——Running on Empty by Jonice Webb & The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
In the realm of psychological literature, numerous theories and perspectives have emerged to shed light on the complex workings of the human mind and its response to trauma. In recent years, two seminal books have garnered significant attention and acclaim for their groundbreaking insights into the lasting effects of childhood emotional neglect and the profound impact of traumatic experiences on the mind and body. “Running on Empty” by Jonice Webb and “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk have become must-reads for individuals seeking to understand the intricacies of emotions, trauma, and recovery.
Both Webb and van der Kolk approach the topic from distinct angles, offering complementary yet distinct viewpoints on the consequences of early-life trauma. As a clinical psychologist specializing in the field of childhood emotional neglect, Jonice Webb delves deep into the long-lasting effects of neglectful parenting practices and its profound implications on emotional well-being. In contrast, Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned psychiatrist and leading expert in trauma-related disorders, focuses on the broader spectrum of trauma, examining its impact on the entire body, mind, and its potential for healing.
Although these books may diverge in their focal points, their shared aim is to illuminate the far-reaching repercussions of trauma and its aftermath. Webb’s “Running on Empty” explores the silent wounds of childhood emotional neglect, examining how it shapes one’s sense of self, emotional awareness, and capacity for connection. She guides readers through a reflective journey, intertwining case studies, research, and practical exercises to help individuals recognize and heal from the often-overlooked void left by emotional neglect.
On the other hand, van der Kolk’s “The Body Keeps the Score” provides a comprehensive exploration of traumatic experiences, encompassing a wide range of contexts and their diverse physical, emotional, and cognitive manifestations. Drawing on extensive research, clinical expertise, and personal anecdotes, van der Kolk illustrates the profound interplay between traumatic memories, bodily sensations, and self-perception. He shines a light on innovative and holistic therapeutic interventions that can lead to recovery and restoration of personal agency.
In this comparative study, we aim to examine the contrasting yet parallel insights provided by Webb and van der Kolk, unpacking the depths of emotional neglect and trauma-related disorders and exploring their intertwined nature. By critically analyzing the theories and therapeutic approaches proposed in these two influential works, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that shape human responses to adversity.
As we embark on this comparative journey, the chapters that follow will scrutinize the distinctive perspectives each author contributes to our understanding of trauma, healing, and self-discovery. By drawing connections and highlighting differences, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the transformative power embedded within the pages of “Running on Empty” and “The Body Keeps the Score.” In doing so, we hope to contribute to the broader conversation surrounding emotional neglect and trauma, ultimately fostering empathy, awareness, and resilience in both individuals and communities.
Brief Summary of Two Books
Running on Empty by Jonice Webb
“Running on Empty” by Jonice Webb is a self-help book that explores the impact of Emotional Neglect during childhood and its long-lasting effects on adulthood.
Webb introduces the concept of Emotional Neglect, which refers to a parent’s failure to respond to a child’s emotional needs consistently. She explains how this form of neglect is often unintentional and stems from the parent’s own emotional neglect during their upbringing.
The author demonstrates the impact of Emotional Neglect on individuals, including difficulties in understanding and expressing emotions, feeling disconnected from oneself and others, struggling with self-discipline, and experiencing a sense of emptiness. She argues that these individuals live their lives “running on empty,” lacking emotional nourishment and fulfillment.
Webb provides various examples and scenarios to help readers identify if they have experienced Emotional Neglect and offers practical strategies for healing. She emphasizes the importance of developing emotional literacy, learning to acknowledge and understand emotions, as well as building healthy relationships and self-compassion.
Overall, “Running on Empty” is a comprehensive guide that encourages readers to recognize and address the impact of Emotional Neglect in their lives, empowering them to heal and thrive emotionally.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk is a comprehensive exploration of trauma and its impact on the human body, mind, and soul. Drawing on his vast experience as a psychiatrist and researcher, van der Kolk emphasizes that trauma is not merely a psychological phenomenon but a physiological one as well.
The book begins by examining the historical evolution of trauma research and treatment, highlighting the shift from Freudian theories to more holistic and body-oriented approaches. Van der Kolk introduces the concept of “traumatic stress” and emphasizes that trauma is not limited to isolated incidents but can result from ongoing experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or war.
The author delves into the neurobiology of trauma, explaining how severe stress affects the brain and disrupts its normal functioning. He explores the various ways trauma shapes an individual’s perception, emotions, and relationships, often leading to symptoms like dissociation, hyperarousal, and chronic pain.
Van der Kolk shares different therapeutic techniques, highlighting how body-centered interventions like yoga, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and neurofeedback can reestablish a sense of safety and alleviate traumatic symptoms. He emphasizes the importance of developing a deep understanding of one’s own body and mind in the process of healing.
In addition, van der Kolk addresses the impact of trauma on specific populations, such as children, soldiers, and survivors of sexual abuse. He explores alternative modalities like theater, dance, and martial arts that have shown promising results in addressing trauma’s lingering effects.
Ultimately, “The Body Keeps the Score” portrays trauma as a complex, multi-faceted issue that demands a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Van der Kolk offers a wealth of insight and practical strategies to bring about healing, resilience, and restoration, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the body’s vital role in processing and overcoming trauma.
