From Big Think.
We created this video in partnership with Unlikely Collaborators.
Three doctors break down brain function, somatic awareness, and how to recover from bad experiences.
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Up next ► Your reality narrows after trauma — here’s how to expand it https://youtu.be/IMsAmWA7so0?feature=shared
According to neuroscientists and psychiatrists, healing begins with awareness and compassionate connection.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Wendy Suzuki, and Dr. James Doty explain how trauma and anxiety are processed through both the brain and body: trauma isn’t just what happens to us, but how our nervous system holds onto it, disrupting our ability to feel safe, connect with others, and think clearly.
Often a feeling people want to avoid, anxiety actually functions to motivate action and can be leveraged as a tool for focus and productivity. Through breathwork, mindfulness, and reshaping negative internal dialogue, we can begin to retrain the brain, regulate the body, and support a lifetime of growth.
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About Wendy Suzuki:
Dr. Wendy Suzuki is a neuroscientist and professor of neural science and psychology at NYU. Her research explores the effects of exercise, meditation, and emotion on brain plasticity and cognition. As best-selling author, Dr. Suzuki is known for translating complex brain science into practical insights for mental health, focus, and happiness, empowering audiences to optimize their well-being through everyday lifestyle choices.
About Bessel van der Kolk:
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a pioneering psychiatrist and trauma researcher, best known for his groundbreaking book The Body Keeps the Score. With decades of clinical experience, he has led the field in understanding how trauma reshapes both brain and body. Founder of the Trauma Research Foundation, Dr. van der Kolk advocates for integrative therapies that heal trauma’s deep psychological and physiological wounds.
About James Doty:
Dr. James Doty is a neurosurgeon, author, and founder of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). His work bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and compassion science, exploring how positive mental states impact brain function and human potential. A best-selling author of Into the Magic Shop, Dr. Doty speaks worldwide on the transformative power of kindness, purpose, and emotional resilience.
