“The moment your heart and gut realize that the belief holding you back is no longer needed, it’s like flipping a switch—freedom comes quickly, and the block disappears. True transformation starts from within.”

– Christoffel Sneijders

Overcoming the mental and emotional blocks that hold us back is a universal struggle, one that impacts every aspect of our lives—from our careers to our relationships to our personal growth. In this insightful conversation, world-renowned coach and therapist Christoffel Sneijders sheds light on why these blocks exist, how they develop, and, most importantly, how we can break free from them. Drawing from his groundbreaking Three Brains concept, which integrates the head, heart, and gut, Christoffel offers a transformative perspective on aligning these powerful centers of intelligence to achieve lasting change.

With a compassionate and pragmatic approach, Christoffel dives into the origins of self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs, explaining how they often stem from childhood experiences and remain lodged in our subconscious. His practical advice, from self-reflection techniques to meditative practices, provides readers with actionable tools to begin their journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of how to move forward, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and equipped to overcome the barriers holding you back.


Thank you so much for joining us, Christoffel! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?

Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to be here. My journey has been a winding road through diverse fields, all of which have shaped my current work. Growing up in the Netherlands, I was fascinated by human behavior and how people process their experiences. I initially pursued business and leadership roles, but over time, I realized that my true passion lay in helping people unlock their potential by understanding themselves better. This led me to dive into psychology, hypnotherapy, and coaching. What truly transformed my perspective was discovering the interconnectedness of the head, heart, and gut—the Three Brains. I saw how aligning these three centers could help people overcome deep-seated challenges, and I’ve dedicated my life to sharing this insight with others.

What exactly are blocks, and how do they develop in our lives?

Blocks are mental or emotional barriers that prevent us from moving forward. These blocks can manifest in various ways, such as self-doubt, fear, or procrastination. At their core, they are usually tied to our beliefs about ourselves and the world. These beliefs often stem from childhood, when we’re highly impressionable. For example, a parent might unintentionally pass on limiting beliefs by saying, “You’re not good at math” or “That’s not something our family does.” While such comments may be well-meaning, they can plant seeds of doubt that grow into full-fledged barriers as we age. These blocks aren’t inherently bad—they’re coping mechanisms we developed to navigate childhood. But as we grow older, they can become outdated and restrictive, holding us back from achieving our potential.

How do these blocks manifest in our daily lives?

These blocks can influence us in ways we might not immediately recognize. They can show up as fear of failure, reluctance to try new things, or even patterns of self-sabotage. For instance, someone who was told as a child, “You’ll never be a leader,” might avoid stepping into leadership roles, even if they have the skills and qualifications. Another example could be people-pleasing behavior—this often stems from a childhood need to gain approval. As adults, these individuals might overextend themselves for others, leading to burnout. These patterns, although rooted in the past, have very real consequences in the present. They can affect careers, relationships, and overall happiness.

The Three Brains concept sounds fascinating—can you explain how the head, heart, and gut influence our behavior?

The Three Brains are the head, heart, and gut, and each plays a distinct role in shaping our decisions and behaviors. The head brain is logical; it analyzes and plans based on past experiences and future possibilities. The heart brain is emotional; it governs our need for connection, empathy, and relationships. The gut brain is intuitive and instinctual; it drives our survival instincts and confidence. When these three brains work together, we make balanced decisions. However, when they’re misaligned—such as when the head says, “Go for it,” but the gut feels too scared—we experience inner conflict, which can manifest as a block. For example, someone might logically know they’re capable of pursuing a career change, but their gut might hold them back with feelings of insecurity. Recognizing these dynamics is the first step to resolving them.

What are some common blocks you’ve encountered in your work?

A prevalent block I see is the belief of “not being good enough.” It’s surprising how many high-achieving individuals, like executives and surgeons, struggle with this. They excel in their fields, yet they carry this inner voice of doubt. This block often originates from childhood. For instance, if a parent constantly pushed a child to achieve more—saying things like, “Why didn’t you get an A+ instead of an A?”—it can instill a belief that nothing is ever good enough. This can lead to perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or chronic self-doubt, even when they’ve reached remarkable heights.

