Gravity Commons Podcast Hillary McBride: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing
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Oct 14, 2025 Hillary McBride, a registered psychologist and author of *Holy Hurt*, delves into the complexities of spiritual trauma and its profound effects on individuals. She passionately defines spiritual trauma, addressing how religious settings can unintentionally inflict harm. McBride highlights the importance of emotional healing and reconnecting with one's feelings. The conversation also emphasizes practical ways to support others in their pain and the need for diverse voices in healing, shedding light on the intricate links between trauma, grief, and spirituality.
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Broad Definition Of Spiritual Trauma
- Spiritual trauma includes harm caused within religious contexts and trauma that impacts our spiritual life even if it happened outside church walls.
- Trauma often ruptures meaning and the soul, so many forms of trauma should be considered spiritual in effect.
Three Lenses To Spot Spiritual Harm
- Michelle Panchak's definition highlights trauma by religious actors, trauma perceived as caused by spirituality, and trauma responses tied to religion.
- This broad framing helps us ask when relational injuries also function as spiritual injuries.
When Spiritual Language Becomes Weaponized
- People often weaponize defenses and spiritual language to avoid and redirect pain onto others.
- Parsing defensive spiritualizing from genuine spiritual practices is essential for healing.
