Education Quote by Bessel A. van der Kolk
![“The ACE study group concluded: “Although widely understood to be harmful to health, each adaptation [such as smoking, drinking, drugs, obesity] is notably difficult to give up. Little consideration is given to the possibility that many long-term health risks might also be personally beneficial in…” quote by Bessel A. van der Kolk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d89/bessel-a-van-der-kolk-21299_education_the-ace-study-group-concluded-although-w_1384097.jpg)
““The ACE study group concluded: “Although widely understood to be harmful to health, each adaptation [such as smoking, drinking, drugs, obesity] is notably difficult to give up. Little consideration is given to the possibility that many long-term health risks might also be personally beneficial in the short term. We repeatedly hear from patients of the benefits of these ‘health risks.’ The idea of the problem being a solution, while understandably disturbing to many, is certainly in keeping with the fact that opposing forces routinely coexist in biological systems. . . . What one sees, the presenting problem, is often only the marker for the real problem, which lies buried in time, concealed by patient shame, secrecy and sometimes amnesia—and frequently clinician discomfort.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Body Keeps the Score, 2014
Health risks may serve hidden purposes; addressing underlying issues reveals true problems.
In simple terms: Risks can hide deeper issues.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond surface symptoms.
Themes
health
psychology
hidden motives
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
clinical
educational
When to use this quote
- clinical assessment
- therapy planning
Key Concepts
biopsychosocial model
patient care
Questions to Reflect On
- What underlying issues might be masked?
- How can clinicians uncover hidden problems?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on risks may ignore root causes.
