Spiritual Bypassing and Why We Need to Know About It

07/05/23 • 11 min

In this solo episode I introduce the concept of Spiritual Bypassing as an important aspect to consider in the intersection of spirituality, mental health and healing. Spiritual Bypassing is a term coined by John Welwood, a transpersonal psychologist and author. It refers to a practice by which we may use spiritual ideas, beliefs, rituals, etc as a way to avoid dealing with difficult situations, emotions, feelings or thoughts.
As therapists and healers it is our responsibility to recognize this practice in both ourselves and our clients. Spiritual wellness involves connecting to ourselves and others in authenticity, being open to the present moment and the ability to sit with difficult situations, emotions, feelings and thoughts knowing that they do not define who we are. Our spiritual practices in essence support us in these moments rather than take us away from them.
If you are a practitioner who would like to be interviewed around the concept of Spiritual Bypassing please reach out to me at [email protected]
You can learn more about me and my offerings at therachihealing.com and journeywithkindredsouls.com
If you are a therapist interested in psychotherapeutic reiki please join our facebook group at facebook.com/groups/psychotherapeuticreikiforclinicians
Referenced in this episode
John Welwood's book Towards a Psychology of Awakening
https://www.amazon.com/Toward-Psychology-Awakening-Psychotherapy-Transformation-ebook/dp/B00K6HLAYM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548277681&sr=8-1&keywords=welwood
Rumi Poem The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Thank you for listening to the Spiritually Curious Therapist Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review - it helps us grow and reach more listeners!
You can find Jodi Silverman, LCSW at
www.therachihealing.com
www.journeywithkindredsouls.com

Are you interested in learning more about Reiki Assisted Psychotherapy?
Join our facebook group at
www.facebook.com/groups/psychotherapeuticreikiforclinicians

Are you a mental health professional with a spiritual edge and have something to share? Reach out to be considered for the podcast
[email protected]

Remember to check out our merchandise for healers and helpers who blend science and spirituality

https://kindredsoulshop.creator-spring.com/

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Remember to check out our merchandise for healers and helpers who blend science and spirituality

https://kindredsoulshop.creator-spring.com/

Previous Episode

Psychotherapeutic Reiki for Grief, Loss and Bereavement with Elizabeth (Liz) Hides

Are you curious about the use of Reiki in a traditional psychotherapeutic setting?
In this episode I interview Elizabeth (Liz) Hides, a fellow Social Worker, Reiki Master/Teacher and Kindred Soul. Liz and I connected in the summer of 2022 when she found me while doing an internet search for Psychotherapeutic Reiki. We clicked immediately and have since joined forces in developing a community of practitioners who use Psychotherapeutic Reiki as a modality for healing within a psychotherapy practice. Listen in as Liz talks about how spirituality played a part in her own healing including how she came to know that Social Work is her Soul's path and how she came to use Reiki to support her clients in moving through their grief.
You can find Liz at https://healthy-directions.ca
Email [email protected]
For more information about Jodi Silverman visit her websites
therachihealing.com
journeywithkindredsouls.com
If you are a therapist or healer interested in being interviewed for the podcast please contact me at [email protected]
If you are a therapist interested in Psychotherapeutic Reiki please join our facebook group at facebook.com/groups/psychotherapeuticreikiforclinicians

Remember to check out our merchandise for healers and helpers who blend science and spirituality

https://kindredsoulshop.creator-spring.com/

Next Episode

Football, Flow States and Feelings with Bryan Cohen, Licensed Psychologist

In this episode I interview my long term mentor, friend and colleague, Bryan Cohen. Bryan is a Licensed Psychologist and has had a vibrant and rewarding 40-year career in social services. He is currently semi-retired working part time as a psychotherapist. His passion is working with men and adolescent males and the interface of psychology and spirituality.
Bryan's spiritual journey started with a football pass from his brother which lead to an interest in Sports Psychology ultimately landing him in a Transpersonal Psychology program where he learned about presence, authenticity and what it means to have an ego. In this interview he talks about how these and other teachings have guided him personally and professionally culminating in who he is today and how he shows up for his clients in his psychotherapy practice.
Show Notes:
In the show Bryan refers to several authors and leaders in the field of Psychology and Spirituality. Below are links to information about each of them as well as more information about Transpersonal Psychology.
Irvin Yalom is an existential psychiatrist who is best known for Group Work as well as Death and Dying.
https://www.yalom.com
James Bugental was a psychotherapist and one of the founding fathers of Humanistic Psychology. He also created existential-humanistic psychotherapy.
https://www.bugental.com
Ram Dass was a spiritual teacher, yoga guru and author well known for his inaugural book "Be Here Now".
https://www.ramdass.org
Ken Wilber is a philosopher and author known for his "theory of everything".
https://integrallife.com/who-is-ken-wilber
Transpersonal Psychology is a psychological approach that combines western psychological concepts with spirituality, individual experiences and development beyond the adult ego stages.
https://www.atpweb.org
Bryan Cohen can be reached at [email protected]
website: bhctherapy.com
Jodi Silverman can be reached at [email protected]
website: therachihealing.com
journeywithkindredsouls.com
Therapists who are interested in being interviewed for the podcast can email [email protected]
Are you interested in how to use Chakra Theory in psychotherapy?
Join our 8 session seminar beginning October 2023 on Chakra Theory and Psychotherapy.
Email [email protected] for more information on the course and CEU approval. Registration begins in August 2023