The Shift Show

ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling

We’re on a mission to make the world of psychology approachable, easy to understand, and (*gasp*) enjoyable. Join us every other Thursday as we use psychological insight to unravel the craziness of life; from porn addiction to toxic parenting, and everything in between. And don’t worry, we’ll leave out the psychobabble.

  1. 2025-11-27

    036: Mind Over Money: Overcoming the Limiting Beliefs Driving Financial Anxiety

    Money stress isn’t really about money. It’s about the identity-level beliefs running underneath. In this episode of The Shift Show, Andrea sits down with Jenae White, Registered Provisional Psychologist at ShiftGrit’s Calgary studio, and Crystal Taylor, Financial Planner and Wealth Management Consultant. Together, they explore why smart, capable people still feel overwhelmed by money—overspending, shutting down, avoiding statements, over-saving, or never feeling “ahead.” You can’t discipline or budget your way out of a threat response. Financial knowledge matters, but it doesn’t stick when the nervous system is activated by beliefs like: “I am falling behind.” “I am not in control.” “I am at risk.” “I do not deserve.” When these beliefs trigger, the threat system hijacks decision-making. That’s why your logical mind knows the plan, but your behaviour doesn’t follow it. The team explains how early experiences shape these patterns and why money becomes a lightning rod for stress, shame, and avoidance. You’ll hear examples from therapy and financial planning—Calgarians feeling pressure to “keep up,” families stuck in financial enmeshment, individuals dealing with guilt or underspending, and couples in avoidance cycles. In This Episode: • The psychology of financial overwhelm How freeze, fawn, and over-functioning create repeating patterns. • Why Calgarians feel “behind.” How comparison and pressure fuel anxiety. • Beliefs that drive money behaviours Why beliefs influence choices more than budgeting. • Why avoidance gives relief but long-term stress The brain prioritizes short-term safety. • How therapy and planning work together Regulation creates capacity; strategy creates direction. • Why patterns aren’t about intelligence or willpower Knowledge isn’t enough when the threat system is active. Key Quotes “People think they have money problems. They actually have threat-system problems.” — Andrea  “The belief ‘I’m falling behind’ is the engine of so many decisions.” — Jenae  “You can’t budget your way out of a belief.” — Crystal Identity-Level Therapy for Money Stress At ShiftGrit, we don’t treat “money issues.” We work with the identity patterns driving emotional reactions to money. Once the belief layer is regulated, clients often report feeling calmer and more grounded. Identity-Level Therapy helps clients:  • regulate the nervous system  • reduce shame and avoidance  • understand overwhelm  • recondition beliefs  • align actions with long-term goals It’s not about willpower. It’s about removing the patterns fighting against it. 🔗 Explore the Episode + Watch the Video Watch the video and play the full episode here:  👉 https://shiftgrit.com/shift-show/mind-over-money-limiting-beliefs-financial-anxiety/ If You’re in Calgary Explore how structured, transparent therapy works at the identity level:  👉 Calgary Therapy: What Most People Don’t Know When Choosing a Psychologist Jenae White, R. Provisional Psychologist – ShiftGrit Calgary Profile: https://shiftgrit.com/therapists/jenae-white/ Crystal Taylor – Licensed Financial Advisor and She-EO of Holden + Taylor Advisory Group Website: https://holdentaylorfinancial.ca/about/ Instagram: @taylord_advisor

    1h 18m
  2. 2025-03-25

    034: Rewiring Trauma: How to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs

