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
Gaslighting – Recognizing the Invisible Threads of Manipulation
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. Through vivid analogies, real-life examples, and red-flag warning signs, DeeAnna helps listeners understand how to identify both obvious and subtle tactics—whether it’s being told you’re “too sensitive” or receiving undermining compliments disguised as praise.
The conversation offers concrete steps for recognizing patterns, rebuilding trust in your own perceptions, and setting firm boundaries without getting pulled into power struggles. DeeAnna also shares practical tools like “reality anchors” and the value of support from trusted friends, family, or a therapist. This episode is both validating and empowering—a guide to spotting manipulation early, reclaiming your confidence, and learning to trust your instincts again.
References
Gaslighting: Five Steps to Take Back Your Personal Power
https://deeannamerznagel.com/gaslighting-intuitive/
Ambient Gaslighting- A Subtle Form of Harmful Emotional Abuse
https://deeannamerznagel.com/ambient-gaslighting/
Essential Soul Care® Academy
https://deeannamerznagel.com/essential-soul-care-academy/
