Soul Sense with Mark Verkler, LMFT

Samaritan's Well
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Most of us were never taught how faith and emotional health actually work together. Grief reshapes you. Trauma lingers. Anxiety lies. And loss doesn't just hurt — it fractures your relationships, your sense of self, and sometimes your faith. Soul Sense is for Christians who want Biblical wisdom, emotional healing, and honest conversation about the hard stuff. Hosted by Mark Verkler, LMFT and founder of Samaritan's Well — drawing on three decades of Christian counseling to explore what it really means to heal: spirit, mind, and body.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Be the Detective Your ADHD Child Needs | Dr. Amy Moore

    If you've ever felt like you're failing your ADHD child, this episode is for you. Dr. Amy Moore is a cognitive psychologist, neuroplasticity researcher, and mom with ADHD who has spent 30 years working with neurodivergent kids and families. She joins us to break down what's actually happening in the ADHD brain, why emotional meltdowns are not defiance, and what parents can do differently starting today. We cover why attention is not actually the core deficit in ADHD, how sleep, nutrition, and physical activity affect ADHD symptoms, what rejection sensitive dysphoria is and why it matters, why sending your child to their room during a meltdown backfires, how to become the detective your child needs, and why your calm is the most powerful tool you have. If you have a child with ADHD, suspect you might, or just want to understand the neurodivergent brain better, this conversation will change how you see your child and yourself. 0:00 Introduction and Dr. Amy Moore's background1:25 How Amy got into cognitive psychology and ADHD research3:28 Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD in the 70s and 80s5:00 Getting diagnosed in college and what changed6:34 How her family responded to the diagnosis7:55 What is dysregulation and rejection sensitive dysphoria9:23 The ADHD brain vs the non-ADHD brain10:05 Chronic stress and why everything feels like a crisis12:03 Amygdala hijacking and why your child can't hear you13:50 Co-regulation and why your calm is the most powerful tool you have15:15 Parents need regulation too16:54 Your child can't, not won't18:30 Strong-willed or dysregulated?19:48 Why sending your child to their room backfires20:25 Sensory seekers vs sensory avoiders23:44 Bedtime battles and unmet sensory needs24:21 Becoming a detective for your ADHD child25:01 Why sleep is the first question Amy asks27:13 Nutrition, food dyes, sugar, and ADHD29:21 Pesticides, organic food, and omega-3 deficiency32:53 Physical activity and BDNF35:01 The cognitive skills study with 5,000 ADHD patients36:00 ADHD is too much attention, not too little37:03 Cognitive training and neuroplasticity40:23 Guilt, shame, and diverse causes of ADHD41:18 What treatment at LearningRx actually looks like42:12 The range of parents Amy encounters44:11 Grace for parents and children47:19 Closing thoughts on faith and science together Learn more about Amy here: http://www.AmyMoorePhD.com Learn more about Amy's brain training research at www.LearningRx.com and find her podcast at www.TheBrainyMoms.com 👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. We'd love to hear what part of this episode hit home for you — comment below or send us a message! Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light. We also value your feedback — please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more information on counseling and resources visit samaritanswell.com or email us at info@samaritanswell.com. ✅ 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 🎁 Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guide Music from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlight | License code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLhttps://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-need | License code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    48 min

  2. May 20

    The Hidden Roots of Addiction: Shame, Control & Surrender | Carolyn Dunegan, LCDC

    In this foundational episode of our addiction series, we sit down with addiction expert Carolyn Dunegan, LCDC, to explore what addiction really is, why it’s so rooted in shame and isolation, and what true recovery actually requires.This conversation goes far beyond substances alone. We discuss the deeper emotional and spiritual dynamics underneath addiction, including secrecy, self-deception, ego, shame, control, and the struggle to ask for help.Whether you are personally struggling, love someone who is, or simply want to understand addiction at a deeper level, this episode offers powerful insight, compassion, and hope.00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 01:30 – What actually defines an addiction?02:07 – Consequences, immaturity, and substances replacing relationships10:00 – Isolation, secrecy, and the progression of addiction11:10 – Why lying becomes part of addiction14:00 – Why family systems matter in recovery38:50 – The stages of getting sober18:33 – “I can fix this myself” — the first stage of addiction recovery19:22 – Why addicts create rules and bargains around substances26:00 – Shame, self-hatred, and the emotional roots of addiction35:30 – The difference between ego and self-esteem35:00 – Why surrender and accountability are essential for healing43:33 – Confession, honesty, and “walking in the light”44:00 – Final thoughts: why truth creates freedom49:00 – Preview of the next addiction episodeKey Topics:• Addiction and recovery• Alcohol and substance abuse• Shame and self-hatred• Accountability and healing• Christian counseling perspectives• 12-step recovery insights• Family systems and addiction• Emotional health and trauma• Truth, honesty, and freedom#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #ChristianCounseling #RecoveryJourney #SoulSensePodcast #AddictionHelp #Healing #SamaritansWell👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. We'd love to hear what part of this episode hit home for you — comment below or send us a message! Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light. We also value your feedback — please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.For more information on counseling and resources visit samaritanswell.com or email us at info@samaritanswell.com. ✅ 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🎁 Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlight | License code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLhttps://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-need | License code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    51 min

