Bessel van der Kolk Quotes

We start by establishing inner “islands of safety” within the body. This means helping patients identify parts of the body, postures, or movements where they can ground themselves whenever they feel stuck, terrified, or enraged. These parts usually lie outside the reach of the vagus nerve, which carries the messages of panic to the chest, abdomen, and throat, and they can serve as allies in integrating the trauma. I might ask a patient if her hands feel okay, and if she says yes, I’ll ask her to move them, exploring their lightness and warmth and flexibility.
Bessel van der Kolk
Bessel van der Kolk

Quotes to Explore

This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our policies regarding the use of cookies.