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!

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!

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!

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!

Marisa chats with Pictures of You author Emma Grey, her daughter and Ph.D. candidate Hannah Robertson, and therapist Beverly Engel—author of The Emotionally Abusive Relationship—to unpack the dynamics of coercive and controlling relationships. From subtle red flags to deep emotional manipulation, this conversation sheds light on what these relationships really look like, hot to support loved ones who are in them, and how to begin breaking free.

Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

Marisa chats with Trust Me on This author Lauren Parvizzi and therapist Maggie Malone of Rosebud Psychotherapy to unpack mental filtering—the habit of seeing things as either all good or all bad. They dive into how this black-and-white thinking shows up in our lives, why it’s so tempting, and what it really takes to find a more balanced perspective.

Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

Marisa chats with Bluebird Day author Megan Tady and sports therapist Peter Falcon of Skadi Sports Psychology to dig into the high-stakes world of sports psychology. From pre-game anxiety to the mental load elite athletes carry, they unpack the hidden side of high performance.

Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

Welcome! There's a new show, and it's perfect for you: The Character’s Toolkit.

In every episode, therapist (and reader!) Marisa Gelfand chats with novelists and therapists to explore the mental health struggles of fictional characters.

Characters don’t have access to a therapist’s insights, but you do, and you walk away with the skills. 

Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!