Your Pain Has a Name by Monica DiCristina is like taking a slow walk with a really close friend who allows you to be introspective while she helps guide you to truths that will help set you free. I read a lot of these kind of books and lead women through groups of healing and restoration, and honestly, there isn't anything in this book that I disagree with. There's a phrase we use, 'what hides in the dark grows, what's brought to the light shrinks', and that's really the best summation of this book that I can come up with. Monica takes you gently by the hand and walks you through understanding trauma, what it does, how it's impacted you, and how you can break free from it to a new path of healing and restoration. Highly recommend!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

"Your Pain Has a Name" by Monica DiCristina is a very thought-provoking book. Giving your pain a name can be a powerful tool for healing and understanding. It allows you to acknowledge and validate your experiences, making them easier to address and manage. By identifying and naming your pain, you can start exploring its roots and work towards finding solutions or coping strategies. Naming emotional pain also helps in reducing its overwhelming nature, as it provides a clearer framework to discuss and express feelings. It fosters a sense of control, enabling individuals to articulate their emotions more precisely and seek support from others. Furthermore, it can lead to increased empathy and self-awareness, as understanding the specific nature of one's pain opens the door to more effective healing. To identify and name personal pain, start by keeping a journal to track your feelings and experiences, which can help you notice patterns and triggers. Reflect on significant events or relationships in your life that may have contributed to your emotional distress. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor who can provide insights and support in naming and understanding your pain. Once you've identified and named your emotional pain, consider practicing mindfulness techniques to stay present and manage stress. Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety. Additionally, build a support network by connecting with friends, family, or support groups who can offer encouragement and understanding. Make self-care a priority by setting aside time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Regularly check in with your emotional state through mindfulness or meditation practices to stay attuned to your needs. Additionally, continue to nurture supportive relationships and seek professional help when necessary to maintain a balanced and resilient emotional well-being.

Therapist Monica DiCristina brings proven psychology techniques to readers looking to understand and embrace their pain so they can begin to heal and move forward with a full life ahead of them.

I have followed Monica for years and have always appreciated her guidance. Her new book will be a valuable resource to turn towards again and again. Really found the audiobook helpful too. This is not a quick fix or a tidy solution to pain in our lives but a deep working through of all of the nuances. Looking forward to reading again and journaling as I go. Highly recommend!

I know from my own personal experience the feeling of validation that comes with finally hearing "you have complex ptsd". For years I thought something was wrong with me. Going into this book I had high expectations from seeing the author is also a licensed counselor. However, I feel this short read is based on the authors opinions and her personal struggles. She mentions lines she uses in therapy to help people expand on how they are feeling which I thought was oddly placed. She mentions how a pastor turned her away when she sought spiritual advice. She mentions her opinion of people under qualified to give advice. I honestly couldn't find it in me to read more than half the book. This isn't a book I'd recommend to my friends and so I'm not posting a review on my social feeds or Goodreads. I can only say I tried reading this and it wasn't what I thought it would be. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

Over the years, I have come to deeply trust Monica DiCristina. I find her voice to be gently encouraging and patiently wise. She has a true gift for describing things that can be complicated and confusing in clear, easy-to-grasp and non-threatening ways.

"Your Pain Has a Name" is a true gem in which Monica shares stories of her own hard-won wisdom in service of helping to illustrate the concepts she is writing about. Honored to be a member of her launch team, I finished her book in record time as I appreciated her words of wisdom so very much. Her *gorgeous* book was exactly the nourishing balm my longing heart and weary soul needed… and has needed for a very long time.

In her introduction, Monica writes, “This book is a homecoming, a loving reunion with who you are.” Reading "Your Pain Has a Name" felt exactly like that… a warm, welcome home.

5⭐️

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher from netgalley. thank you!]

an informative book about mental health, including trauma and anxiety, written by a qualified therapist. very insightful and compassionate

Your Pain Has a Name by Monica DiCristina is a compassionate guide to help readers identify and confront their emotional pain. Drawing from her own journey, Monica offers practical steps to name and understand the hurts holding you back, reclaim your true identity, and embrace healing. This book provides a nurturing space for personal growth and self-acceptance, making it a helpful resource for anyone looking to move past emotional barriers and step into their fullest self.

Love this! This is an excellent guide to self-compassion and healing. Beautiful work! I highlighted half of the book. I will definitely be using and sharing the principles in this book.

Monica DiCristina is the therapist we all wish we had! In her book, she details how physical and psychological pain can be overcome by naming it—recognizing it, realizing the impact it has made on your life, and using resilience to get through the pain. A must-read for everyone who has experienced trauma and has struggled with its aftermath.