Soul Sense with Mark Verkler, LMFT

Samaritan's Well
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  • CHRISTIANITY
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What if the deepest emotional healing begins with understanding how God designed your soul? Soul Sense explores the intersection of biblical truth & emotional wholeness, offering scripture-grounded tools to transform your inner world. Hosted by Mark Verkler, LMFT & founder of Samaritan's Well, this podcast draws from 30+ years of counseling expertise. Each episode features Mark's reflections & conversations with authors, counselors, & spiritual leaders. Discover biblical insight, practical tools, & encouragement to grow in faith, strengthen relationships, & find healing on your journey.

  1. 5D AGO

    Learning to Listen, Fight, and Thrive: Marriage Therapy Insights | Lisa Gray

    What if the key to a stronger relationship isn't avoiding conflict—but learning how to do it right?In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Lisa Gray shares game-changing insights from her 20+ years working with high-conflict couples and those navigating chronic illness. Lisa breaks down why most couples fail at conflict (hint: it's all about timing), introduces her powerful three-step process for healthy disagreements, and explains how chronic illness can actually deepen intimacy when approached with empathy and communication.Key Takeaways:• Why you should never fight when you're already mad• The three-step conflict process: Setup, Listen, Problem-Solve• How to separate listening from solution-finding• Navigating grief, guilt, and resentment in chronic illness• The difference between healthy guilt and toxic guilt• Why thriving is possible even in the hardest circumstancesAbout Lisa Gray:Lisa Gray is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in high-conflict couples and relationships impacted by chronic illness and chronic pain. She's the author of Healthy Conflict, Happy Couple and Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness.Connect with Lisa:Website: lisagraymft.comBooks & Resources: https://lisagrayauthor.com/Instagram: @lisagraymft#RelationshipAdvice #MarriageTherapy #HealthyConflict #ChronicIllness #CouplesTherapy #ConflictResolution #MarriageCounseling #RelationshipGoals #ChronicPain #LisaGray 👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light.Thanks for joining us for this podcast! For more information on counseling, resources, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at info@samaritanswell.org. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you!Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    46 min

  2. JAN 28

    Money & Spirit: Finding Financial Freedom Through Faith | Heather Day

    Struggling with debt, anxiety, or shame around money? You're not alone. In this honest conversation, Heather Day shares her personal journey from financial chaos to freedom—and it wasn't about finding a quick fix.Heather and her husband Robert found themselves drowning in debt in their mid-20s. What changed everything wasn't a magic solution, but a parking lot prayer and a willingness to let God reveal what wasn't like Him in their financial habits.In this episode, we discuss:-How to surrender your finances to the Holy Spirit (and what that actually means)-Why budgeting tactics fail without heart change-The connection between the fruit of the Spirit and how we handle money-Practical steps to overcome financial anxiety and shame-How gratitude rewires our brains and changes our relationship with money-Why community matters when fighting financial bondageHeather's book "Money and the Spirit" offers a different approach to financial freedom—one that starts with humility, surrender, and recognizing that God wants to be involved in every area of our lives, including our bank accounts.Guest: Heather Day, Author & Communications Specialist at Barnabas FoundationConnect with Heather:https://heatherday.net/Get the Book:"Money and the Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the work of the Holy Spirit" - Available wherever books are sold👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light.#EndOfLife #Faith #Grief #Hospice #DeathDoula #Sobriety #Healing #SpiritualJourney #HopeThanks for joining us for this podcast! For more information on counseling, resources, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at info@samaritanswell.org. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you!Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    37 min

  3. JAN 21

    From Bartender to Death Doula: The Power of Presence at Life's End | Gina Economopoulos

    What does it take to transform death from your greatest fear into your sacred calling?In this deeply moving conversation, certified end-of-life doula Gina Economopoulos shares her extraordinary journey from bartender to nun to helping others transition peacefully from this life to the next. After watching her mother die at age 23 without faith or hope—an experience she describes as "pure hell"—Gina embarked on a spiritual odyssey that would eventually lead her to discover her true calling.Gina opens up about:• The moment she realized she could help others die with dignity and peace• What happens at the bedside when heaven "opens up" • Why Mother Teresa's words on dignity shaped her entire ministry• Her 12 years in the convent and what led to her unexpected departure• Losing her fiancé one month before their wedding and finding sobriety• The power of presence over perfect words when someone is dying• Stories of peaceful deaths and bedside conversions• Why hearing is the last sense to go—and what to say in those final momentsThis isn't just about death—it's about discovering that the kingdom of heaven is within us right now, and that sometimes our deepest wounds become our greatest gifts to others.Connect with Gina:Website: https://www.ginaecon.com/Book: "Shake The Dust Off Your Feet and Walk: Faith, Sobriety, Self-Discovery, and Healing - A Memoir" (Available on Amazon)📖 Download a FREE chapter of Gina's book at https://www.ginaecon.com/---👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light.#EndOfLife #Faith #Grief #Hospice #DeathDoula #Sobriety #Healing #SpiritualJourney #HopeThanks for joining us for this podcast! For more information on counseling, resources, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at info@samaritanswell.org. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you!Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    48 min

