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Combat PTSD 1

SESSION 17 OF 19

Duration 16mins 25secs

TAKE THE QUIZ:

In this session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk investigates service PTSD. Dr van der Kolk provides us with a typical case of a combat solider who has returned from war and cannot emotionally connect with people, and is living in an atmosphere of fear. Dr van der Kolk examines how the trauma of war impacts veterans, highlighting the effect on the brain. We discover how our brain can become stuck in combat mode. Dr van der Kolk suggests different activities and therapies that can help us work through our trauma.

The start of the session gives insights and strategies for coping with emotions that may be aroused while watching these sessions.

ALL SESSIONS IN THIS MODULE: PTSD Relief Therapy

01

The Experience of PTSD

In this compelling session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores how PTSD and trauma shape our emotional and bodily responses. Drawing on research and cultural insights, he reveals pathways to healing, highlighting lessons from therapy and personal stories—including guidance from Nelson Mandela that illuminate recovery and resilience.

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02

The Body & The Breath

In this transformative session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores how trauma lives in the body and affects breathing. He offers practical tools to regulate the body, understand the survival brain’s responses, and reclaim ownership of ourselves through mindful breath and movement, helping to move beyond trauma’s grip.

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03

Accepting Your Trauma

In this illuminating session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores the adaptations our minds create in response to trauma, such as ‘multiple selves’ and ‘managers.’ He provides tools to understand and accept our wounded selves, promoting self-acceptance, responsibility, and the healing power of owning our trauma.

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04

Finding a Therapist

In this insightful session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores the isolating effects of trauma and the human need for connection. He highlights the importance of therapy, guiding viewers on how to choose the right psychologist and what questions to ask to ensure effective, supportive treatment.

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05

Childhood Trauma

In this revealing session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma. He explains how abuse, neglect, and chronic fear shape the developing brain, and shares compassionate approaches for healing the wounded inner child, reducing self-blame, and restoring connection.

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06

Trauma Is…

In this illuminating session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk reviews key findings from his PTSD research, revealing how trauma disrupts the brain’s survival system. He explains why the survival brain can override rational thinking, leading to shutdown, hyperreactivity, and challenges in everyday life.

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07

The Nature of Trauma

In this powerful session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores the lived experience of trauma. He explains how trauma leaves the body trapped in fear and helplessness, and shares effective ways to re-regulate the body, refocus the mind, and restore a sense of safety.

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08

Trauma and Your Identity

In this moving session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores how trauma disrupts our sense of connection. He explains why survivors often feel isolated and shares powerful ways to restore connection, highlighting theatre as a transformative tool for healing, identity rebuilding, and moving forward after trauma.

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09

Processing Trauma

In this enlightening session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores how trauma is processed by both the body and mind. He explains why traumatic memories resurface and shares practical techniques—including EMDR and body-based practices—to widen the window of tolerance and restore calm and safety.

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010

Meeting Yourself

In this profound session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores the healing power of “meeting yourself.” He explains how trauma lives in the body and shares practical tools—using breath and awareness—to face overwhelming sensations, activate natural calming systems, and reclaim ownership of trauma.

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011

Sexual Assault: Drug & Alcohol Abuse

In this powerful session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores the deep connection between childhood sexual abuse and substance use. Drawing on the ACE Study, he reveals how trauma lives in the body and why drugs or alcohol are often used to soothe overwhelming internal sensations.

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012

Sexual Assault: Understanding and Healing

In this insightful session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores therapeutic strategies for healing sexual trauma. He explains how trauma is lived out in the body and shares practical approaches to help clients rebuild bodily awareness, tolerate physical sensations, and recognise meaningful progress in therapy.

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013

Sexual Assault: Pathways To Recovery

In this session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk investigates two cases of sexual assault. One case is of a 14-year-old boy who is assaulted by his teacher and the other is of a 3-year-old girl who is being molested by her dad. Dr van der Kolk examines the issue of shame in these cases of...

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014

Dealing with Shame

In this reflective session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores the powerful link between trauma and shame. He explains why shame is so common after trauma and shares practical techniques for cultivating self-compassion, mindfulness, and a healthier separation between our past and present selves.

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015

Domestic Violence Pt. 1

In this session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk investigates domestic violence. Dr van der Kolk explains how domestic violence is an extraordinarily complex issue that is extremely common. Approximately one third of all couples at some point in their relationship engage in some form of domestic violence. Dr van der Kolk discusses how this issue...

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016

Domestic Violence Pt. 2

In this session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk further investigates the complex issue of domestic violence. Dr van der Kolk explains how after someone has left a domestically abusive relationship they may feel the triggers of PTSD.

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017

Combat PTSD 1 « you are here

In this session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk investigates service PTSD. Dr van der Kolk provides us with a typical case of a combat solider who has returned from war and cannot emotionally connect with people, and is living in an atmosphere of fear. Dr van der Kolk examines how the trauma of war impacts...

018

Combat PTSD 2

In this session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk further investigates combat PTSD. He examines different therapies to help clients work through combat trauma. He evaluates the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) on treating PTSD and shares insights from his research studies. He focusses on neurofeedback explaining how it can be used to...

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019

Therapies for PTSD

In this informative session, Dr Bessel van der Kolk explores effective treatments for PTSD. He explains how trauma reshapes brain function and keeps the nervous system locked in the past, and shows how new experiences and technologies can rewire the brain for safety, focus, and relief from chronic fear.

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