SOMATIC PSYCHOLOGY BOOK CLUB
Book: The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van Der Kolk (free PDF here)
Who it’s for: Anyone curious about how trauma effects the body, especially peers & survivors. No prior knowledge needed.
My role: I’m a fellow reader & facilitator, not an expert. We learn together.
The vibe: Low-pressure, supportive. Jump in any week.
Schedule:
• Week 1 (Jan 19-25): Prologue & Chapter 1
• Week 2 (Jan 26-31): Chapter 2
• Week 3 (Feb 1-7): Chapter 3
• Week 4 (Feb 8-14): Chapter 4
• Week 5 (Feb 15-21): Chapter 5
• Week 6 (Feb 22-28): Chapter 6
• Week 7 (Mar 1-7): Chapter 7
• Week 8 (Mar 8-14): Chapter 8
• Week 9 (Mar 15-21): Chapter 9
• Week 10 (Mar 22-28): Chapter 10
• Week 11 (Mar 29-Apr 4): Chapter 11
• Week 12 (Apr 5-11): Chapter 12
• Week 13 (Apr 12-18): Chapter 13
• Week 14 (Apr 19-25): Chapter 14
• Week 15 (Apr 26-May 2): Chapter 15
• Week 16 (May 3-9): Chapter 16
• Week 17 (May 10-16): Chapter 17
• Week 18 (May 17-23): Chapter 18
• Week 19 (May 24-30): Chapter 19
• Week 20 (May 31-Jun 6): Chapter 20 & Epilogue
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise
This is really such a great book which selves into the mysteries of how trauma of any kind affects us and starts with most commonly thought of thing associated with trauma : war.
I read some parts of first chapter just now and the a bit of the prologue. Its a nice book, I think I will continue it.
Thank you for sharing with us Sunrise.
*delves
So, I’d like to read along with others. Thank you for posting the pdf of the book. I do have a print copy somewhere (I will set to finding it today) but I would like to re-read it. Will the discussions occur here on this thread?
Yes it will! I'm new to 7 Cups so I'll have to figure out a way for this to work, but rest assured I'm on it. I think I want to do chapter summaries/check ins every Sunday where we review what we've learned.
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise
That sounds awesome! I will check in here on Sundays until I read otherwise.
Ooohhh I'd love to read this book! It sounds amazingggg! Hope I can join everyone on this journey 💖
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise
Very approriate timing, I'd like to join in with discussion, I can't recall taking part in a read along before.
I'm currently on chapter 9, will continue with my preliminary read through but i believe it might be a valuable experience revisit each chapter for discussion with everyone.
Apologies for tagging @Heather225 but I know they are interested in this book to, as we have mentioned it a few times together just recently.
@RunningMachine
thank you so much for looping me in! <3
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise That looks brilliant - will take a look. Thank you Sun!
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise just read the first part, wow. It’s so interesting. I had known about the first two types of treatments, talking and medicating, but the third about letting your body experience things in a good, non threatening way is new to me. It makes sense, I just hadn’t thought about it before. Those abuse and neglect statistics are crazy, it’s so sad. Great read though, I’ll be keeping up with it. Thank you!
Hi everyone!
Hello fellow readers,
We've made it through our first week with the Prologue and Chapter 1. I was surprised to learn that PTSD was a disorder that people lobbied for due to the symptoms the veterans were experiencing.
Community Check-In:
How is everyone feeling after dipping into this material? Remember, it's dense and can be heavy. It's perfectly okay to read slowly, take breaks, or just observe the discussion.
Looking Ahead:
Next week, we'll move gently into Chapter 2: Revolutions in Understanding Mind and Brain. No need to rush.
Take care,
Sunrise
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise It was great! Loved learning new things, and it actually sparked some good convos at home.
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise
Just a quick check in, 6 out of 8 night shifts done and dusted, but i have been making slow and steady progress with me initial read through, it continues to be absorbing and enlightening. I'm approximately half way through so will take part more once I start going back through the chapters in more detail and start exploring the suggested links for further reading.
I started listening to 'The Pocket Guide To The Polyvagal Theory' audiobook last night at work too 😄
TW: trauma
The prologue and chapter brought many thoughts.
Loyalty to the dead.
Living out life as a memorial
Trauma, war trauma, intergenerational trauma, incest.
What a powerful prologue and chapter one.
My ranging thoughts include that this is validation for all the misery. This is a prologue and chapter that could help anyone experiencing the daily effects of trauma. The fact that I could only read this prologue and chapter now is a testament to the safety I feel within the 7 cups community.
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise
this looks great will try to read along each week thank you
@YouCanMakeItToTheSunrise
This is fab.
This book has been on my to buy list and I'm so thankful for this PDF. I can't wait to dive in. ❤️
