Rebuilding trust, connection, and hope after spiritual trauma
Too often the institutions and communities that are meant to be the most holy in our lives end up deeply hurting us. Religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and faith-based wounds can leave lasting scars that impact every aspect of our lives.
In Holy Hurt, award-winning clinical psychologist Hillary L. McBride delivers a profound message: spiritual trauma is real, widespread, and has far-reaching consequences. More importantly, she provides hope and practical guidance for those seeking healing from religious trauma and spiritual abuse. You'll discover
¿ evidence-based healing strategies rooted in clinical research and trauma therapy techniques;
¿ real stories of recovery from survivors of spiritual abuse and religious trauma;
¿ practices at the end of each chapter designed to support your healing journey;
¿ expert insights from leading trauma therapists, spiritual abuse counselors, and recovery specialists; and
¿ tools for prevention to help create healthier faith communities and protect against spiritual manipulation.
McBride expertly combines clinical research, trauma literature, and compelling interviews with experts to create a comprehensive guide for spiritual trauma recovery. Each chapter includes first-person accounts of healing and practices to help readers process their experiences and begin their journey toward wholeness.
This essential resource empowers trauma survivors, family members, clergy, counselors, and anyone seeking to understand the complex dynamics of spiritual abuse. Whether you're healing from religious trauma, supporting someone who has experienced it, or working to prevent it in faith communities, Holy Hurt offers the clinical expertise and compassionate guidance you need.
Written with such tenderness. . .
"My own journey of healing and self-discovery led me to this book, and I’m so grateful it did. Page after page, I found myself moved—sometimes with tenderness, other times with tears—as the words echoed experiences I’ve carried quietly for years. It was as if Dr. Hillary McBride gave language to things I had only felt. That kind of resonance is rare, and incredibly validating. My own journey of healing and self-discovery led me to Holy, Hurt, and I’m so grateful it did. Page after page, I found myself moved—sometimes with tenderness, other times with tears—as Dr. Hillary McBride’s words echoed experiences I’ve carried quietly for years. It was as if she gave language to things I had only felt. That kind of resonance is rare, and incredibly validating. I’ve read all of Dr. McBride’s previous books and loved them, but Holy, Hurt holds a particularly sacred place in my heart. Her voice is as compassionate and insightful as ever, and this book feels like a culmination of her deep understanding of pain, healing, and embodiment. This is a lifeline for anyone navigating the aftermath of religious trauma. It not only acknowledges the pain but also offers space for healing. For those who are on this path themselves—or who want to better understand and support someone who is—Holy, Hurt is my top recommendation."
