4 Ways To Discover Your Enneagram Type for Therapy
The Enneagram has gained recent popularity for its ability to provide deep insights into our motivations and fears. It's a powerful personality system that has been around for centuries. Understanding your Enneagram type can be a transformative experience, especially when used as a tool in therapy. But how do you set about determining your Enneagram type to use in therapy?
But first, let's understand why your Enneagram type matters.
Why Your Enneagram Type Matters in Therapy
Therapy is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Your Enneagram type serves as a valuable roadmap in this journey. Here's why it matters:
Enhanced Self-Awareness
Knowing your Enneagram type provides a deep understanding of your core motivations, fears, and desires. This heightened self-awareness can lead to breakthroughs in therapy. As you gain insights into why you react to certain situations or triggers in specific ways, you can change.
Targeted Therapy
Armed with knowledge of your Enneagram type, therapists can tailor their approach to your needs. This personalized therapy is often more effective because it addresses the root causes of your challenges. Anything that addresses the source instead of the symptoms is more effective.
Improved Relationships
Understanding the Enneagram types of those around you can lead to better communication. When you understand how friends, family, and partners are fundamentally - and beautifully - different, you have more empathy. This can improve the quality of your relationships for everyone. It can also enhance your ability to resolve conflicts.
Holistic Growth
Rather than reducing you down to a diagnosis or pathology, the Enneagram provides a growth path for everyone. An enneagram therapist sees you as a complete person, not a cluster of symptoms. This allows for deeper and more profound growth.
Healing Through Enneagram Trauma Therapy
The Enneagram is a trauma-informed system. Its basis is in how our early experiences shape us. Some of these early experiences are relational, physical, or emotional traumas. The Enneagram looks at how you have coped and grown from these experiences. It also seeks to help you set down ways of coping that are no longer serving you.
Four Ways to Discover Your Enneagram Type For Therapy
Discovering your Enneagram type is an exciting journey of self-discovery. Here are four effective ways to determine your Enneagram type:
1. Reading Enneagram Type Descriptions
Begin your Enneagram exploration by reading brief descriptions of the nine Enneagram types. These descriptions often highlight key characteristics, core fears, and motivations of each type. As you read through them, pay attention to which type resonates most with you. It's common to feel a mix of emotions when you discover your type. You might feel a sense of being seen and understood, as well as discomfort because the descriptions may hit close to home.
2. Diving into Enneagram Books
For a deeper understanding of the Enneagram types, consider diving into Enneagram books and resources. Books authored by Enneagram experts provide insights into each type. Listen to each of their core motivations, growth paths, and common challenges. Reading these books can help you identify your primary Enneagram type by delving into the nuances of each.
3. Listening to Enneagram Podcasts
Podcasts dedicated to the Enneagram are a valuable resource for discovering your type. Enneagram experts often discuss real-life examples and share stories that can resonate with your own. Listening to these podcasts can offer valuable insights that help you recognize which one aligns most with your inner world.
4. Talking to an Enneagram Therapist
One of the most effective ways to determine your Enneagram type is by discussing it with a therapist. Therapists trained in the Enneagram can guide you through self-exploration conversations. They can help you uncover your core motivations and fears, providing clarity on your Enneagram type. Therapy sessions focused on the Enneagram offer a safe and supportive environment for this process. They're also non-pathologizing.
Why Enneagram Tests Aren't the Best Starting Point
Enneagram tests are readily available online, but we don't encourage you to take them. Here's why:
Motivation vs. Behavior
The Enneagram is about motivation, not behavior. Two individuals with the same behavior may have different motivations. Tests tend to assess behaviors, making it challenging to pinpoint your core type accurately.
Complexity of Motivation
The Enneagram's strength lies in its ability to uncover the underlying motivations that drive our actions. These motivations can be ingrained and complex, making it difficult for tests to capture their nuances.
Variability in Enneagram Test Results
Enneagram tests can yield different results based on your mood or current life circumstances. Your Enneagram type always remains constant, but your behavior can change in response to external factors.
Gendered Nonsense
Many Enneagram tests mistakenly type women as Type 2s (the nurturer) and men as Type 8s (the Protector). This is because certain behaviors are encouraged in people socialized as different genders. But this doesn't really tell us your core motivation
Is There a Best Enneagram Type for Therapy?