    Summary In this episode, Andrea McTague and Mateo Sestito explore the complexities of trauma, its impact on the brain, and how early experiences shape our responses to life. They discuss the difference between disturbances and trauma, the role of limiting beliefs, and the importance of social connections in coping with trauma. The conversation emphasizes the potential for trauma to be transformed into strength and resilience through understanding and therapy. Listeners are encouraged to embrace change and recognize that trauma does not have to define their lives. Takeaways Trauma can shape our identity but does not have to define us. Understanding the brain's response to trauma is crucial for healing. Disturbances can be just as impactful as major traumas. Early experiences play a significant role in shaping our beliefs. Coping mechanisms can be identified and transformed. Social connections can buffer the effects of trauma. Incremental exposure can help desensitize traumatic responses. Therapy can facilitate the removal of limiting beliefs. Empowerment comes from understanding the roots of our behaviours. Trauma can lead to resilience and strength when processed effectively. Titles Navigating the Complexities of Trauma Transforming Trauma into Strength Sound Bites "Can trauma be beneficial?" "Understanding the why calms us down." "Trauma is not a life sentence." Chapters 00:00 Understanding Trauma and Its Storage in the Brain 17:52 Identifying and Coping with Limiting Beliefs 22:38 Factors Influencing Coping Mechanisms 32:36 Unexpected Outcomes of Removing Limiting Beliefs 38:25 Incremental Exposure and Desensitization 43:24 Understanding Avoidance and Its Impact 48:42 The Dual Nature of Trauma 53:49 Perfectionism and Its Consequences 58:59 Empowerment Through Understanding

    1h 6m
  3. 2025-01-29

    033: Parenting with Purpose: The Struggles, The Strategies & The Science

    Summary In this episode, Andrea McTague and Sharilyn Theriault explore the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of parental well-being, emotional resilience, and intentionality in parenting practices. They discuss common challenges such as tantrums, the significance of co-regulation, and effective strategies for bedtime routines. The conversation also highlights the importance of scaffolding children's learning and the three C's of parenting: Calm, Connection, and Correction. The episode concludes with insights on the long-term impact of parenting styles on children's development and relationships. Takeaways Parenting is often an unrecognized but crucial job. Taking care of your mental health positively impacts your children. A little challenge can help build resilience in children. It's important to be informed but not too hard on yourself as a parent. Co-regulation is essential for managing children's emotions. Effective bedtime routines can significantly improve family dynamics. Scaffolding helps children learn independence and self-efficacy. The three C's of parenting are Calm, Connection, and Correction. Modelling behaviour is key to teaching children. Intentionality in parenting leads to better outcomes for children. Titles Navigating the Challenges of Parenting The Importance of Parental Well-being Sound Bites "Parenting is an important job." "You're learning as you go." "Don't be too hard on yourself." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Insights 05:55 Understanding Parenting Challenges 13:09 Types of Tantrums: Instinctual vs. Premeditated 19:03 Understanding Child Behavior and Attention Seeking 23:40 The Importance of Sleep in Parenting 32:14 Techniques for Parenting and Scaffolding Learning 37:00 Motivation and Behavioral Outcomes in Children 42:11 The Importance of Autonomy and Self-Efficacy 48:35 Navigating Parental Anxiety and Child Development ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling Address: 815 17 Ave SW #210, Calgary, AB T2T 0A1 Phone: (587) 352-6463 https://maps.app.goo.gl/MFSWhTvJfohKS8TK6 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1W9cOBTF1N_tKGcu2prvH_Fi3jmVSJ5k&usp=sharing  Read a review: https://g.co/kgs/fHm8RgB  See the Google Post: https://posts.gle/1SjSe5 Calgary Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11c0w8k19c Edmonton Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/1q5bm33nh https://shiftgrit.com Get started 👉 https://shiftgrit.com/shift-show/parenting-strategies-for-toddlers/

    1h 2m
  4. 2024-12-09

    032: Beyond the Call: Navigating Trauma and Transition for Veterans and First Responders

