Rhythms of Recovery: Trauma, Nature, and the Body
"It is one thing to say that Descartes mistook the body and the mind for two different ontological substances. Putting the body (including the brain) and the mind together again, and regarding them as expressions of one substance, is a much more demanding matter. Still, trauma experts become ever more convinced that the consequences of severe neglect, abuse or still other horrors affect individuals at the level of the whole organism. Leslie Korn is certainly one of them. In this intriguing book she thus addresses the whole person, clinically, empirically, and therapeutically. I highly recommend trauma therapists to test the integrative path to understanding and healing she invites us to tread."—Ellert Nijenhuis, PhD, coauthor ofThe Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization"Rhythms of Recoveryis brilliant and comprehensive. Integrating work from numerous disciplines, Dr. Korn brings profound insight into the impact of trauma and the body. She guides us in listening to voice of the body and provides extraordinary guidance with practical and alternative forms for health and healing. This is a long awaited and needed book—amazing work!"—Lisa Machoian, EdD, author ofThe Disappearing Girl: Learning the Language of Teenage Depressionand senior consultant at the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute"InRhythms of Recovery, Leslie Korn provides a unique review of the historical and cultural roots of trauma. She forcefully endorses the role of the body in defining the traumatic experience, and its essential inclusion in the healing process. Finally, Korn presents a thorough review of behavioral, somatic and nutritional avenues to healing. Her depth of knowledge, clarity of presentation and rich fund of supportive references make this a unique contribution to the literature addressing the understanding and healing of trauma."—Robert C. Scaer, MD, author ofThe Body Bears the BurdenandThe Trauma Spectrum"In this phenomenal book, Leslie Korn explores ever-more important processes of self-regulation and offers insights of great practical—as well as philosophical—value."—Leon Chaitow, ND, DO, honorary fellow, University of Westminster, London, and editor-in-chief of theJournal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies"The longer we study the effects of traumatization, the more we see the impact on the body. Leslie Korn shows us how the body operates rhythmically, how trauma disrupts that rhythmic functioning and, most importantly, how a plethora of new (and old) methods can be used to help the body restore its balance. This book is a must read for every therapist who deals with trauma."—Don R. Catherall, PhD, professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University and author of theHandbook of Stress, Trauma, and the Family"Rhythms of Recoverymasterfully weaves the history of medicine as it relates to trauma and gender with ancient and contemporary interventions using the power of touch. Thoroughly researched, this book offers an integrated approach to treating trauma, and its therapeutic protocols and interventions advance a holistic approach to treating trauma."—Patrisia Gonzales, PhD, author ofRed Medicine: Traditional Indigenous Rites of Birthing and Healing"All emotional disorders are the result of trauma, mostly from in utero through the first 7 years of life. The modern uncivilized practices of unlimited wars and repeated forceful immersion of soldiers in barbarian trauma has produced an epidemic of PTSD.Rhythms of Recoveryoffers a road out of the insanity."—C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, president, Holos Institutes of Health and president emeritus of Holos University Graduate Seminary"As a psychologist and dance movement therapist, I am happy to see Leslie Korn’s bookRhythms of Recovery: Trauma, Nature, and the Body, appropriate for people who have experienced trauma as well as for therapists working with trauma victims. Most books on trauma are one-dimensional; they may deal with emotions and cognitions but leave out consideration of the body. Or they may deal with the body but leave out consideration of the environment around the body or omit a broad cultural context. Korn’s book manages to integrate psyche, soma, and spirit as well as nature, physiology, and culture through the theme of rhythm."-Ilene Serlin, PsycCRITIQUES