  4. JAN 16

    Breaking the Silence: Understanding Domestic Abuse in Faith Communities | Stacey Womack

    In this powerful conversation, Stacey Womack, founder and executive director of Abuse Recovery Ministry Services (ARMS), shares her 28 years of experience helping abuse survivors and those who use abusive behaviors. Stacey discusses: - Why churches struggle to address domestic abuse (and often become the least helpful resource) - The 8 forms of abuse beyond physical violence—including the "worst" form victims identify - How power and control dynamics differ from normal conflict- The dangerous misconception that couples counseling can fix abusive relationships- Why knowledge alone doesn't create change—and what does - Her year-long intervention program that teaches men to "love like Jesus loves" - The critical importance of safety planning and why leaving is the most dangerous time - How women's health deteriorates under chronic abuse—and can recover after leavingStacey challenges common church teachings about submission, reveals why male victims face unique barriers, and explains why their programs remain free after nearly three decades. Resources mentioned: - Website: abuserecovery.org - Book: "On the Front Lines of Abuse: Strategies for the Faith Community" - Programs: Her Journey (recovery for women), intervention programs for men and womenCritical stats: 1 in 3 women experience domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by an intimate partner. 75% of homicides happen after separation.If you or someone you know needs support, visit abuserecovery.org for free, confidential resources. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, mental health, doubt, and spiritual formation.👍 Like, comment, and share with someone who’s wrestling but still searching. Thanks for joining us for this podcast! For more information on counseling, resources, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at info@samaritanswell.org. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you! Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc We also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guide Music from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    53 min

  5. JAN 15

    The Trouble With Jesus: Doubt, Faith, and Why So Many Walk Away | Constance Hastings

    In this powerful and honest conversation, host Mark sits down with Constance Hastings, author of The Trouble With Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away. Together, they explore why Jesus has always been “troubling,” why doubt is not the enemy of faith, and how authentic belief often grows in tension, struggle, and unanswered questions.Constance shares her deeply personal journey—from growing up on the margins of church culture, to discovering faith as a child, to years of ministry as a mental health counselor—and how God led her to write a book especially for skeptics, doubters, and those wounded by church experiences.In this episode, we talk about:-Why doubt can be a doorway to deeper faith-How Jesus disrupts comfort, control, and expectations-Healing from church hurt without walking away from Christ-The difference between spiritual conviction and emotional harm-Why Jesus refused to be a “divine fixer”-What it means to say, “Lord, I believe—help my unbelief”If you’ve ever struggled with faith, felt offended by Jesus’ teachings, wrestled with unanswered questions, or wondered whether it’s possible to stay anchored in Christ when everything feels uncertain—this conversation is for you.📘 Learn more about Constance Hastings and her book:Visit www.constancehastings.com to read her companion blog, explore doubting voices in the Gospels, and receive a 20% discount on The Trouble With Jesus.🛒 Prefer supporting local bookstores? Constance encourages purchasing through your local shop as a way to spark meaningful conversations about faith.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, mental health, doubt, and spiritual formation.👍 Like, comment, and share with someone who’s wrestling but still searching.

    49 min

  6. JAN 1

    Breaking Strongholds: Faith, Brain Renewal, and Freedom from Emotional Eating | Dr. Laurette Willis

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laurette Willis, a cognitive-behavioral therapist, international speaker, and founder of PraiseMoves®, the Christian alternative to yoga, and the Faith-Fueled Transformation Movement.Dr. Willis shares her powerful journey from New Age practices to a Christ-centered approach to healing, along with insights from neuroscience, faith, and counseling. We talk about renewing the mind, breaking unhealthy patterns without relying on willpower alone, and what true transformation looks like when faith is at the center of our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives.If you’re wrestling with weight, habits, spiritual confusion, or simply longing for deeper freedom and alignment with God, this conversation offers both hope and practical wisdom.👇 In this episode, you’ll learn about:-Faith-based mind renewal and lasting change-Why willpower alone often fails-Movement, worship, and embodied discipleship-Healing the root issues behind emotional eating👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this episode encouraged you. http://ChristianWeightLossKit.com🎁 Free Gift for Your Listeners:👉 ChristianWeightLossKit.comThis free mini-course — The Faith-Fueled Weight Loss Blueprint — gives you simple, Scripture-based tools to help you renew your mind, retrain your brain, and break the cycle of emotional eating. It includes a downloadable guide, video training, and a 10-second brain-science craving-breaker Christians love.-OR-👉 http://ChristianMeditationKit.comThanks for joining us for this podcast! If you benefited from this video, please like, subscribe, and send it to a friend who might enjoy it. For more information on counseling, resources, workshops, newsletters, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at info@samaritanswell.org. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you!Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcNever miss an episode of our podcast! Subscribe now and stay updated with our latest teachings. We also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    55 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    When God Says No: Finding Joy after Chronic Illness & Loss | Lara Silverman