Comparison between Two Books
Similarities in personal growth
Running on Empty by Jonice Webb and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk are two highly regarded books that explore different aspects of personal growth and healing. While they tackle different topics, there are several key similarities in terms of personal growth that can be identified in both books:
1. Acknowledging and Understanding Emotional Pain: Both books emphasize the importance of acknowledging and understanding emotional pain as a crucial step towards personal growth. Webb focuses specifically on identifying and addressing emotional neglect, while van der Kolk explores the impact of trauma. In both cases, the authors highlight the significance of recognizing and engaging with one’s emotional experiences.
2. Reconnecting with and Processing Emotions: Both authors highlight the need to reconnect with and process emotions that have been suppressed or blocked. Webb emphasizes the importance of learning to identify and label emotions, while van der Kolk delves into various techniques such as body-centered therapies to facilitate emotion processing. Both books stress the transformative power of allowing oneself to fully experience and validate emotions.
3. The Role of Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness: Both books underscore the importance of developing self-reflection and self-awareness skills. Webb encourages readers to assess their own upbringing and identify patterns and impacts of emotional neglect, while van der Kolk emphasizes the need to understand how past trauma has affected one’s sense of self. Both authors acknowledge the significance of self-awareness in driving personal growth.
4. Building Healthy Relationships: Both books discuss the vital role of healthy relationships in personal growth and healing. Webb explores the impact of emotional neglect on one’s ability to form and maintain relationships, while van der Kolk delves into the effects of trauma on interpersonal relationships. Both authors provide strategies and insights on cultivating healthy connections and repairing relational wounds.
5. Empowerment and Taking Control: Both books emphasize the idea that personal growth requires taking control of one’s own healing journey. Webb focuses on empowering readers to address the effects of emotional neglect on their lives and make proactive changes, while van der Kolk encourages readers to actively participate in their therapeutic process. Both books ultimately promote the idea that individuals have the power to shape their own growth and healing.
In summary, both Running on Empty and The Body Keeps the Score explore personal growth through acknowledging and understanding emotional pain, reconnecting with and processing emotions, cultivating self-reflection and self-awareness, building healthy relationships, and taking control of one’s own healing journey. These similarities highlight the shared perspectives on personal growth presented in these two books.
Divergences in personal growth
Running on Empty by Jonice Webb and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk are both highly regarded books that delve into the realm of psychological healing and personal growth. While they share certain similarities in terms of their focus on trauma and its effects on individuals, they also have notable divergences in their approach to personal growth.
One significant difference between the two books is their overall perspective on personal growth. Running on Empty primarily focuses on the concept of Emotional Neglect, arguing that the lack of emotional nurturance in childhood is a key factor in adult emotional struggles. Webb emphasizes the importance of understanding and healing emotional neglect to achieve personal growth. On the other hand, The Body Keeps the Score by van der Kolk takes a broader approach by exploring the effects of different types of trauma, including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and war-related experiences. The book highlights the significance of understanding the impact of trauma on the body and brain, as well as exploring various therapeutic interventions, such as EMDR and neurofeedback, to facilitate personal growth.
Another divergence between the two books is their emphasis on different aspects of personal growth. Running on Empty focuses primarily on increasing self-awareness, learning to identify and express emotions, as well as building and maintaining healthier relationships. Webb provides practical exercises and recommendations to help readers recover from emotional neglect and develop emotional intelligence. Meanwhile, The Body Keeps the Score places more emphasis on the impact of trauma on the body and the necessity of integrating body-based interventions into the healing process. Van der Kolk discusses the effectiveness of techniques such as yoga, meditation, and theater therapy, which help individuals reconnect with their bodies and ultimately find healing and personal growth.
Furthermore, the authors’ writing styles and tones differ, contributing to their contrasting approaches to personal growth. Running on Empty by Jonice Webb has a more clinical and straightforward tone, presenting readers with clear explanations, case examples, and exercises. The book provides a step-by-step guide to personal growth and healing from emotional neglect. In contrast, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk has a more narrative style, blending personal stories of trauma survivors with scientific research and therapeutic insights. This approach allows readers to empathize with the experiences narrated and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of trauma and its impact on personal growth.
In summary, while both Running on Empty by Jonice Webb and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk explore the topic of personal growth in the context of trauma, they differ in their overarching perspective, their focus on different aspects of personal growth, and their respective writing styles. Recognizing emotional neglect and building emotional intelligence form the crux of Running on Empty, while The Body Keeps the Score adopts a broader approach, emphasizing the effects of various types of trauma and the importance of body-based interventions.
Conclusion
Both “Running on Empty” by Jonice Webb and “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk are highly regarded books that explore different aspects of trauma and healing. The choice between them depends on what you are looking for in a book.
“Running on Empty” focuses on childhood emotional neglect and offers insight into the impact of neglect on adult lives. It provides practical advice and exercises to help individuals recognize and heal from the effects of childhood emotional neglect. If you are interested in understanding the long-lasting effects of neglect and working towards personal growth and healing, this book may be the more suitable choice.
On the other hand, “The Body Keeps the Score” delves deeper into the physiological and neurological aspects of trauma. It explores how trauma affects the brain, mind, and body, and offers a comprehensive understanding of different therapeutic approaches. If you are interested in learning about the scientific research on trauma and want to gain insight into the various treatment modalities available, this book may be the more worthwhile read.
Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and what specific aspects of trauma and healing you are interested in exploring. Both books have received positive reviews and have helped numerous individuals on their healing journeys.