  3. May 15

    A Christian Therapist on Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, & OCD | Emma Donaldson, LPC

    Licensed Professional Counselor and Perinatal Mental Health Specialist Emma Donaldson joins Mark to have an honest conversation about what really happens to a mother's mind, body, and faith after having a baby. From the hormonal crash after birth to postpartum OCD, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the shame that keeps so many moms silent — this episode covers what most doctors, churches, and even therapists miss.If you've ever felt like something was wrong with you after having a baby, or you love someone who has — this conversation is for you.Emma's website: joyfulmamamentalwellness.comInstagram & TikTok: @joyfulmamamentalwellness00:00 — Introduction & Emma's Story04:15 — The Hormonal Crash After Birth04:45 — How Pregnancy Triggers Old Wounds05:43 — Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression13:13 — Postpartum Anxiety & Perinatal OCD26:26 — Faith, Anxiety & Philippians 433:43 — Intrusive Thoughts — What They Mean38:11 — How the Church Can Do Better40:15 — What Husbands & Family Can Do42:30 — When & How to Get Help44:23 — Nutrition, Sleep & Hormone Recovery#PostpartumMentalHealth #ChristianMom #PostpartumAnxiety #PerinatalMentalHealth #PostpartumDepression #MomLife #FaithAndMentalHealth #ChristianCounseling #NewMom #PostpartumOCD #MentalHealthMatters #SoulSensePodcast #ChristianPodcast #MotherhoodIsHard #YouAreNotBroken👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. We'd love to hear what part of this episode hit home for you — comment below or send us a message! Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light. We also value your feedback — please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.For more information on counseling and resources visit samaritanswell.com or email us at info@samaritanswell.com. ✅ 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🎁 Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlight | License code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLhttps://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-need | License code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    54 min

  4. May 8

    The 5 Soul Senses Explained | Mad, Sad, Bad, Glad & Scared

    What are emotions actually trying to tell us?In this episode of the Soul Sense Podcast, Mark explores the idea of the 5 Soul Senses — mad, sad, bad, glad, and scared — and how our emotions are designed to inform us, not control us.You’ll learn:• Why emotions are gifts from God• The “high road” and “low road” of each emotion• How bitterness, shame, fear, and self-pity can become spiritual strongholds• Why many people say they’re “fine” when they aren’t• Practical ways to better understand your emotions and connect relationallyWhether you struggle naming emotions, navigating grief, anger, guilt, fear, or joy, this episode offers a simple biblical framework for emotional and spiritual health.00:00 — Introduction to Soul Sense01:30 — Why “Fine” Often Isn’t Fine02:35 — The 5 Soul Senses Explained03:12 — Mad: Anger and Perceived Injustice05:00 — The Danger of Bitterness05:10 — The High Road vs Low Road of Anger06:10 — Sad: Grief, Loss, and Self-Pity07:35 — Bad: Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation09:10 — Conviction, Grace, and Repentance10:45 — Glad: Joy, Gratitude, and Blessing12:30 — Fleeting Pleasure vs Lasting Joy14:10 — Scared: Fear and Perceived Danger14:30 — The “Spirit of Fear” Explained16:20 — Derek Prince and the Spirit of Heaviness20:40 — The Purpose of Emotions22:20 — Brené Brown’s Core Emotions23:40 — Practical Exercise for Couples (“Talk Time”)27:05 — Final Encouragement and Closing ThoughtsSubscribe for more conversations on emotional healing, relationships, faith, and spiritual growth.#SoulSense #ChristianCounseling #EmotionalHealth #MentalHealth #BiblicalWisdom👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. We'd love to hear what part of this episode hit home for you — comment below or send us a message! Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light. We also value your feedback — please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.For more information on counseling and resources visit samaritanswell.com or email us at info@samaritanswell.com. ✅ 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🎁 Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlight | License code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLhttps://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-need | License code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    29 min

