Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD - Reclaiming the Narratives - D3

Many of the beliefs we hold about our own worth were absorbed from the world around us long before we chose them, and they can quietly drive stress that worsens how we feel. Dr. Jillian Rigert, oral medicine clinician and trauma-informed coach, guides a reflective session on examining those narratives and reclaiming the ones that serve you. She looks at where our beliefs come from (upbringing, culture, money, generation), honors the systemic factors while focusing on what is within our control, and works through the survival-driven patterns so many of us carry. What you will take away How to examine a belief about yourself by asking where it came from ("says who?") and whether it still serves you. Why survival-driven patterns like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-sacrifice can raise stress and inflammation, especially with chronic illness. The research-backed reframe (via Brené Brown and Kristin Neff): at the core of mental toughness is self-compassion, not self-criticism. How boundaries and "congruent communication" (saying what you mean) protect your energy so you can rest without guilt and show up as yourself. About Dr. Jillian Rigert Dr. Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD, is an oral medicine clinician, a Martha Beck-trained trauma-informed master coach, and a marriage and family therapy master's student, as well as an Air Force veteran. Her clinical and research background is in head and neck cancer, and she now supports people through life and career transitions with a collaborative, trauma-informed approach. Not registered yet? If you want to join the conversation live, July 16 to 18, 2026, register for the free Virtual Sjögren's Summit: https://sjogrenssummit.com Connect with Dr. Rigert Website: https://jillianrigertcoaching.com Session handout Reclaiming the Narratives worksheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ntx... Session slides Reclaiming the Narratives slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1htjo... Chapters 0:00 Welcome and what this session is for 2:38 Where your beliefs about yourself came from 3:32 Honoring systemic factors, focusing on what you control 6:56 Personal biases and intersectionality 8:39 The fish metaphor: the water we do not see 10:20 Who am I? The identity exercise 12:59 Family, relationships, and early beliefs 15:39 Social, cultural, and generational influences 20:46 The narratives she had to face 23:25 Brené Brown, people-pleasing, and wanting to be liked 25:08 Rest is lazy, and the perfectionism trap 29:25 Self-compassion, and Kristin Neff's research 32:54 Congruent communication and boundaries 36:21 Integrity as the way home This session is educational and does not take the place of individual medical advice. Please bring what resonates to the care team who helps you manage your health.