The Shift Show

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.” — CrystalIdentity-Level Therapy for Money StressAt 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 goalsIt’s not about willpower.It’s about removing the patterns fighting against it.🔗 Explore the Episode + Watch the VideoWatch the video and play the full episode here: 👉 https://shiftgrit.com/shift-show/mind-over-money-limiting-beliefs-financial-anxiety/If You’re in CalgaryExplore how structured, transparent therapy works at the identity level: 👉 Calgary Therapy: What Most People Don’t Know When Choosing a PsychologistJenae 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

Endless scrolling, compulsive clicking, and dopamine-driven distraction—sound familiar? In this episode, Andrea McTague and Alberto Medeiros unpack the reality of internet addiction and how modern tech subtly hijacks our minds. They explore how screen time disrupts sleep, relationships, emotional health, and productivity—often without us realizing it. Drawing from neuroscience and real-life therapy insights, they examine the psychological mechanics behind our digital habits and offer actionable strategies to break free. Whether you're seeking focus and connection, or just want to understand your phone cravings, this is your wake-up call.📥 Download our free Digital Detox Guide: The-Ultimate-Digital-Reset-Guide-ShiftGrit.pdf📺 Watch the full video version & read the extended summary: shiftgrit.com/shift-show🌐 Learn more about ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling: shiftgrit.com📘 Explore local Calgary counselling resources: calgarypsychology.info

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysTrauma 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.TitlesNavigating the Complexities of TraumaTransforming Trauma into StrengthSound Bites"Can trauma be beneficial?""Understanding the why calms us down.""Trauma is not a life sentence."Chapters00:00 Understanding Trauma and Its Storage in the Brain17:52 Identifying and Coping with Limiting Beliefs22:38 Factors Influencing Coping Mechanisms32:36 Unexpected Outcomes of Removing Limiting Beliefs38:25 Incremental Exposure and Desensitization43:24 Understanding Avoidance and Its Impact48:42 The Dual Nature of Trauma53:49 Perfectionism and Its Consequences58:59 Empowerment Through Understanding

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysParenting 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.TitlesNavigating the Challenges of ParentingThe Importance of Parental Well-beingSound Bites"Parenting is an important job.""You're learning as you go.""Don't be too hard on yourself."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting Insights05:55 Understanding Parenting Challenges13:09 Types of Tantrums: Instinctual vs. Premeditated19:03 Understanding Child Behavior and Attention Seeking23:40 The Importance of Sleep in Parenting32:14 Techniques for Parenting and Scaffolding Learning37:00 Motivation and Behavioral Outcomes in Children42:11 The Importance of Autonomy and Self-Efficacy48:35 Navigating Parental Anxiety and Child DevelopmentShiftGrit Psychology & CounsellingAddress: 815 17 Ave SW #210, Calgary, AB T2T 0A1Phone: (587) 352-6463https://maps.app.goo.gl/MFSWhTvJfohKS8TK6https://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/1SjSe5Calgary Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11c0w8k19cEdmonton Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/1q5bm33nhhttps://shiftgrit.comGet started 👉 https://shiftgrit.com/shift-show/parenting-strategies-for-toddlers/

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysVeterans 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. TitlesNavigating the Mental Health Landscape of VeteransThe Hidden Struggles of First RespondersSound Bites"Finding a sense of belonging is hard.""You need a good support system.""You have to take time for yourself."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Shift Show and Its Focus05:55 Amy Gale's Military Background and Transition to Psychology10:54 Challenges Faced by Veterans and First Responders15:30 Understanding Trauma and PTSD19:56 The Impact of Trauma on Relationships24:47 Coping Mechanisms and the Role of Social Support29:24 Therapeutic Approaches to Trauma Recovery38:24 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact43:21 The Cost of Service: Personal Sacrifices49:47 Translating Military Skills to Civilian Life59:11 The Importance of Professional Guidance01:07:47 Transforming Trauma into StrengthShiftGrit Psychology & CounsellingAddress: 815 17 Ave SW #210, Calgary, AB T2T 0A1Phone: (587) 352-6463https://maps.app.goo.gl/MFSWhTvJfohKS8TK6https://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/M9uYasCalgary Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11c0w8k19cEdmonton Location: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/1q5bm33nhhttps://shiftgrit.comGet started 👉 https://shiftgrit.com/shift-show/beyond-the-call-navigating-trauma/