118: Your Pain Has a Name: Identity, Healing, and Compassion with Monica DiCristina

In this episode of A Simple Therapy Podcast, Sindee Gozansky sits down with Monica DiCristina, LPC, therapist, writer, and podcaster, to explore the healing power of naming our pain. Monica shares her personal journey of living with undiagnosed OCD and intrusive thoughts, and how finding a name for her struggle became the first step toward freedom.  Together, Sindee and Monica talk about separating identity from wounding, why coping behaviors don't define us, and the importance of listening to the "trauma whispers" in our daily lives. They also discuss the cultural pull toward quick fixes, and why true healing is a slow, compassionate practice rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.  This conversation is full of gentle wisdom, rich metaphors, and practical ways to turn toward yourself with curiosity and kindness. Monica's story and her book, Your Pain Has a Name, remind us that while we can't avoid pain, we can begin to untangle it—and return to the truth of who we are.   00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome  00:49 - Meet Monica DiCristina: Therapist, Writer, Podcaster  03:10 - Your Pain Has a Name: The Story Behind the Book  08:22 - Naming Pain vs. Labeling: A Compassionate Distinction  10:21 - Separating Identity from Wounds and Coping Behaviors  14:34 - The Myth of Quick Fixes in Mental Health  19:08 - Listening to the Narratives We Believe About Ourselves  22:32 - The Core Questions: Am I Safe? Am I Loved?  27:26 - Sharing Her Story: Why Monica "Went First" in Her Book  31:06 - Redrawing Your Family Map and Boundaries That Heal  36:26 - Therapists' Takeaway: The Healing Power of Presence  38:40 - A Gentle First Step for Facing Your Pain  40:23 - Where to Find Monica's Work, Book, and Podcast Check out Berries: Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com   Connect with Monica DiCristina   Monica DiCristina Instagram (@monicadicristina) Your Pain Has a Name: A Therapist's Invitation to Understanding Your Story and Sorting Out Who You Are from What Hurts Still Becoming Podcast Connect with Sindee Gozansky: Visit my website: asimpletherapypodcast.com/ Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: facebook.com/groups/478651669638167 Instagram: 
instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/ YouTube: youtube.com/@asimpletherapypodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sindeegozansky/   Want to be a guest on the podcast?  Email Sindee: [email protected]