hmnn....I've always had great respect for those who help in healing folks via their research, writing and sharing, etc. I value what folks bring to the table and ever mindful that we are all flawed human beings, so I don't have the hero worship for anyone. It takes a lot of work to keep one's ego in check, whatever field you are in. Coming from the music world, no shortage of ego's and I have witnessed it here in the trauma, abuse, mental health arena as well.
I do respect those who have come through hell and back, I have long felt that those marginalized, held down and hurt in life are the unsung heroes of life. My times spent with fellow trauma and abuse survivors in support groups, hospitalizations, day treatment programs, peer support centers, etc, do fit the definition of being a hero for surviving great obstacles in life. At least in my mind they are.
I do respect Bessell van der Kolk for what he has brought to the table...and I have known those who are his detractors and those who think highly of him. I don't know him, but can attest to what he did for helping a small nonprofit group, The NH Incest Center, I was involved with many years ago in the mid 90's to the early 2000's. Our main way of raising funds was having well known speakers come in and share their works with their peers, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, etc. Dr. Bessell van der Kolk and Dr. Anna Salter both came and spoke for free...and I have long remembered how they engaged with us, the survivors...with great respect and took any and all phone calls from those of us involved in putting on these events. Other well known folks also came and spoke at reduced fees enabling our little group to raise awareness, advocate and support survivors with resources and help keep the lights on for our little office in Concord, NH.