Bessel van der Kolk is a prominent psychiatrist known for his research on trauma and its effects on the body and mind. He is the founder of the Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts, and has contributed significantly to the understanding of how traumatic experiences can impact mental health. His influential book, The Body Keeps the Score, explores the connection between trauma and physical health, emphasizing the importance of integrating various therapeutic approaches. Van der Kolk advocates for treatments like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and yoga to help individuals heal from trauma.