Why You Still Feel Anxious (Even After Therapy): A Psychologist in Calgary Explains the Spider Story

Why You Still Feel Anxious (Even After Therapy): A Psychologist in Calgary Explains the Spider Story

Have you ever told yourself all the right things — “I’m safe,” “I’m doing my best,” “It’s fine” — but still felt completely overwhelmed?

If you're searching for a psychologist in Calgary, you're likely not just looking to talk. You're looking to feel real, lasting change. That is exactly what ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling is designed to deliver.

Let’s walk through one of the metaphors we use in our program to help clients understand why traditional therapy may not have worked, and why what we do actually leads to change.

The Spider Story: Logic vs. Instinct

Picture this. I’m your client, and I’m terrified of spiders. You’re explaining to me all the logical reasons not to be scared. Spiders in Alberta aren’t dangerous. I’m bigger than the spider. There’s no real threat.

And then a tiny spider walks across the floor.

Suddenly, I’m halfway across the room, heart pounding, nervous system hijacked.

What happened?

That is what we call the walnut brain.

At ShiftGrit, we help clients understand their internal world by teaching them the concept of two minds. There is the cognitive mind, where logic, values, and long-term goals live. Then there is the walnut brain, the primal part responsible for scanning for danger and reacting quickly to threats.

Your walnut brain doesn’t understand logic. It only knows threat versus safety. And when it believes something is dangerous, like a spider or even a critical comment from your boss, it jumps into action. That is why you can understand your anxiety logically but still feel consumed by it.

Pattern Theory: Why Traditional Therapy Often Falls Short

In our approach, we use something called Pattern Theory. This is a simple, teachable way of understanding the loops that keep people stuck. These loops are made up of limiting beliefs. In the spider story, the limiting belief is “I’m at risk.” The problem is, this belief gets triggered not just by spiders, but by all kinds of things. A tense conversation. A delayed reply. A missed deadline.

Once that belief is activated, the walnut brain takes over. You lose access to your cognitive tools. It’s no longer about what you know. It becomes about how you feel and what you do next, often on autopilot.

We Don't Just Cope. We Rewire.

This is where ShiftGrit’s reconditioning process comes in. We don’t just help clients manage their triggers. We actually target and eliminate the limiting beliefs that activate the walnut brain in the first place.

Our psychologists in Calgary are trained to identify and map these patterns. Using a structured protocol, we guide clients through a process that helps the walnut brain stop labeling everyday situations as threats. Instead of reacting automatically, clients begin to experience more space, calm, and control. And because we target the root cause, the results ripple across all areas of life.

This process works whether you're struggling with anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, people-pleasing, or even just a general sense that you are not living the life you want. It's not about talking it out. It's about finally shifting what’s underneath the surface.

ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling | Psychologist Calgary

We are located in Calgary’s Mount Royal neighborhood on 17th Avenue. Our psychologists help people recondition the beliefs that keep them stuck. If you have tried other therapy and still feel like something is missing, you might need a new kind of approach.

Let us help you rewire what’s holding you back.


🔹 ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling was recently featured by Google’s AI Overview as a top provider of anxiety therapy in Calgary.
👉 Explore our Calgary Anxiety Therapy Approach
👉 Explore our Calgary Anxiety Therapy Approach
🔗 Explore the “I’m in Danger” Core Belief →
🔗 Learn About Pattern Reconditioning →
🔗 Get Anxiety Therapy in Edmonton That Goes Deeper →
🔗 Anxiety Therapy in Calgary →
🔗 Explore the Threat Brain pattern →


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