"Spiritual trauma cuts to the core of who we are."
"Sometimes the communities meant to nurture our souls end up hurting us instead."
Join psychologist Hillary McBride as she traces what spiritual trauma is, how it impacts us, and what paths towards healing might look like. Drawing on years of clinical experience and research on trauma, McBride offers language and insight to help make sense of spiritual hurt, and wisdom for the healing journey.
The Wisdom Centre has engaged Dr. Hillary McBride for a two part event on “Holy Hurt”, to take place on January 25/26, 2026.
It includes a public lecture (with livestream option) to be held on the evening of Sunday, January 25, and a professionally oriented workshop to be held on Monday, January 26, 2026. This will allow the material to be available through the Lecture to those who have suffered spiritual harm and are looking for a path to healing, and through the Workshop to professionals who work with individuals who have experienced spiritual trauma.
Holy Hurt Lecture | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Sunday January 25
Lecture by Hillary McBride with panel discussion and audience Q&A, followed by reception and booksigning. There is also a livestream option for the lecture.
Holy Hurt Workshop | 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday January 26
McBride will lead an intensive training session for therapists, spiritual care workers, and trained lay persons who work with those who have experienced spiritual harm. The workshop will include research, clinical practices, and in-depth material, and will be suitable for CE requirements. It is intended for clergy, spiritual care workers and chaplains, as well as counsellors and psychologists. This direction was chosen in consultation with members of these communities. While there will be some therapeutic time given for participants, the primary focus will be on how to help others heal and rebuild a spirituality that heals rather than damages. Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided.
There are a limited number of seats available for the workshop, so sign up early!
Subsidies are available for those who are unable to pay the full Workshop fee. If this is your situation, email wisdomcentre@stlaurence.ca to recieve a discount code usuable at the ticketing site.
About our Presenter:
Dr. Hillary McBride is a Canadian therapist, researcher, speaker and writer. Her most recent book, Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing – (2025) draws on clinical research, trauma literature, experts, and first-person accounts to address the impact of spiritual trauma and healing and invites the reader into healing. The book is also a helpful tool for those seeking to develop healthier church environments and prevent abuse.
McBride holds a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, as well as Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She is a Registered Psychologist (R.Psych.) in good standing with the College of Psychologists of BC, and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. Her specialities include areas of trauma, eating disorders, body image, and marriage and relationship therapy, perinatal mental health, and psychedelic integration.
Want to attend the lecture only? Find tickets here: Lecture Tickets
Looking for livestream tickets? Find tickets here: Livestream Tickets