Bessel van der Kolk

Profile of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk has dedicated his career to understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on children and adults, using findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop effective treatments.

Clinical and Research Centers

In 1984, he established one of the first clinical and research centers in the U.S. focused on traumatic stress in the civilian population. He has trained numerous researchers and clinicians specializing in post-traumatic stress and has researched effective treatment interventions.

Notable Contributions

Pioneering Research: He conducted studies on the effects of SSRIs on PTSD and was part of the first neuroimaging team to investigate how trauma affects brain processes. Impact of Trauma on Development: Much of his research focuses on how trauma impacts different stages of development.

Leadership in Support Networks

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): He initiated the process that led to the establishment of this Congress-funded network, which develops effective treatment interventions for traumatized children.

Innovative Studies

Research on Stabilizing Treatments: He studied treatments that stabilize physiology and help traumatized individuals feel present, including EMDR, yoga, and neurofeedback.

Trauma Center

He established the Trauma Center, a specialized clinical team for treating children and adults with histories of childhood abuse.

Stay Updated

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