Have you ever felt deeply cared for… by a book?
Holy Hurt might be the book you didn’t know you needed. The authentic care behind the written word comes from psychologist and researcher, Dr. Hillary L. McBride. She takes a deep dive into the world of spiritual trauma, making a complex, often heavy topic accessible and surprisingly warm. It’s like having a heart-to-heart with a friend who gets it, helping you find your way through some tough stuff.
Spiritual Trauma is Real—It’s Not Just in Your Head
McBride’s book makes one thing clear: spiritual trauma is REAL. And no, it’s not just “all in your head.” So many of us have been conditioned to think that our struggles with faith, purpose, or identity are either trivial or something to just “get over.” McBride firmly debunks that myth and helps us see that trauma doesn’t just hit the mind or body – it goes straight to the heart of who we are. Whether you’re religious or not, we are all inherently spiritual beings because our deepest human experiences are interwoven with spiritual concerns like purpose, identity, connection, and joy.
This isn’t some abstract concept McBride is throwing at us. She roots her approach in solid research, but she also speaks from the heart, making it clear that we all carry narratives – often inherited from family, culture, or religion – that can leave us feeling disconnected and unsure of ourselves. She uses a profound line in her book to drive the point home: “We stoke in people an inner critic and tell them it’s the voice of God.” Yikes, right? So many of us have internalized shame or guilt because of this, and it’s no wonder we feel “haunted” by our spiritual trauma.
It’s Not Just You
McBride eloquently explains that trauma is not confined to isolated experiences but is often embedded within the ways we are affected by cultural and institutional systems. And we may not even realize their effects on us. She illustrates how harmful narratives can “haunt” us, eroding our sense of self-worth. McBride helps us see that it’s not just you – this pain is real and deeply embedded in formative cultural, spiritual, and personal experiences.
The book is packed with wisdom and clinically applicable insights on how to navigate this healing journey. McBride shares parts of her personal journey, offering readers a glimpse into her own process of untangling layers of hurt. This vulnerability, paired with the 11 real-life excerpts from others included in the book, underscores the universality of spiritual trauma and the shared humanity in the process of healing. These stories make it clear that no one is immune to spiritual harm, but also that no one is alone in their struggle to heal.
Healing Is Possible – And You Deserve It
The beauty of Holy Hurt is that it doesn’t just stop at naming the problem. McBride offers us a way forward. Healing is possible, and it starts by acknowledging the trauma for what it is – without shame or fear. McBride’s therapeutic approach invites readers to examine their own experiences with kindness, helping them untangle long-held beliefs that may have caused pain and suffering. Her writing is rooted in the understanding that healing involves reclaiming trust in ourselves and others and redefining our relationship with spirituality.
The healing process is deeply personal, but it’s also collective. McBride emphasizes that healing from spiritual trauma doesn’t need to be a solo journey. It’s about learning to care for our wounds, both as individuals and within the community around us.
A Book We’ve Needed for a Long Time
McBride's approach to spiritual trauma is not just academic; it’s deeply human. The book reads like a heartfelt conversation with a trusted therapist, and every word feels carefully laid down with the intention to heal. This is the book’s dedication:
"To all our younger selves, who needed to know then but can finally learn now: you can listen to your body, you can trust yourself, and you are good at your core"
It beautifully encapsulates the essence of the book: an invitation to reconnect with ourselves in a way that fosters trust, compassion, and deep healing. In this book and in her other professional work, McBride has proven herself, time and time again, as a gentle and trustworthy guide.
This is a book that’s not only for people who’ve experienced spiritual trauma firsthand, but also for anyone looking to understand why certain wounds still linger, even if they’re hard to name. Holy Hurt serves as a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with the effects of spiritual trauma, whether that comes from religious systems, family dynamics, or societal pressures. McBride does not just shine a light on the wounds; she offers a path toward recovery and renewal.
Final Thoughts
Hillary L. McBride has created a transformative guide that navigates the complex terrain of spiritual trauma with grace, insight, and compassion. Holy Hurt is more than just a groundbreaking book about spiritual trauma – it’s a book of hope and healing. McBride’s writing feels like it was crafted with great care, and you’ll walk away feeling understood, validated, and empowered.
If you're ready to unpack some of the heavy stuff McBride talks about or need a safe space to process your own spiritual trauma, we’re here to help. At Eckert Centre, our team of skilled, compassionate therapists is here to help you on your path toward reclaiming trust, connection, and peace.
Why Choose Eckert Centre?
Wrap-around family care– from pregnancy & postpartum to teens & beyond
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Multiple trauma-informed approaches including internal family systems, EMDR, Havening
Safe, non-judgmental space
We offer free 15 minute consultations and in-person counselling sessions in Calgary, as well as secure online therapy anywhere in Alberta, including Airdrie and Cochrane.
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Book your session: Call 403-230-2959
Visit: www.eckertcentre.com to book online
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