How do you help people overcome these blocks?

The process begins with awareness and acknowledgment. I encourage my clients to trace the origins of their blocks. Often, we uncover a specific memory or situation where the block first developed. From there, we analyze whether that coping mechanism is still useful. Usually, the answer is no—it served a purpose in the past but no longer aligns with their current life. The next step is addressing the emotional memories stored in the heart and gut. This involves creating a compassionate dialogue with oneself and reframing those past experiences. By doing so, we can release the emotional weight and realign the head, heart, and gut.

Can people overcome blocks on their own, or is professional help necessary?

While self-help tools like meditation or journaling can make a difference, some blocks are deeply ingrained and require professional guidance. Working with a therapist or coach trained in the Three Brains approach can help uncover and address those hidden emotional patterns. Professionals can provide a safe and structured environment to explore these issues, which is crucial for lasting transformation.

Let’s talk about meditation. Do you have a practical exercise readers can try to start overcoming their blocks?

Absolutely! One of the simplest methods is a body scan meditation. Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably. Start by focusing on your breath—inhale for four counts, exhale for four counts. Then, shift your attention to your body, starting with your toes and slowly moving upward to your head. As you do this, notice any sensations, tensions, or emotions that arise. This practice helps ground you and brings awareness to your physical and emotional state. It’s a great way to connect with your inner self and identify where blocks might be stored.

How does self-perception—and the way we talk to ourselves—impact our ability to overcome blocks?

Self-perception is foundational. If you perceive yourself negatively, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. For instance, someone who constantly criticizes themselves might believe they’re unworthy of love or success. This belief can manifest in self-sabotaging behaviors, like pushing people away or avoiding opportunities. Learning to shift self-criticism into self-compassion is vital. It’s about acknowledging your imperfections while also celebrating your strengths.

What can parents do to avoid unintentionally creating blocks in their children?

Parents play a critical role in shaping their children’s beliefs. It’s important to focus on encouragement rather than perfection. Instead of saying, “Why didn’t you do better?” try, “I’m proud of the effort you put in.” This helps children build resilience and self-confidence. Additionally, allowing children to fail and learn from their mistakes teaches them valuable life skills without instilling fear of failure.

What are some simple steps people can take right now to start breaking free from their blocks?

Yes, start small by practicing self-affirmation. Stand in front of a mirror and say something kind to yourself, like, “I’m proud of the effort I put in today.” It may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a powerful way to challenge self-critical thoughts and build confidence.

Can you tell us more about your book and what readers can expect to learn from it?

My book, Which Brain is Talking?, explores how the Three Brains—head, heart, and gut—affect our relationships, decisions, and overall well-being. It’s filled with practical insights and exercises to help readers better understand themselves and improve their connections with others.

For someone feeling stuck, what’s the first thing they should do to start creating change?

Begin with self-reflection. Ask yourself, “What’s holding me back?” and “Where did this belief come from?” Write down your thoughts to identify patterns. If the block feels overwhelming, seek support from a professional who can guide you through the process. Remember, acknowledging the block is the first step to overcoming it.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Readers can visit my website, Three Brains Intelligence, to learn more about my coaching and therapy services. I also host a podcast on your channel, where I dive deeper into these topics.

Thank you so much for coming on the show today. This has been an enlightening conversation, and I know our readers will benefit greatly from your insights.

Thank you! It’s always a joy to share these ideas and help others discover their potential. Remember, everyone has the power to overcome their blocks and live a flourishing life.

Christoffel Sneijders is an internationally renowned coach, therapist, and author known for his pioneering work with the Three Brains concept, which integrates the head, heart, and gut to foster personal transformation and emotional alignment. With a background in psychology, hypnotherapy, and executive coaching, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals and leaders overcome mental and emotional blocks to unlock their full potential. Through his books, workshops, and private sessions, Christoffel empowers people worldwide to break free from limiting beliefs and live flourishing lives.

Author(s)

  • Stacey Chillemi

    A renowned 20 Times Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Coach & Podcaster

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