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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. MAR 26

    Prison Ministry, Guilt, Shame, and True Identity in Christ | James Early

    What if guilt and shame aren't part of who you really are?In this episode, Bible teacher and prison ministry volunteer James Early shares powerful stories from over 18 years of leading weekly Bible studies at a federal correctional institution — and what he's learned about guilt, shame, identity, and spiritual transformation along the way.James shares the story of a woman who came to his Bible study broken, medicated, estranged from her family, and done with God — and how two years later she walked out restored, healed, and off all her medications. The turning point? Being given permission to ask hard questions and discovering that sin is not her true identity.Using the simple but profound mud puddle analogy, James explains why guilt and shame don't define you — and why God hates iniquity not because he hates you, but because he loves you too much to let it stick.You'll also hear about:- Why practical faith matters more than right doctrine- How spiritual disciplines grow naturally when you taste God's presence- What it really means that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand- How inmates taught James as much as he taught themConnect with James Early:🎙️ The Bible Speaks to You Podcast🌐 thebiblespeakstoyou.com/soulsense------------------👍🔔 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

    57 min

  6. MAR 20

    Beyond PTSD: Understanding Moral Injury | Dr. Larry Brant

    Dr. Larry Brant — 17-year Navy chaplain, combat veteran, and author — joins the SoulSense podcast to unpack one of the most misunderstood wounds people carry: moral injury. It's not the same as PTSD. It's the place where guilt and shame go so deep that a person believes they are beyond love and beyond forgiveness.Dr. Brant draws from his deployment with Marines in Afghanistan, his work as an ICU chaplain during COVID, and his time with homeless veterans to explain what moral injury actually looks like — and what real healing requires. Spoiler: it's not a quick Bible verse and a pat on the back.In this conversation we cover:- The difference between PTSD, guilt, shame, and moral injury- Why the church often misses it — and what to do instead- The power of sitting with someone in their pain before trying to fix anything- Biblical examples of moral injury and restoration (David, Peter, Paul — and a surprising one from Numbers 31)- Practical tools like the two-way prayer journal- A story of a veteran whose life, marriage, and family were completely transformedDr. Brant's book "Restoring the Broken: A Ministry Leader's Guide to Understanding and Healing Moral Injury" is available now on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover.If moral injury describes you or someone you know — there is a path back.Learn more at https://restoring-the-broken.com/👍🔔 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

    52 min

  7. MAR 13

    Trauma-Informed Leadership: Building Cultures of Wellness at Work | Dr. Melanie Gray

    Most workplace problems aren't attitude problems — they're trauma responses nobody taught you to recognize. Dr. Melanie Gray, PhD, RN and trauma-informed leadership consultant, joins us to break down why your team's behavior makes more sense than you think, and what leaders can do about it.In this episode we cover: What trauma-informed care actually means in a workplace settingWhy leaders have to examine their own triggers firstHow generational and childhood trauma shows up at workThe real cost of burnout and overwork on your teamWhy community and acknowledgment matter more than programsDr. Melanie Gray helps organizations move from judgment to empathy — and from high turnover to genuine cultures of wellness.🔗 Learn more at drmelaniegray.com🔗 https://mailchi.mp/dff940f321fa/traum...Lead Without Burnout: Trauma-Informed Self-Care for LeadersA 3-Day Plan to Launch Your Self-Care PracticesLeadership begins with wholeness. This free 4-day plan helps you move from constant giving to grounded leading through trauma-informed self-care strategies. Each day offers a simple, science-backed practice to help you regulate stress, restore balance, and rebuild resilience—without guilt.Whether you lead a team, a mission, or a movement, this guide will help you create emotional safety within yourself so you can show up with clarity, confidence, and calm. Because the best way to serve others is to stay whole while you lead.#TraumaInformedLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #BurnoutPrevention #Leadership #MentalHealthAtWork #SoulSensePodcast👍🔔 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:   / facebook:     / samaritanswelldallaslinkedin:     / tiktok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswel...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/...Music from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/feather... code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all... code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

    50 min

  8. FEB 20

    You Are Not a Machine: A Practical Guide on Sleep, Faith, and Rest | Dr. Benjamin Long

    What if your sleepless nights weren't something to fight — but an invitation to connect with God?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Benjamin Long, a dual board-certified sleep medicine physician and pediatrician, to explore the science and spirituality of sleep. Dr. Ben walks us through his "Sleepless Night Rules," the surprising connection between REM sleep and mental health, why you are not a machine, and how the Christian faith offers a uniquely powerful framework for finding rest.Whether you're a clock-watcher, a midnight mechanic, or just someone who can't turn their brain off at night — this conversation is for you.Topics covered:- The stages of sleep and why they matter- How anxiety and the illusion of control wreck your sleep- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)- Sleep medications — what you should actually know- How to see the night as sacred space📖 Check out Dr. Ben's book, Sleep Habits Journal: Practices, Prayers, and Devotions to Ease Your Sleepless Nights at 👉 https://www.sleephabitsjournal.com/👍🔔 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

    48 min
See All (112)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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.

Information