Good News: an evening on Holy Hurt (a book launch)

Good News: an evening on Holy Hurt (and book launch) is a must-attend event happening at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Fresh Bread, a charity determined to break down barriers in access to qualified caring therapists.

Join us for a book launch with Hillary McBride for her most recent offerring "Holy Hurt." She'll be joined by author Joshua Harris (of "I kissed dating goodbye" circa 1997 fame) for a discussion and reflection on what they have both learned, Q&A and book signing.
Summary:
Too often the institutions and communities that are meant to be the most holy in our lives end up deeply hurting us.

In Holy Hurt, psychologist Hillary L. McBride sends a sincere and profound message: spiritual trauma is real and has a far-reaching impact. She also reassures us that we can remake ourselves and heal in its aftermath.

McBride expertly and compassionately shows that acknowledging the impact of spiritual trauma in our lives allows us to begin to tend our wounds individually and collectively, experiencing reconnection with ourselves and others. She draws on clinical research, trauma literature, insightful interviews with experts, and poignant first-person stories, ending each chapter with a short practice to begin healing.

McBride empowers those who have lived through spiritual trauma or witnessed it, as well as those who want to develop healthier church environments and prevent abuse.
Proceeds:
All proceeds from the event will donated to Fresh Bread Health - and charity designed to breakdown barriers to accessing quality therapuetic support by: covering the cost for individuals for whom price is an inhibitor, providing therapists with further training to increase the quality of available therapists services, and providing community events promoting mental health.
Hillary McBride Bio:
Dr. Hillary McBride is a registered psychologist, a researcher, and podcastor, with expertise that includes working with trauma and trauma therapies, embodiment, at the intersection of spirituality and mental health. Her first book, Mothers, Daughters, and Body Image: Learning to Love Ourselves as We Are, was published in 2017; she was the senior editor of the textbook Embodiment and Eating Disorders: Theory, Research, Prevention, and Treatment, which was published in 2018. Her bestselling book The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding wholeness, healing and connection through embodied living came out in the fall of 2021, and in January she released Practices for Embodied Living. Her recent book Holy Hurt: understanding and healing from spiritual trauma, came out in April 2025. She has been recognized by the American Psychological Association, and the Canadian Psychological Association for her research and clinical work. In addition to being a teaching faculty at the University of British Columbia, recipient of a prestigious grant from the John Templeton Foundation to research religious deconstruction and psychedelics, she is an ambassador for Sanctuary Mental Health, and the host of CBC's award winning podcast Other People's Problems. Hillary can often be found with a cup of chai in hand, or by the ocean. She makes her home in the pacific northwest in British Columbia, Canada.

Joshua Harris Bio

Josh Harris is an author, coach, and podcast host focused on helping people find meaning and purpose through times of significant belief shifts. After publishing influential books within evangelical Christianity, including "I Kissed Dating Goodbye," Josh publicly stepped away from many of his previous teachings, acknowledging the unintended harm some of his work caused. Today, he dedicates himself to supporting others navigating their own life transitions and belief changes, offering coaching that helps people integrate their past experiences and share their stories authentically. Through his podcast "Clear & Loud," Josh explores the journey of finding meaning on the other side of shifting beliefs, approaching these conversations with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to healing. www.clearandloud.com

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, Canada