  5. Apr 24

    She Was a New Age Star… Then Found Jesus | Doreen Virtue

    From New Age celebrity to devoted follower of Christ — Doreen Virtue spent 26 years as one of the most recognized voices in the New Age movement, appearing on Oprah, The View, CNN, and Donahue, with books published in 38 languages. Then, at age 59, everything changed.In this powerful episode of the Soul Sense Podcast, Doreen shares her remarkable conversion story — from a fifth-generation Christian Scientist turned New Age teacher, to a woman brought to her knees by the conviction of the Holy Spirit through a single radio sermon. She opens up about the spiritual deception she unknowingly spread, the painful public reckoning that followed, and the real peace she finally found in Jesus Christ.If you or someone you love has been touched by New Age practices, this conversation could be life-changing.In this episode:- How growing up in Christian Science laid the groundwork for spiritual deception- What Alistair Begg said on the radio that broke through 26 years of blindness- Why Deuteronomy 18 brought Doreen to the floor in tears- The dangerous New Age practices Christians need to recognize (including Reiki, yoga, and the Law of Attraction)- How real peace is completely different from the temporary euphoria the New Age promises- What she'd say to anyone whose faith has been shipwreckedFind Doreen: doreenvirtue.com | Facebook Group: From New Age to Jesus"You can have this old world — give me Jesus."TIMESTAMPS:- 0:00 – Welcome & Introduction- 1:15 – Growing up in Christian Science: A fifth-generation false gospel- 2:15 – No sin, no fall, no crucifixion — what she was actually taught about Jesus- 4:10 – Becoming a psychotherapist and entering the New Age world- 5:45 – Supernatural success — and why she now believes the devil was behind it- 8:20 – Listening to Alistair Begg on the radio: the first real conviction- 8:45 – Reading the Bible cover to cover — and hitting Deuteronomy 18- 11:00 – The moment the scales fell off: "I knew I was an abomination to God"- 13:00 – Going public: denouncing her old work on social media- 13:50 – Bootleg copies, foreign publishers, and Genesis 50:20- 14:40 – The women at the Ark Encounter who found Jesus through her old New Age books- 19:30 – How the New Age gets Jesus completely wrong- 21:20 – Why the New Age is a dissociative coping mechanism- 23:00 – The Bible can't be trusted? Debunking New Age claims about the Dead Sea Scrolls- 27:30 – How to reach someone in the New Age (what works, what doesn't)- 28:30 – How Jesus meets people in trauma differently than the New Age- 34:00 – What would you say to those who have been hurt by Christians?- 38:00 – What are some common New Age practices Christians should be aware of?- 46:30 – The peace that passes understanding: life after conversion- 47:40 – What is your purpose? The New Age answer vs. the biblical one- 51:20 – Final words: the gospel, the resurrection, and why none of it is worth trading👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. We'd love to hear what part of this episode hit home for you — comment below or send us a message! Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light. We also value your feedback — please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.For more information on counseling and resources visit samaritanswell.com or email us at info@samaritanswell.com. ✅ 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🎁 Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlight | License code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLhttps://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-need | License code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    55 min

  6. Apr 16

    Why Does God Allow Suffering? A Real Conversation About Job | Autumn Miles

    Why does God allow suffering? And what do you do when He feels completely silent?In this powerful episode of the Soul Sense Podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and minister Autumn Miles to talk about her new book Holy Ghosted—a deep dive into the often-avoided Book of Job.Autumn shares raw, personal stories of walking through pain, unanswered prayers, and moments where God seemed absent. Together, we explore one of the hardest questions in faith: Can God still be good when life falls apart?If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, grief, or felt like God wasn’t responding—this conversation is for you.What You’ll Learn:- Why the Book of Job is more relevant today than ever- What it means when God feels silent- How to be honest with God (even when it’s messy)- The difference between questioning God and assuming about Him- How to support others walking through grief- Why your faith might be stronger than you thinkTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome to Soul Sense Podcast01:20 – Introducing Autumn Miles & Holy Ghosted01:45 – Why Autumn wrote about the Book of Job03:50 – What “Holy Ghosted” really means04:40 – Taking back the narrative: Is God still good?06:30 – Why people avoid Job (and why they shouldn’t)10:20 – Personal story: When prayers for healing go unanswered16:00 – Wrestling with God in the middle of pain17:00 – Is it okay to question God?23:40 – The danger of being “fine” (and not real with God)29:35 – Job’s friends: What NOT to say to someone suffering33:50 – The power of simply showing up39:00 – Finding purpose in suffering41:00 – The real reason Job was tested44:40 – When God is silent vs. when He’s responding differently49:00 – Final encouragement: Hold onto your faith💬 Drop a comment: Have you ever felt like God was silent?Buy Holy Ghosted: https://a.co/d/0eMkswUa#Faith #BookOfJob #ChristianPodcast #Suffering #TrustGod #AutumnMiles #HolyGhosted #SoulSensePodcast👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. We'd love to hear what part of this episode hit home for you — comment below or send us a message! Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light. We also value your feedback — please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.For more information on counseling and resources visit samaritanswell.com or email us at info@samaritanswell.com. ✅ 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🎁 Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlight | License code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLhttps://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-need | License code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    52 min

