Bessel van der Kolk. MD. Neuroscientist and Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University Medical School.

Bessel van der Kolk is arguably the world's leading expert in the treatment of trauma – especially when it comes to how trauma affects the brain, body, and nervous system.

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Best Selling Trauma Research Author, van der Kolk has spent his professional life studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences and translated these emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research, to develop and study a range of treatments for traumatic stress. His acclaimed book ‘The Body Keeps The Score’ has been translated in 36 languages and remained on The New York Times bestsellers list for more than 248 weeks (at least 27 of those at No. 1) and has well over 150 peer reviewed scientific articles

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At the forefront of research and clinical practice. Dr van der Kolk shows that the terror and isolation at the core of trauma literally reshape both brain and body. New insights into our survival instincts explain why traumatized people experience incomprehensible anxiety and numbing and intolerable rage, and how trauma affects their capacity to concentrate, to remember, to form trusting relationships, and even to feel at home in their own bodies. 

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​He provides numerous trainings to mental health professionals, educators, parent groups, policy makers, and law enforcement personnel, internationally.

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In New Zealand for a 1 Day Conference Dr van der Kolk brings his expertise to Christchurch professionals in the mental health and wellness sector.

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Book your ticket now

9am -4.30pm

26 March 2024

Christchurch Town Hall