Psychologist for anxiety

Psychologist for Anxiety – Calgary-Based, Research-Driven Support That Actually Works

If you're searching for a psychologist for anxiety in Calgary, you're not alone—and you're not broken. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns in Canada, affecting over 25% of the population at some point in their lives (Statistics Canada, 2023). Whether it shows up as persistent worry, racing thoughts, panic attacks, perfectionism, or that underlying hum of “something’s wrong,” anxiety is both common—and treatable.

At ShiftGrit, we offer a modern, science-backed therapy approach designed not just to manage anxiety, but to help you understand and delete the patterns that keep it running in the background of your life.

But before we dive into our method, let’s start with the basics.

What Is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a regulated mental health professional trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues. Psychologists typically hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in psychology, and in Alberta, they must meet rigorous education, clinical, and ethical standards to be registered through a professional college.

Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not prescribe medication—but they use evidence-based therapies to help clients create meaningful, lasting change. At ShiftGrit, all of our therapists follow the guiding structure of our ShiftGrit Therapy Program, and many are trained psychologists or operate under the supervision of one.

Regulating Bodies in Calgary and Alberta

In Alberta, psychologists are governed by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). CAP ensures that all practicing psychologists meet specific education, competency, and ethics standards. You can verify a psychologist’s credentials or learn more about licensing through their official site: www.cap.ab.ca.

In addition, many psychologists are members of the Psychologists' Association of Alberta (PAA), which advocates for public access to high-quality psychological care and supports ongoing professional development.

What Do Psychologists Do for Anxiety?

Psychologists specializing in anxiety treatment use validated approaches to help clients reduce symptoms, regulate their nervous systems, and regain control of their thoughts and behaviors. These approaches may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness-based therapies

• Exposure therapies (including imaginal exposure)

• Schema-based interventions
  
  

At ShiftGrit, we use a directive, structured model that draws from all of the above—but integrates them into a cohesive program called the ShiftGrit Therapy Program.

The ShiftGrit Therapy Program: Psychology With a Plan

So what makes our method different? Traditional therapy often involves sitting down, unpacking symptoms, and slowly exploring strategies. That can help—but it doesn’t always lead to change.

Our model is built for those who want transformation—not just talk.

We use a two-part framework:

🧠 1. Pattern Theory – Make Sense of the Chaos

Pattern Theory is our proprietary model that explains how anxiety (and other challenges) form in the first place. We help you identify:

• The limiting beliefs that fuel anxiety (e.g., I’m not safe, I’ll fail, I can’t handle it)

• The dysfunctional needs you’ve developed to cope (e.g., perfectionism, people-pleasing, overcontrol)

• The pressure cooker that builds up emotionally

• The opt-out behaviors you use to relieve that pressure (avoidance, shutdown, panic, etc.)
  
  

Pattern Theory gives you a clear map of your anxiety—not in vague psychobabble, but in plain language that makes sense.

🔍 Inspired by: Schema Therapy (Young, 2003), Attachment Theory (Bowlby, 1969), and Evolutionary Psychology

🔁 2. Reconditioning – Retrain the Threat Brain

Once we’ve mapped your patterns, we move into reconditioning—a structured, five-part process based on imaginal exposure. Unlike regular exposure therapy, this process works directly with the limbic system (what we call your walnut brain) to extinguish the automatic “false alarm” that anxiety triggers.

🧪 Research-backed techniques from:
– Foa & Kozak (1986) – Emotional processing theory
– LeDoux (1996) – Neural circuits in fear and anxiety
– Bouton (2004) – Contextual conditioning and extinction

You’ll be guided through exercises that allow your brain to unlearn the fear responses it once needed—and no longer does.

Therapy, Calgary-Style: Local Care With Global Thinking

Our team is proudly based in Calgary, Alberta, and we serve clients locally and across the province through virtual therapy. While ShiftGrit is deeply rooted in rigorous psychological science, we also know that therapy should be clear, engaging, and actually fun sometimes. That’s why we use metaphors like:

• The Walnut Brain (your threat system, aka the amygdala)

• The Cupcake Model (our way of showing how structure + therapist + client = real change)

• The Spider Story (an engaging way to explain why rational thought goes out the window when anxiety hits)
  
  

These tools make therapy not just effective—but relatable.

When Should You See a Psychologist for Anxiety?

You don’t need to “wait until it’s bad enough.” If anxiety is getting in the way of your sleep, your relationships, your work, or your peace of mind, it’s worth exploring. Some signs it might be time:

• Persistent or excessive worry

• Panic attacks or chest tightness

• Avoidance of people, places, or situations

• Overthinking and perfectionism

• Constant self-doubt

• Feeling stuck in fear-based behaviors
  
  

At ShiftGrit, we believe anxiety is patterned—not permanent. And the right therapy can unpattern it.

Psychologist for Anxiety – Calgary’s Modern Approach

You deserve therapy that doesn’t leave you guessing. You deserve a clear plan, a skilled team, and evidence-based tools that actually work.

At ShiftGrit, we help you understand the why behind your anxiety—and then we walk you through the how to change it.

✅ Registered and regulated therapists
✅ Structured and personalized care
✅ In-person and virtual appointments across Alberta
✅ Psychology that makes sense

👉 Book a consultation or learn more about how our Calgary-based psychologists can help you shift your anxiety for good.

You’re not broken. You’re just patterned. Let’s shift that.

📍 Serving Calgary & Alberta