  7. Apr 8

    From Contempt to Compassion: Healing Communication in Marriage | Healey Ikerd

    Join us on this episode of the Soul Sense Podcast from Samaritan’s Well as we welcome back Healey Ikerd, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Healy shares practical insights on building strong, faith-centered marriages, navigating communication challenges, trust, forgiveness, and cultivating joy even in difficult seasons.✨ Resources & Links:Healy’s private practice: HopeLife Counseling https://writtenbyhealey.comHealey’s podcast: Healthy & Redeemed https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-redeemed-helping-christians-grow-in-mental/id1777581136📌 Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome & Introduction0:28 – About Healey Ikerd: Counselor, Author, Veteran, Grammy2:45 – Most Common Couple Struggles3:15 – Communication vs. Connection4:30 – Handling Criticism, Contempt & Stonewalling14:00 – Integrating Faith in Counseling18:00 – The Importance of Prayer in Marriage18:55 – The Importance of Having Fun Together27:30 – From Contempt to Compassion (C− to C+)33:15 – Handling Betrayal and Affairs38:47 – Rebuilding Trust Brick by Brick43:10 – Common Mistakes Couples Make49:50 – Closing Thoughts & Encouragement👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. We'd love to hear what part of this episode hit home for you — comment below or send us a message! Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light. We also value your feedback — please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.For more information on counseling and resources visit samaritanswell.com or email us at info@samaritanswell.com. ✅ 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🎁 Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlight | License code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLhttps://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-need | License code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    53 min

  8. Apr 1

    Faith, Neuroscience, and the Sanctified Mind | Dr. Angela Deulen

    What actually happens in the brain when we experience trauma? And how can we truly “take every thought captive” when painful memories and emotions feel overwhelming?In this episode of the Soul Sense Podcast, Mark welcomes back Dr. Angela Deulen, professor of psychology at California Baptist University, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional clinical counselor, and Christian author. Together they explore the powerful intersection of neuroscience, trauma, faith, and spiritual growth.Dr. Deulen explains how traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain, why the body remembers painful experiences, and how chronic stress affects our ability to learn, heal, and grow. They also discuss the biblical command to “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and what neuroscience reveals about forming new mental and spiritual habits.You’ll learn how the brain’s design for survival can sometimes keep us stuck in patterns of fear or rumination—and how practices like nervous system regulation, spiritual disciplines, and renewing our thinking can help us experience real transformation.Topics covered in this episode include:• How trauma is stored in the brain• Why traumatic memories feel so “sticky”• The role of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex• Neuroplasticity and spiritual transformation• What it really means to “take every thought captive”• Why doing hard things strengthens both the brain and the spirit• The connection between sanctification and neural pathways• The importance of wisdom when dealing with repressed memoriesDr. Deulen brings together cutting-edge neuroscience and biblical wisdom to help us better understand how God designed our brains—and how healing and spiritual growth truly happen.🔗 Learn more about Dr. Angela Deulen:[https://AngelaDeulen.com](https://AngelaDeulen.com)🎥 Find more of her teaching on YouTube:Search Dr. Angela Deulen👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. We'd love to hear what part of this episode hit home for you — comment below or send us a message! Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light. We also value your feedback — please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.For more information on counseling and resources visit samaritanswell.com or email us at info@samaritanswell.com. ✅ 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🎁 Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlight | License code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLhttps://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-need | License code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    46 min
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About

Most of us were never taught how faith and emotional health actually work together. Grief reshapes you. Trauma lingers. Anxiety lies. And loss doesn't just hurt — it fractures your relationships, your sense of self, and sometimes your faith. Soul Sense is for Christians who want Biblical wisdom, emotional healing, and honest conversation about the hard stuff. Hosted by Mark Verkler, LMFT and founder of Samaritan's Well — drawing on three decades of Christian counseling to explore what it really means to heal: spirit, mind, and body.

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