How Spiritual Bypassing Is Ruining Your Marriage

Listen to this episode from The Grounded Union Podcast on Spotify. In this episode of The Grounded Union Podcast, Brandon and Caitlyn dive into a topic that many couples struggle with but rarely talk about—spiritual bypassing. They break down how faith can sometimes be used as a shield to avoid addressing deeper relationship problems, leading to emotional disconnection and unresolved conflicts. They share personal stories of navigating addiction, faith, and marital struggles, offering both hard-earned lessons and practical steps for couples looking to build a stronger foundation. If you've ever been told to "just pray about it" when facing real relationship challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Our 2025 Grounded Union 2-Day Workshops:📍 Mesa, Arizona – April 12th & 13th (a few weeks from now!)📍 Portland, Oregon – June 7th & 8th📍 San Diego, California – August 22nd & 23rd (In-Person & Virtual)📍 Maui, Hawaii – October 10th-13th (3-Day Marriage Intensive—limited to 20 couples, lodging included!)Workshops for Couples: Tap here to attend one of our 2025 in-person workshopsLooking for immediate support in your marriage?Community for Men: Start your journey with a 14-day FREE trial Workshops for Couples: Tap here to attend one of our 2025 in-person workshopsGrounded Intimacy Program: Tap here for more info on our online couples program Follow us on social at @brandontalksmarriage & @caitlyn_doerksenCheck out our IG account to stay updated @groundedunionpodcastYouTube Show available hereTimestamps & Key Moments:00:00:00 – Welcome & Event Announcements – In-person workshops are happening this year!00:02:00 – Caitlyn’s Story – Caitlyn recounts an Easter Sunday experience that revealed problematic church messaging about purity and temptation.00:05:50 – What Is Spiritual Bypassing? – A breakdown of how faith can sometimes be used to avoid real emotional work.00:07:42 – Our Personal Story – How they used religious beliefs to cope with addiction and relationship struggles—and why it didn’t work.00:14:30 – When Prayer Isn’t Enough – The importance of action alongside faith when facing real marital challenges.00:21:05 – The Wake-Up Call – A pivotal moment that forced them to confront their issues head-on.00:30:20 – Finding a Healthy Balance – How to incorporate spirituality into marriage without avoiding the tough conversations.00:41:10 – Practical Steps for Couples – Actionable advice on how to break free from spiritual bypassing and cultivate a stronger, more authentic relationship.00:50:15 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways – Wrapping up with key lessons and advice for couples struggling with this issue.