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 workshops Looking 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 workshops Grounded Intimacy Program: Tap here for more info on our online couples program Follow us on social at @brandontalksmarriage & @caitlyn_doerksen Check out our IG account to stay updated @groundedunionpodcast YouTube Show available here Timestamps & 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.
