Skip to main content

Enneagram in Therapy: How the System Can Be Used for Personal Transformation

Deeper healing, deeper you! Explore how therapists use the Enneagram to unlock your potential for growth.


 The journey of self-discovery and personal growth can be a complex and winding path. Therapy offers a safe space for exploration, but sometimes additional tools can be invaluable in this process. The Enneagram, a powerful system for understanding personality types, can be a valuable asset in therapy, providing both therapist and client with a deeper understanding of motivations, challenges, and pathways to positive change.

Unlocking the Power of the Enneagram in Therapy:

The Enneagram goes beyond simply labeling personalities. It delves into the core motivations, fears, and desires that drive our behaviors. In therapy, the Enneagram can be used in several ways to facilitate personal transformation:

  • Improved Self-Awareness: By identifying your core Enneagram type, you gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and underlying emotional patterns. This self-awareness empowers you to take responsibility for your actions and reactions.
  • Identifying Root Causes: Therapists can use the Enneagram to explore the root causes of negative behaviors or limiting beliefs linked to your core type's motivations and fears. (e.g., a Type 1 client struggling with perfectionism might uncover a fear of being unworthy unless they meet impossible standards).
  • Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Understanding your Enneagram type helps you recognize unhealthy coping mechanisms you might have developed. Your therapist can then guide you in developing healthier strategies to manage stress and emotions.
  • Enhancing Communication: The Enneagram sheds light on different communication styles associated with each type. This can improve communication between you and your therapist, fostering a more collaborative and productive therapeutic relationship.
  • Setting Realistic Goals: Therapists can leverage the Enneagram to help you set realistic goals for growth that align with your core type's strengths and weaknesses.

Here's a glimpse into how the Enneagram can be applied to specific types in therapy:

  • The Reformer (Type 1): A therapist might help them embrace self-compassion and celebrate progress, not just perfection.
  • The Helper (Type 2): Therapy can focus on setting boundaries and finding self-worth independent of external validation.
  • The Achiever (Type 3): Exploring what brings fulfillment beyond external achievement can be a focus in therapy.
  • The Individualist (Type 4): A therapist might help them appreciate their unique qualities while fostering self-acceptance.
  • The Investigator (Type 5): Therapy can address the importance of emotional connection and vulnerability alongside intellectual pursuits.
  • The Loyalist (Type 6): Building confidence and inner trust can be a goal in therapy for Type 6s.
  • The Enthusiast (Type 7): Learning to find deeper meaning and managing impulsivity can be explored in therapy.
  • The Challenger (Type 8): Understanding the power of vulnerability and building trust can be a focus in therapy.
  • The Peacemaker (Type 9): Therapy can help Type 9s develop their voice and advocate for their needs.

The Enneagram is a Journey, Not a Destination:

The Enneagram is not a static tool for labeling personalities. It's a dynamic system for understanding your ever-evolving self. Therapy can be a powerful space to utilize the Enneagram for personal transformation, fostering self-awareness, growth, and a greater sense of well-being.

Remember: the Enneagram is a tool used alongside a therapist's professional expertise. It's a collaborative effort between you and your therapist to unlock your potential for positive change.

Popular posts from this blog

MBTI Guide: INTP - Architect

 The architect is a rational, independent, reserved, and curious personality. An architect likes to focus on ideas, theories and how things work. He is extremely adept at discussing and arguing. The architect is distinguished by the ability to focus on one work, and appreciates and respects the intelligence of others. The architect does not like to drive or be led by others. He is flexible and lenient with most matters unless one of his principles is violated, in which case the architect turns into a frank and inflexible person. Personal tendencies: introverted, intuitive, rational, and indulgent. He is one of the rationalists according to Cressey's theory of temperaments. The percentage of architects, according to a study conducted on a sample of the American population, ranges between 3-5%. An overview of the architect's personality: In his dealings with the outside world, the architect has two states. The first case is internal, through which the architect uses logic and rea

MBTI Guide: INFP - Therapist

  The therapist is a personality characterized by privacy and the ability to read the thoughts of others. The therapist is highly creative and idealistic, always searching for a meaningful path through which to live his life. He is driven by his values and always seeks peace and comfort for everyone. He is also sympathetic and compassionate, dreaming of helping all people. He has a wide imagination and artistic talent, and this often translates into high linguistic and writing skills. He can be described as an easy-going, selfless, adaptable, patient and loyal person. Personal tendencies: introverted, intuitive, emotional, and indulgent. The therapist is an idealist according to Cressey's theory of temperaments. The percentage of therapists, according to a study conducted on a sample of the American population, ranges between 4-5%. Overview of the therapist's personality: The therapist's main state is internal, and through it, he deals with things according to his feelings

MBTI Guide: ESTP - Promoter

 The promoter is a person who loves movement, lives his day, is realistic and has high social skills. She does not like formalities, loves taking risks, is hasty and adaptable to circumstances. The promoter does not like to adhere to laws and regulations. The promoter is also characterized by tactical intelligence and loves quick and instant solutions. The promoter is an enthusiastic and kind person, frank and direct in his criticism, and has no problem dealing with the criticism directed at him. Personal tendencies: open, sensual, rational, and permissive. He is one of the artists according to Cressy's theory of moods. The percentage of promoters, according to a study conducted on a sample of the American population, ranges between 2-5%. Promoter Personality Overview: The promoter's main state is external, through which he takes a position on matters according to what he sees in a sensual and tangible way. The secondary state is internal, through which he deals with matters in