Our inadequate understanding of the relationship between mind and body in processing trauma-whether hidden or overt-often causes us to suffer needlessly from difficult and sometimes debilitating physical symptoms. Here, Robert Scaer unravels the complexities of the mind-brain-body connection, equipping all those who are in distress with a practical roadmap for transforming trauma into hope and healing. Making the science accessible, he outlines the core neurobiological concepts underlying the mind-brain-body triad and explains why physical symptoms of traumatic stress and trauma occur. He also offers practical, easy-to-implement strategies for strengthening motor skills, moderating the fight-flight-freeze response, learning to listen to our gut to gauge our feelings, attuning to the present, and restoring personal boundaries to relieve symptoms and navigate a path to recovery.

Robert Scaer, MD, a board-certified neurologist with forty years of clinical experience, lives in Louisville, Colorado. He is the author of The Trauma Spectrum, also available from Norton.