?

Neurofeedback helps shape brainwave patterns to promote calmness and focus, allowing individuals to be more open to new experiences.

What was Bessel van der Kolk's initial reaction to the idea of using psychedelics for trauma treatment?

Initially, he advised against using psychedelics, believing it could harm their careers, but later he expressed enthusiasm about their potential for opening minds to new realities.

How did the study involving MDMA for trauma treatment work?

The study involved participants taking MDMA in a controlled setting with two therapists for an eight-hour session, which allowed them to confront traumatic experiences with compassion.

What significant change did participants experience after taking MDMA?

Participants reported a substantial increase in self-awareness and self-compassion, enabling them to acknowledge their trauma without self-blame.

What does Bessel van der Kolk mean by 'one size doesn't fit all' in trauma treatment?

He emphasizes that different individuals require different treatments for trauma, and what works for one person may not work for another, highlighting the experimental nature of healing.