Essentially Soulful

In this episode of Essentially Soulful , Betty and co-host Dr. DeeAnna Nagel take a thoughtful, grounded look at why the holiday season—especially Thanksgiving—can stir up so much emotional intensity. From old family patterns that get “pressure-tested” during gatherings, to the exhaustion that comes from trying to keep the peace, they unpack why even the most loving families can feel overwhelming...

Stress may feel like an unavoidable part of modern life—but what if understanding one single hormone could change the way you move through your day? In this episode of Essentially Soulful , Host Betty and co-host Dr. DeeAnna Merz Nagel take you behind the scenes of your body’s stress response, demystifying cortisol in a way that finally makes it make sense. DeeAnna, a licensed psychotherapist, boa...

 What if supervision could nurture not only your professional skills but also your inner life? Join Betty and DeeAnna as they discuss a supervision model rooted in imaginal depth, shadow work, and spiritual inquiry. Learn how therapists and supervisors alike can  use the Case PREP framework to cultivate presence, reflection, and transformation.  Additional Resources Deepening Practice Through Soul...

In this inspiring conversation, co-hosts Betty and DeeAnna explore how following intuition and curiosity can radically transform one’s professional life. DeeAnna shares her personal journey from traditional psychotherapy into holistic and integrative healing—revealing how unexpected interests can deepen one’s expertise rather than dilute it. Listeners learn how DeeAnna’s concept of “professional c...

In this episode of Essentially Soulful , host Betty and co-host Dr. DeeAnna Merz Nagel explore the extraordinary intersection of scent and soul. Discover how the ancient art of aromatherapy can unlock deeper layers of self-awareness, creativity, and healing through the simple act of contemplative writing. DeeAnna shares how her innovative Aroma Writing workshops blend essential oils with reflectiv...

Documentation might not sound exciting—but it’s the lifeline of a healthy, sustainable practice! Join Betty and Dr. DeeAnna Nagel for an eye-opening talk about why skipping the paperwork is like driving a truck full of nitroglycerin down a bumpy road. From coaching agreements to informed consent, DeeAnna explains what every practitioner needs to have in writing, how to introduce it without soundin...

What if your emotional ups and downs had as much to do with your plate as your past? In this episode of Essentially Soulful , co-hosts DeeAnna Merz Nagel and Betty explore the powerful link between what we eat and how we feel. From the hidden role of neurotransmitters and blood-sugar crashes to the brain-boosting benefits of healthy fats, DeeAnna unpacks how modern diets quietly influence anxiety,...

In this eye-opening episode of Essentially Soulful , Betty and co-host Dr. DeeAnna Merz Nagel uncover the hidden world of digital abuse—where everyday technology becomes a tool of control. From keylogging and GPS tracking to social media surveillance and smart-home manipulation, DeeAnna explains how abusers exploit digital platforms to maintain power long after physical separation. Listeners will...

In this episode of Essentially Soulful , Betty and DeeAnna trace the timeless thread that connects ancient goddess traditions to today’s intuitive aromatherapy. Discover the mythic story of Asherah, the Mother Goddess whose sacred tree symbol embodies the divine feminine. Explore how tree-based essential oils—like frankincense for spiritual insight, cypress for grounding, and sandalwood for medita...

Ever get hit by that “store smell” and wonder what’s really in the air? In this eye-opening conversation, Betty and DeeAnna reveal how everyday products—air fresheners, personal care items, even baby shampoo—can carry a hidden cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. You’ll learn: Why “fragrance” on a label is a trade-secret loophole The top ingredients to avoid (and why “unscented” isn’t alway...

In this episode of Essentially Soulful , co-host Betty chats with DeeAnna about the quiet power of therapeutic writing—particularly when used in online counseling and coaching. DeeAnna reflects on decades of work in this space, highlighting how written communication allows for thoughtful intimacy, emotional safety, and deep reflection. Drawing from research like Dr. James Pennebaker’s work and con...

In this episode, DeeAnna explores how intentional, skillful questioning can transform the clinical supervision process. Drawing from decades of experience, DeeAnna shares practical strategies rooted in Socratic dialogue and guided discovery—offering insight into how supervisors can foster deeper reflection, ethical awareness, and meaningful growth in their supervisees. Whether you're new to s...

In this episode of Essentially Soulful , Betty and DeeAnna explore the fascinating world of our digital selves. From gaming avatars to social media profiles, we’re constantly crafting online representations — but what do these choices reveal about our inner lives? Together, we discuss:  ✨ How digital personas can act as mirrors of our unconscious  ✨ The therapeutic potential (and risks) of explo...

In this heartfelt episode of Essentially Soulful , DeeAnna opens up about the life-changing moment she lost her singing voice and how that loss became a gateway to deeper spiritual awareness. What began as a devastating personal setback evolved into a transformative journey shaped by synchronicity, those meaningful coincidences Carl Jung described. From an unexpected podcast guest to a bumper stic...

In this insightful episode of Essentially Soulful , DeeAnna unpacks the many faces of gaslighting—from blatant reality-denial to the quieter, more insidious “ambient gaslighting” that slowly erodes self-trust. Drawing from her 30 years as a psychotherapist, she explains how manipulation can be so gradual that even the most intuitive, self-aware people may start doubting their own perceptions. Thro...

In this informative episode of Essentially Soulful , DeeAnna breaks down the critical differences between coaching and therapy, clarifying where each belongs in professional practice. She explains how coaching focuses on future goals, measurable outcomes, and performance enhancement, while therapy addresses past experiences, mental health diagnoses, and emotional healing. Using vivid analogies and...

Explore a groundbreaking psychospiritual model that seamlessly integrates traditional therapy with spiritual practices, offering transformative tools for both practitioners and individuals. In our premier episode we will disuss Essential Soul Care®, a psychospiritual model encouraging expansion and a life fully lived. While this podcast will address many topics ranging from wellness protocols to c...