In short, no. In the world of the Enneagram, there isn't a one-size-fits-all "best" type for therapy. Each of the nine Enneagram types has its strengths and areas for growth, making them equally valuable in therapy. The Enneagram is fundamentally non-pathologizing. The effectiveness of therapy isn't determined by your Enneagram type. It's determined by your willingness to engage in the process and the skills of the therapist.
Every Enneagram type brings unique qualities to the therapeutic relationship.
An Overview of the 9 Enneagram Types In Therapy
Each of the nine types bring different strengths and challenges to therapy. We'll summarize them in brief below. For a more detailed exploration of the types, see a list of recommended reading at the bottom of this post.
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Ones are principled and detail-oriented, making them diligent in self-improvement. They excel in creating structure and setting goals for therapy.
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Twos are nurturing and empathetic, often helping others feel at ease. Their natural inclination to support can create a safe space for emotional exploration.
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Threes are goal-oriented and action-driven, which can lead to effective progress in therapy. They often have a results-oriented approach to their healing journey.
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Fours bring depth and emotional awareness to therapy. Their authenticity and sensitivity can yield profound self-discovery.
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Fives are curious and analytical, making them skilled at understanding complex concepts. They excel in exploring the inner workings of the mind.
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Sixes are loyal and dedicated, creating a strong alliance with their commitment to the process. They often excel in building trust. They often struggle with anxiety.
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Sevens bring optimism and creativity to therapy. Their ability to reframe challenges can be invigorating. Sometimes they struggle to sit in discomfort.
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Eights are assertive and protective, which can create a safe environment for people express themselves. They don’t usually like to feel vulnerable.
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Nines are harmonious and understanding. Their presence can help others feel heard and valued. They sometimes struggle to know what they want, and can be uncomfortable taking up space.
Ultimately, your Enneagram type is the one that most resonates with you. You may find that your Enneagram type aligns with certain therapeutic approaches or people. But it's important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process. What matters most is the connection and rapport you have with your therapist, regardless of their Enneagram type.
What Enneagram Type Makes The Best Therapist?
When it comes to selecting a therapist, there isn't a single Enneagram type that makes someone a better therapist. Therapists come from diverse backgrounds and Enneagram types. Each offers a unique set of skills and perspectives. The most important factors in choosing a therapist are their qualifications, experience, and the relationship you build with them.
Here are some considerations when choosing an Enneagram therapist:
1. Qualifications
Ensure that your therapist is licensed and qualified in the specific type of therapy you are seeking.
2. Experience
Look for a therapist with experience in addressing the issues or challenges you are facing. Their experience can greatly benefit your therapy journey.
3. Therapeutic Approach
Consider the therapeutic approach the therapist uses. Different approaches are suited to different needs and personalities. Discuss this with potential therapists to find a good match. Some approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, trauma therapy or EMDR, etc..
4. Rapport
Building a strong rapport with your therapist is crucial for effective therapy. You should feel comfortable and understood by your therapist.
5. Compatibility
While Enneagram type can provide insights, it should not be the only reason for choosing a therapist. Focus on compatibility in terms of communication style, values, and therapeutic goals.
The Enneagram type of your therapist is not the primary factor in determining their suitability. Prioritize their qualifications, experience, therapeutic approach, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. A skilled and empathetic therapist can guide you on your path to healing and personal growth, regardless of their Enneagram type.
Starting Your Journey In Enneagram Therapy By Determining Your Type
Discovering your Enneagram type is a profound journey that can greatly enrich your therapy experience. The key is to approach the process with an open mind and a willingness to explore your inner world. Remember that the Enneagram is a dynamic tool for personal growth. Your understanding of your type may evolve over time. Embrace the journey, and use your newfound self-awareness to enhance your therapeutic progress and relationships.
Enneagram Therapy in California and Florida
Ready to embark on a transformative journey with Enneagram therapy? While your Enneagram type can offer valuable insights, finding the right therapist goes beyond type compatibility. Our experienced therapists prioritize your needs, qualifications, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Whether you're seeking cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, or somatic therapy, we're here to guide you towards healing and personal growth. Schedule a consultation today and begin your journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. Your Enneagram type is just the beginning; let's uncover the path to your true potential together.
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