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!