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

Marisa Gelfand
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

In every episode, therapist (and reader!) Marisa Gelfand chats with novelists and therapists to explore the mental health struggles of fictional characters. Think, bibliotherapy: mental health with a literary twist. Characters in books and literature don't have access to a therapist's insights, but you do, and you walk away with the skills.

  1. 5D AGO

    The Power of Communication in Connection and BOTH THINGS ARE TRUE

    Marisa chats with Both Things Are True author Kathleen Barber and therapist Jennifer Mullowney of Crossroads Counseling Services to explore how communication, self-concept, and emotional growth shape healthy relationships. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

    38 min

  2. 12/18/2025

    Owning Your Story (Instead of Adapting to Everyone Else's) and YOUNG FOOLS

    Marisa chats with Young Fools author Liza Palmer and therapist Phil Lane, author of The Narrative Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem, to explore the tension between external validation and an internal sense of self. From the stories we inherit to the identities we perform, they unpack how reshaping our personal narratives can move us from shape-shifting for approval to authoring lives rooted in alignment and self-trust. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

    45 min

  3. 12/04/2025

    Reclaiming Identity and Balance in Motherhood and SOMEONE'S GOTTA GIVE

    Marisa chats with Someone's Gotta Give author Alisha Fernandez Miranda and therapist Stacey McCann of Present Moment Counseling Services to explore the tug-of-war between motherhood, identity, and balance. From invisible labor to the stories we tell ourselves, they unpack how families can share the load and find balance together. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

    47 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    Untangling Generational Anger and HOME OF THE AMERICAN CIRCUS

    Marisa chats with HOME OF THE AMERICAN CIRCUS author Allison Larkin and Andrea Maher, Anger Management Specialist of That Calm Mom, to talk about anger, the way it can be passed from one generation to the next, and its impact on both the individual and their kids. They focus on the real-life factors that lead to anger, how we can get curious instead of furious, the importance of practicing anger management skills, and setting boundaries when needed. Want more? Follow @TheCharactersToolkit on Instagram!

    50 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    Wine Culture, Addiction, and Recovery in Modern Parenting and BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA

    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!

    49 min

  6. 10/23/2025

    Navigating Grief and PROMISE ME SUNSHINE

    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!

    47 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Leaving A Cult: Healing and Finding Freedom and OUR LAST RESORT

    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!

    46 min

  8. 09/25/2025

    When the Music Stops: Fame, Addiction, and Recovery and THE LIGHTNING BOTTLES & HARDER TO BREATHE

    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!

    1h 6m
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About

In every episode, therapist (and reader!) Marisa Gelfand chats with novelists and therapists to explore the mental health struggles of fictional characters. Think, bibliotherapy: mental health with a literary twist. Characters in books and literature don't have access to a therapist's insights, but you do, and you walk away with the skills.

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