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
Coaching vs. Therapy – Essential Distinctions for Mental Health Professionals
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 real-world examples, DeeAnna highlights the ethical boundaries, fee structures, and training requirements that keep these disciplines distinct—especially for therapists considering adding coaching to their services.
Listeners gain practical guidance on setting clear service frameworks, maintaining separate contracts, and choosing a niche that aligns with their expertise. DeeAnna also addresses virtual coaching, the importance of proper certification, and the mindset shift needed when moving from a processing-oriented therapeutic approach to an action-oriented coaching style. Whether you’re a mental health professional exploring new opportunities or simply curious about the differences, this episode offers an ethical and business-savvy roadmap for integrating coaching without blurring professional lines.
RESOURCES
Do I Need Two Businesses for Therapy and Coaching?
https://deeannamerznagel.com/do-i-need-two-businesses-for-therapy-and-coaching/
Board Certified Coach Training
https://deeannamerznagel.com/transformative-coach-training-series/
Essential Soul Care® Academy
https://deeannamerznagel.com/essential-soul-care-academy/
