van der Kolk

"As human beings we belong to an extremely resilient species. [...] But traumatic experiences do leave traces, whether on a large scale [...] or close to home. [...] They also leave traces on our minds and emotions, on our capacity for joy and intimacy, and even on our biology and immune systems."

- van der Kolk

"Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm, a Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survival."

- van der Kolk