The Character's Toolkit: Bibliotherapy (Mental Health with a Literary Twist)

Marisa chats with Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea author Jessica Guerrieri and therapist Janice Johnson Dowd, author of Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery, to talk about wine culture, addiction, and recovery, focusing on what it really looks like in the world of modern parenting. They focus on why so many parents turn to alcohol to cope, and how we can break the cycle, rebuild connection, and redefine self-care. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with Promise Me Sunshine author Cara Bastone and Kelly Daugherty, author of The Grief Experience and host of The Grief Ladies podcast, about loss and healing. Together, they explore how to show up with consistency and compassion over the long term, the importance of grieving rather than avoiding, and the idea of creating "live again" lists.

Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with author Clémence Michallon (Our Last Resort) and therapist Dr. Natalie Feinblatt about overcoming the challenges of rebuilding identity, healing, and embracing freedom after leaving a cult. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with author Marissa Stapley (THE LIGHTNING BOTTLES) and therapist Ryan Dusick (founding member of Maroon 5, author of the book HARDER TO BREATHE, and podcast host of the Harder to Breathe podcast) about young life in front of a large audience, substance use disorders, and the many paths that lead to recovery. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books author Kirsten Miller and therapist Emily Scheer of New Connections Counseling Center to explore how we can stay connected when politics and beliefs might pull us apart. From navigating tough conversations to protecting meaningful relationships, they unpack what it takes to bridge divides without breaking bonds. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with Hazel Says No author Jessica Berger Gross and therapist Kara Friedman of Kara Friedman Counseling to delve into the power and complexity of body autonomy. From early boundary-setting to unlearning people-pleasing, they unpack the power of saying no.

Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with All the Signs author Jessi Rosen and therapist Haley Moore of Therapy Uninterrupted to explore the winding path of finding and following your passion. From societal expectations to internal roadblocks, they unpack what it really takes to tune out the noise and trust your own signs.

Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with The Undercurrent author Sarah Sawyer and therapist Viviana McGovern of Full Vida Therapy to unpack why we sometimes push people away. From the roots of rigid boundaries to the fear of vulnerability, it's a conversation full of insight, honesty, and a few laughs. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY author Jennifer E. Smith and therapist Dr. Christine Schneider of Integrative Mind Institute and the podcast The Challenge of Therapy for a deep dive into adult sibling alienation. They explore what drives distance between siblings, why it hurts so much, whether it's ever possible—or wise—to rebuild those bonds, and specific tools for rebuilding them when appropriate. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.

Marisa chats with What Happened to the McCrays author Tracey Lange and therapist Michael Rose of Wild Minds Consulting to talk about what we're really supposed to do with all those overwhelming emotions. From rage to grief to everything in between, they explore how to process big feelings instead of bottling them up.

Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

The Character's Toolkit is a bibliotherapy-based mental health podcast where novels and fictional characters are used to explore therapy concepts and coping skills.