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:

https://heyberries.com/heart-centered Use 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]