In an interview with Dipl. Psych., Dipl. Wi.-Ing. Bernhard Trenkle, Prof. Bessel van der Kolk illustrates the manifold consequences of traumatic experiences on body and mind, how trauma therapy can contribute to “detoxication” and which therapeutic methods are especially appropriate therefor. He briefly introduces his recent research project and enlarges on the development and capabilities of the fields of neurofeedback and mindfulness.

In this interview Prof. Bessel van der Kolk and Dipl. Psych., Dipl. Wi.-Ing. Bernhard Trenkle discuss various approaches for trauma therapy. Which methods are effective, how do the approaches develop and what is the future of trauma therapy?

Acclaimed psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk explores his field’s long, complex, and stubborn history with trauma. Dr. van der Kolk explains how psychiatry as a whole avoided progress, often misdiagnosing trauma as hysteria or, in the case of shell-shocked soldiers, malingering. The experiences of abused women and children were more or less ignored for a century. They’re still being ignored in ways, he says. Psychiatry is still too focused on abstract diagnoses and not cognizant enough of the traumatic experiences that lead to them. His latest book “The Body Keeps the Score” (http://goo.gl/0xyBfp) was written to draw attention to how traumatic disorders can be avoided.

Bessel van der Kolk’s Website:
http://www.http://besselvanderkolk.net

Website of the Milton Erickson Institut Rottweil:
http://www.meg-rottweil.de

(Courtesy of Bruce King.)