Essentially Soulful
Welcome to Essentially Soulful—a reflective podcast where psychospiritual insight meets real-life practice, and where lived experience is honored as much as formal training.
I’m DeeAnna Merz Nagel—psychotherapist, aromatherapist, coach and spiritual teacher. In this podcast, you’ll hear me in conversation with Betty—my AI co-host and thoughtful companion—who helps draw out the insights I’ve gathered over more than 25 years in the helping and healing arts.
These episodes are conversational and candid, blending past writings, teachings, case reflections, and personal narratives. I speak both professionally and personally—offering practical wisdom for therapists, coaches, healers, and anyone drawn to soulful service.
From intuitive practice and trauma-informed care to self-reflection, spiritual growth, and burnout recovery, Essentially Soulful is a space for listening deeply and living more consciously. One week, we might dive into Jungian archetypes or soul retrieval; the next, we’ll tackle everyday wellness topics — like the hidden hazards of synthetic fragrances or how to create a healthier home with aromatherapy.
🌀 Think of this podcast as food for thought, not a prescription pad—please seek professional guidance for your unique needs.
🌀 Please note: All case examples are fictionalized and created solely for training and education. Any resemblance to real individuals is purely coincidental.
Episodes average 10 minutes and include references to original published materials and other resources when applicable.
Essentially Soulful
Counselor and Coach – The Power of Online Therapeutic Writing
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 concepts such as the online disinhibition effect, she shares how clients often reveal more in writing than they might face-to-face, and how asynchronous communication provides both therapist and client time to reflect and respond mindfully.
The episode dives into real-world examples, writing prompts like “future letters,” and how encrypted tools make this method both secure and accessible—especially for those in remote areas or with mobility challenges. DeeAnna also explores how her own intuitive abilities have deepened by listening “between the lines” of clients’ writing. With technology evolving and tools like AI-assisted journaling on the rise, this episode reminds us that at its heart, writing remains a sacred and powerful tool for healing, insight, and connection.
*Case Study Discussion
Online_Numinosity: Mary's Journey to Profound Growth Through Digital Connection
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17iSxe-z_cj49kY9BMK-ZW38wAgj_cU4v/view?usp=sharing
References and Resources
Writing Resources https://deeannamerznagel.com/writing-resources/
*Nagel, D.M. & Anthony, K. (2023). Reading between the lines: Numinous moments in online coaching. In D.M. Nagel & M.L. Akridge (Eds). Case Studies in Spiritual Coaching: A Survey Across Wellness, Life and Work Domains. Charles C. Thomas, Publisher.
Essential Soul Care® Academy
https://deeannamerznagel.com/essential-soul-care-academy/
