Episode 237: Dr. Hillary McBride - Reclaiming Embodiment After Spiritual Trauma

Dr. Hillary McBride is a therapist, researcher, speaker, and author dedicated to helping people grow, heal, and reconnect with their wholeness. With a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, she specializes in trauma, embodiment, eating disorders, perinatal mental health, and psychedelic integration. Known for making complex psychological concepts accessible and meaningful, Hillary is passionate about creating therapeutic spaces grounded in safety, trust, and hope.

Her clinical work is informed by evidence-based, de-pathologizing approaches including AEDP, IFS, EMDR, feminist therapies, and somatic practices. Hillary’s award-winning research on women’s mental health, body image, and sexuality has been recognized by the Canadian and American Psychological Associations, as well as the Taylor & Francis Young Investigator Award. Whether through therapy, writing, or public speaking, Hillary is committed to helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered on their path toward deeper self-acceptance and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• Disembodiment as a Survival Strategy:

Many of us leave the body because the world, or our upbringing, made it unsafe to stay. Returning to the body isn’t weakness—it’s radical resilience.

• Spiritual Trauma and the Inner Authority Crisis:

When we’ve been told that our bodies are sinful or untrustworthy, we lose connection to our inner compass. Reclaiming our own authority is central to healing.

• Why Embodiment Is a Form of Belonging:

Our bodies are where connection, pleasure, grief, and joy live. Embodiment helps us reconnect not just with ourselves, but with others and the earth.

• Healing Isn’t a Return to “Before”—It’s Becoming More Fully Ourselves:

The work isn’t to erase the pain, but to integrate it with love and become someone who can hold all of it with compassion.

• Psychedelic Therapy as a Doorway to Wholeness (When Safe and Ethical):

Hillary discusses the potential and limitations of psychedelics in trauma work—and why preparation and integration matter more than the substance alone.

• Body Image Recovery and Spiritual Reclamation Go Hand in Hand:

Healing the relationship with our bodies often requires rethinking harmful theology and cultural messages that disconnect us from pleasure and worthiness.

• The Role of Community in Repair:

No one heals in isolation. Being witnessed with gentleness in our messy middle is a key part of restoring trust.

 

🕊️ Quotes to Remember:

“The body is not the problem. The body is the place where the healing happens.” – Dr. Hillary McBride

“You are trustworthy. Your knowing is good. And the invitation is to come home to that.”

“Healing is possible. Even when the system told you it wasn’t.”

 

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• The Wisdom of Your Body by Dr. Hillary McBride

• Holy/Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing

• Hillary’s podcast: Other People’s Problems

 

Follow Hillary:

https://hillarylmcbride.com

 

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.