Ever wondered why you keep reacting the same way, even when you know better? In this episode of INHABIT with Alessia Citro, Alessia sits down with Dr. Jennifer Bellingrodt—a licensed clinical psychologist, former Army psychologist, and author—to explore how family history, subconscious programming, and mindset shape our personal narratives . Together, they unpack generational trauma, personality disorders, and why Dr. Jen insists that “personality disorders are nothing other than information processing disorders”—a powerful reframe that offers hope and healing.

From grounding techniques like “name five things” to big shifts like “mind the gap” between perception and response, Dr. Jen shares practical strategies to calm emotional reactivity and rewire subconscious beliefs . The conversation dives into cognitive dissonance, negative automatic thoughts (NATs), and the surprising self-limiting belief of fear of greatness, which often holds high achievers back. Through vulnerable stories and real-world examples, this episode blends neuroscience, psychology, and lived wisdom into actionable tools for personal transformation.

Whether you’re a high-achieving woman seeking balance or someone navigating deep patterns you can’t explain, this episode provides clarity, compassion, and concrete steps to shift your narrative. Tune in and discover how to release limiting beliefs, regulate your nervous system, and reclaim your power.

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TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Alessia introduces Dr. Jennifer Bellingrodt, diving into family history, personality disorders, and mindset.

[07:53] Jennifer reframes: “Personality disorders are information processing disorders.”

[11:50] “Mind the gap” — pause between perception and response to shift reactivity.

[19:09] Grounding tool: “Name five things” around you to reset in the moment.

[20:29] Quick reframe: “How do I want to feel after this interaction?”

[21:35] Subconscious beliefs drive behavior; conscious thoughts alone aren’t enough.

[26:14] NATs (negative automatic thoughts) and five questions to challenge them.

[28:53] BYOF: “Be your own friend” when facing guilt or self-blame.

[31:49] TSD: create time, space, and distance to see clearly.

[35:24] Fear of greatness: the hidden belief keeping high achievers small.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Dr. Jen's website: The Psychoeducation Academy
• Instagram: @thepsychwithamic
• LinkedIn: Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy.D
• "Self-Limiting Beliefs" program: Learn More
• "Better Sleep Blueprint" program: Learn More
• The Psych with a Mic Podcast
• Get Dr. Jen’s book: Fix Your Freaking Marriage: Practical Tips to Just Start Somewhere

Get Alessia’s book, Higher Self Habits

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KEYWORDS: personality disorders, information processing disorders, generational trauma, subconscious mind, cognitive dissonance, limiting beliefs, fear of greatness, mindfulness practices, nervous system regulation, emotional reactivity, negative automatic thoughts, mind the gap, family history psychology, trauma healing, perimenopause survival guide, Fix Your Freaking Marriage, shadow work, mindset and attitude, psychology

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