What Is Spiritual Bypassing?

Therapy and healing is a transformative process that delves into emotional, psychological, and often spiritual wounds to foster true growth and wellbeing. It requires confronting deep-seated traumas and patterns that hinder fulfilment and self-awareness. While vital, this journey can be painful, prompting many to unconsciously engage in “spiritual bypassing.”

Coined by psychologist John Welwood, spiritual bypassing refers to using spiritual practices to avoid unresolved emotional issues. This has grown with the mainstream popularity of rituals, crystals, and tarot, which, while supportive, cannot replace the essential work of facing our inner wounds. Spiritual bypassing often operates unconsciously, offering a perceived escape from pain and reinforcing the belief that spiritual practices alone will heal us.

As Carl Jung remarked, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.” True healing demands we sit with discomfort and process it, even when it’s tempting to avoid. Many mistake spiritual rituals for inner work, hoping for quick fixes or using spirituality to protect their ego from vulnerability. However, unresolved wounds persist, leaving individuals stuck despite their commitment to these practices.

Therapy plays a crucial role in overcoming this avoidance. It provides the structure and support needed to uncover and process hidden wounds, fostering emotional freedom and transformation. While spiritual practices can complement this work, they cannot replace the courage required to address core issues. Healing isn’t easy, but it leads to profound self-awareness, compassion, and a deeper connection to authenticity and vulnerability. By understanding and outgrowing spiritual bypassing, we can engage in genuine inner work and reclaim our wholeness.