ABOUT
BLINDSPOT
INSTITUTE
Psychological BLIND SPOT Definition:
“A lack of [conscious] awareness—often persistent—about a specific area of one’s behaviour or personality…”
Excerpt retrieved from: https://dictionary.apa.org/blind-spot
Filling in your BLINDSPOT
Personalised Neuro-Psychotherapy and Coaching Psychology
Psychological blind spots, often referred to as the bias blind spot, are areas in our thinking, perception, or behaviour where we remain unaware of our own biases, or limitations in thinking. This phenomenon can involve recognising biases in others, while not seeing them in ourselves. Several factors contribute to the formation of these blind spots:
Cognitive Biases: Our minds employ shortcuts and biases—such as the self-serving bias, where we attribute successes to internal factors and failures to external ones—that can distort self-perception and obscure self-awareness.
Motivated Cognition: We tend to ignore or be blind to impulses or memories that would threaten our self-image, leading to scotomisation or figurative "blind spot" in one's mental perception, where certain uncomfortable or traumatic experiences are ignored or wish to be forgotten.
Social and Cultural Influences: Societal norms and cultural contexts shape our beliefs and attitudes, which can reinforce certain blind spots by promoting selective perception and conformity.
At BLINDSPOT INSTITUTE, we are dedicated to helping individuals uncover their psychological blind spots. Through personalised therapy and coaching, we provide the tools and support necessary for this transformative journey. Your first consultation is free.
Why BLINDSPOT INSTITUTE?
We all possess a unique way of behaving and reacting to changes in circumstances and life events that can bring about significant alterations, readjustments, or negative consequences in our regular lives. These may include chronic illness, the loss of a loved one or divorce, instances of bullying, abuse or discrimination, the transformative journey of pregnancy and childbirth, or the responsibility of being a parent, caregiver, career advancements, job loss or retirement.
These life events and changes in circumstances have the potential to impact the brain and body, and may also influence pre-existing mental and physical health conditions. For instance, symptoms like anger outbursts, persistent anxiety or low mood, procrastination, chronic pain, or heart palpitations. This can manifest as noticeable alterations in cognition/thinking, memory, emotional regulation, behaviours, and physiology.
Where the underlying cause might not be immediately apparent or certain patterns or pain may have been lifelong. Conversely, for some individuals, life events may present an opportunity for exploring new horizons for growth, seeking to hone your strengths and thriving on a personal, relational, social and/or professional level.
By applying evidence-based techniques, we guide you through comfortable self-exploration of your unique mental models and perspectives and physical patterns. Without inference or assumptions on the part of the practitioner, who brings an intent for positive change, alongside relevant skills and experience.
At Blindspot, we honour individual differences and the individuality of each person’s experiential journey. Facilitating change based on what you would like to have happen, we offer a confidential environment, prioritising your health and well-being throughout the process of discovery, and therapeutic or coaching programmes for teens and adults.
About the Founder
Treesje Verlinden MSc, BSc (Hons), MBPsS FRSA FRSPH, ANLP
My Story
The concept for Blindspot began taking shape in my 20s and 30s, sparked by an interest in the impact of nutrition and exercise on mood and longevity. I have always been captivated by the nuances of environmental conditions on social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dynamics, that play out across personal, relational, and organisational domains.
In 2002, I embarked on a formal academic journey in psychology, exploring the history and science of mental health. My interests included psycholinguistics, and I collaborated with individuals and small businesses to co-design formal therapeutic models, while also integrating my own approaches.
Over the past five years, my practice has incorporated insights from an MSc in the psychology and neuroscience of mental health, which I completed in October 2019. My work now centres on neuroscience and the neurobiological foundations of biopsychosocial models of health and well-being.
In October 2019, I transitioned from industry work and formalised almost two decades of study and practice by expanding Blindspot Clinic into Blindspot Institute (BI), providing a platform to support individuals and organisations. At its core, BI is a network of professionals, that are dedicated to facilitating meaningful change.
November 2024 will see the re-launch of The Applied Neuroscience Association (ANA), a unique brand focused on empowering ethically applied neuroscience. As the home for applied neuroscience professionals, our growing global multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary network works together to drive meaningful social impact and passion projects.
Education and Memberships
Formal Education:
BSc (Hons) Psychology, specialising in Counselling Psychology (The Open University)
MSc Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health (Kings College London IoPPN)
ICF Certificate in Clean Coaching (Clean Learning ICF-approved training centre) - IN PROGRESS
CNLMP Certified Master Practitioner, Trainer & Coach (ANLP Professional)
GCS Certificate in Counselling Practice (GCS is a BACP-approved training centre)