    Laura Silverman's life changed overnight. At 30, she landed her dream job as a federal prosecutor—only to fall mysteriously ill her second week. What followed was 8 years (and counting) of being mostly bedridden with a rare neurological disorder that makes the world constantly spin around her.But that's not where her story ends. In this powerful conversation, Laura shares how she found a theology of suffering that actually works, fell in love with a dying man who taught her about grace, and discovered that sometimes God's greatest gifts come wrapped in our deepest pain. In This Episode: -The moment Laura had to resign from her dream job without ever working it -Why acceptance isn't giving up—it's a form of faith -How suffering changes the entire church community, not just the sufferer -Laura's unexpected love story with Matt, her youth pastor with terminal cancer-Wrestling with bitterness after losing her husband one year into marriage -The discipline that comes when we cross a line with God-Why "dying to self" became the doctrine that set her free-Genesis 50:20 vision: How God means for good what others mean for evil Key Moments: -Being honest with God vs. staying offended -The "Holy Spirit texts" that kept coming at the right time -Why suffering is never a private matter -Filling up what is left of Christ's sufferings -When God called her to write a memoir (now a #1 Amazon bestseller) Laura's book "Singing Through Fire" is available now on Amazon. https://books2read.com/singingthroughfire Resources Mentioned: -The Chosen (scene: "Lord, why haven't you healed me?") -Joni Eareckson Tada -Genesis 50:20 -2 Corinthians 4:17 -Lamentations 3 If you're walking through chronic illness, grief, or wondering where God is in your suffering, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom from someone still in the fire.#ChronicIllness #Suffering #Faith #Grief #ChristianTestimony #Theology #Hope Thanks for joining us for this podcast! If you benefited from this video, please like, subscribe, and send it to a friend who might enjoy it. For more information on counseling, resources, workshops, newsletters, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at info@samaritanswell.org. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you!Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcNever miss an episode of our podcast! Subscribe now and stay updated with our latest teachings. We also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    54 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    You Make a Good You: Freedom from the Comparison Trap with Michael Miller, Founder of UPPERROOM

    Comparison is one of the enemy's most subtle and destructive weapons against believers—and most of us don't even realize how deeply it affects us. In this powerful conversation, Michael Miller shares the dramatic moment God woke him in the night with these words: "Comparison is killing my people, just like it killed me." What followed was a deep dive into Scripture that revealed comparison as the driving force behind some of the Bible's greatest tragedies—from Cain's murder of Abel to Saul's downfall to the Pharisees' envy that led to Jesus' crucifixion.In this episode, we discuss:-How comparison drove the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27)-The devastating impact of "brother culture" vs. the freedom of "father culture"-Why King Saul's insecurity cost him everything-Peter's struggle with proving his worth and Jesus' restoration at the fire of coals-The danger of social media and comparing our messy reality to others' highlight reels-How to recognize pride and insecurity as the two trenches comparison leads us into-The antidote to envy: practicing thanksgiving for others' blessings-Why faithfulness matters more than success-How to discover and embrace this truth: "You make a good you"KEY SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:-2 Corinthians 10:12 - "When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding"-James 3:14-16 - "Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing"-Matthew 18:5 - Receiving the wounded child within-John 21 - Jesus restores Peter at the fire of coalsWhether you're struggling with insecurity, constantly measuring yourself against others, or trying to wear someone else's armor instead of being authentically you—this message will set you free.ABOUT MICHAEL MILLER:Michael Miller is the founder and senior leader of Upper Room Dallas, a global prayer and worship movement that began in April 2010 in a small office space overlooking downtown Dallas. His authentic, raw teaching style and prophetic insight have impacted thousands around the world.CONNECT WITH MICHAEL:Instagram: @freelandmillerUpper Room Dallas: @upperroomdallasWeekly Sermons: Upper Room Dallas PodcastThanks for joining us for this podcast! If you benefited from this video, please like, subscribe, and send it to a friend who might enjoy it. For more information on counseling, resources, workshops, newsletters, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at info@samaritanswell.org. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you!Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcNever miss an episode of our podcast! Subscribe now and stay updated with our latest teachings. We also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    50 min
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About

What if the deepest emotional healing begins with understanding how God designed your soul? Soul Sense explores the intersection of biblical truth & emotional wholeness, offering scripture-grounded tools to transform your inner world. Hosted by Mark Verkler, LMFT & founder of Samaritan's Well, this podcast draws from 30+ years of counseling expertise. Each episode features Mark's reflections & conversations with authors, counselors, & spiritual leaders. Discover biblical insight, practical tools, & encouragement to grow in faith, strengthen relationships, & find healing on your journey.

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