    Summary In this episode of The Shift Show, Andrea McTague and Amy Gale discuss the unique mental health challenges faced by veterans and first responders, including the impact of trauma, the importance of social connections, and the transition to civilian life. They explore strategies for resilience, the role of humour in healing, and the significance of finding purpose after service. The conversation emphasizes the need for support systems and the potential for trauma to be integrated into one's identity as a source of strength. Takeaways Veterans and first responders often experience a loss of belonging after service. Mental health struggles are stigmatized in military and first responder cultures. Isolation and avoidance can exacerbate trauma responses. Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging and disorienting. Finding purpose in civilian life is crucial for mental well-being. Social connections are vital for recovery and resilience. Humour can be a powerful tool in coping with trauma. Trauma can be integrated into one's identity as a strength. Support systems are essential for navigating mental health challenges. Therapy can help individuals process trauma and find clarity.  Titles Navigating the Mental Health Landscape of Veterans The Hidden Struggles of First Responders Sound Bites "Finding a sense of belonging is hard." "You need a good support system." "You have to take time for yourself." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Shift Show and Its Focus 05:55 Amy Gale's Military Background and Transition to Psychology 10:54 Challenges Faced by Veterans and First Responders 15:30 Understanding Trauma and PTSD 19:56 The Impact of Trauma on Relationships 24:47 Coping Mechanisms and the Role of Social Support 29:24 Therapeutic Approaches to Trauma Recovery 38:24 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 43:21 The Cost of Service: Personal Sacrifices 49:47 Translating Military Skills to Civilian Life 59:11 The Importance of Professional Guidance 01:07:47 Transforming Trauma into Strength ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling Address: 815 17 Ave SW #210, Calgary, AB T2T 0A1 Phone: (587) 352-6463 https://maps.app.goo.gl/MFSWhTvJfohKS8TK6 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1W9cOBTF1N_tKGcu2prvH_Fi3jmVSJ5k&usp=sharing  Read a review: https://g.co/kgs/fHm8RgB  See the Google Post: https://posts.gle/M9uYas Calgary Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11c0w8k19c Edmonton Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/1q5bm33nh https://shiftgrit.com Get started 👉 https://shiftgrit.com/shift-show/beyond-the-call-navigating-trauma/

    1h 10m
  5. 2024-10-24

    031: Grit, Growth, and Balance: The High Performer’s Guide to Mental Toughness

    Summary In this episode of The Shift Show, Andrea McTague and Baldwin Asala delve into the intricacies of performance psychology, focusing on high achievers such as athletes and entrepreneurs. They explore common concerns like performance blocks, burnout, and the challenges of transitioning out of high-performance roles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding limiting beliefs, achieving flow states, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. Through their unique backgrounds and experiences, they provide insights into how individuals can enhance their performance while avoiding the pitfalls of excessive pressure and expectations. Takeaways High performers often face similar psychological challenges. Performance blocks can stem from learned helplessness. Flow states are achieved through a balance of challenge and skill. Burnout is a common issue among high achievers. Transitioning out of performance roles can lead to identity crises. Limiting beliefs can hinder performance and growth. Understanding the 'why' behind goals is crucial for motivation. Practicing resilience is key to overcoming setbacks. Building a support system is essential for mental health. A structured approach can enhance performance and well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Performance Psychology 03:07 Diverse Backgrounds in Performance Psychology 05:39 Common Concerns of High Performers 12:57 The Role of Grit in Performance 15:13 Achieving Flow States 24:30 Burnout and Work-Life Balance 26:28 Limiting Beliefs and Their Impact 30:01 Underdeveloped Areas in High Achievers 32:20 The Resentment of High Performance 36:12 The Balance Between Drive and Relaxation 39:21 Transitioning Out of High Performance 42:19 The Search for Meaning After Success ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling Address: 815 17 Ave SW #210, Calgary, AB T2T 0A1 Phone: (587) 352-6463 https://maps.app.goo.gl/MFSWhTvJfohKS8TK6 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1W9cOBTF1N_tKGcu2prvH_Fi3jmVSJ5k&usp=sharing  Read a review: https://g.co/kgs/fHm8RgB  See the Google Post: https://posts.gle/EJKYEi Calgary Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11c0w8k19c Edmonton Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/1q5bm33nh Find the podcast: https://shiftgrit.com/shift-show/grit-growth-performance-psychology/ Get started 👉 https://shiftgrit.com/calgary/sports-psychology/

    50 min
4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

We’re on a mission to make the world of psychology approachable, easy to understand, and (*gasp*) enjoyable. Join us every other Thursday as we use psychological insight to unravel the craziness of life; from porn addiction to toxic parenting, and everything in between. And don’t worry, we’ll leave out the psychobabble.

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