You Aren't "Healed," You're Dissociating (The Danger of Spiritual Bypassing)
Wed Feb 04 2026
You think you're being "positive." Psychology calls it dissociation.
We've created a culture—especially in the church—that demonizes negative emotions. We use "High Vibes" and "Faith" as an anesthetic to numb the reality of our lives. But here is the hard truth: If you can't feel sadness, you can't feel joy.
In this episode of Sober Psychology, we slaughter the sacred cow of Toxic Positivity. We explore "Spiritual Bypassing," the neuroscience of repression (The Beach Ball Effect), and why Jesus spent a significant amount of time crying.
______In this video, we cover:
• The Neuroscience: Why repressing anger causes chronic pain (The Body Keeps the Score).
• The Psychology: The "White Bear Effect" and why trying to be happy makes you sad.
• The Theology: Why "manifesting" is dangerous and why Biblical Lament is the highest form of faith.
• The Solution: How to use "Emotional Granularity" to tame your demons.
______
👇 The Challenge:
Stop saying "I'm fine." This week, tell the truth. Comment "NO MORE FAKING IT" below if you are ready to drop the mask.
______
Timestamps:
0:00 - The Hook: You Are Dissociating
1:15 - Intro: Toxic Positivity vs. Faith
2:18 - The Psychology of Repression (Beach Ball Effect)
3:36 - What is Spiritual Bypassing?
4:38 - Jesus Was Not "High Vibe" (The Theology of Tears)
5:41 - The Danger of "Manifesting"
6:23 - Emotional Granularity (The Skill You Need)
7:02 - How to Stop Faking It (The "And" Rule)
8:03 - Conclusion: God Wants the Real You
______
Resources Mentioned:
• The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
• Spiritual Bypassing by John Welwood
• Studies by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett (Emotional Granularity)
• NIV Bible - John 11:35
______
Support the Channel:
If this video helped you, please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button.
______
Connect with Sober Psychology:
• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
______
#ToxicPositivity #SoberPsychology #SpiritualBypassing #ChristianMentalHealth #RepressedEmotions #TraumaRecovery #FaithDeconstruction #Psychology #MentalHealthMatters
More
You think you're being "positive." Psychology calls it dissociation. We've created a culture—especially in the church—that demonizes negative emotions. We use "High Vibes" and "Faith" as an anesthetic to numb the reality of our lives. But here is the hard truth: If you can't feel sadness, you can't feel joy. In this episode of Sober Psychology, we slaughter the sacred cow of Toxic Positivity. We explore "Spiritual Bypassing," the neuroscience of repression (The Beach Ball Effect), and why Jesus spent a significant amount of time crying. ______In this video, we cover: • The Neuroscience: Why repressing anger causes chronic pain (The Body Keeps the Score). • The Psychology: The "White Bear Effect" and why trying to be happy makes you sad. • The Theology: Why "manifesting" is dangerous and why Biblical Lament is the highest form of faith. • The Solution: How to use "Emotional Granularity" to tame your demons. ______ 👇 The Challenge: Stop saying "I'm fine." This week, tell the truth. Comment "NO MORE FAKING IT" below if you are ready to drop the mask. ______ Timestamps: 0:00 - The Hook: You Are Dissociating 1:15 - Intro: Toxic Positivity vs. Faith 2:18 - The Psychology of Repression (Beach Ball Effect) 3:36 - What is Spiritual Bypassing? 4:38 - Jesus Was Not "High Vibe" (The Theology of Tears) 5:41 - The Danger of "Manifesting" 6:23 - Emotional Granularity (The Skill You Need) 7:02 - How to Stop Faking It (The "And" Rule) 8:03 - Conclusion: God Wants the Real You ______ Resources Mentioned: • The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk • Spiritual Bypassing by John Welwood • Studies by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett (Emotional Granularity) • NIV Bible - John 11:35 ______ Support the Channel: If this video helped you, please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button. ______ Connect with Sober Psychology: • Instagram • TikTok • YouTube ______ #ToxicPositivity #SoberPsychology #SpiritualBypassing #ChristianMentalHealth #RepressedEmotions #TraumaRecovery #FaithDeconstruction #Psychology #MentalHealthMatters