What Enneagram Type Shows Up in Therapy Most Often?
There are no good or bad Enneagram types, and all types are welcome in therapy. But some Enneagram types are more likely to seek out support than others. Enneagram therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, helping people understand their core fears and desires. Let's explore why certain types are more drawn to therapy and how Enneagram therapy can benefit them: Type 2, Type 4, Type 6, and Type 9.
Understanding the Enneagram Types
Before we dive into the specific types, let’s take a brief look at what the Enneagram is. The Enneagram is a personality system that describes nine distinct types, each with its own way of seeing the world. Each type has its unique strengths, challenges, and ways of coping with stress. People are often drawn to therapy to better understand themselves and find healthier ways to deal with life’s challenges. Some types are more inclined than others. But all types can and do benefit from therapy!
Type 2: The Helper
Type 2s are often referred to as "The Helper." They are generous, empathetic, and driven by a need to be loved and needed by others. They thrive on giving support but may neglect their own needs in the process. This can lead to burnout and resentment. Therapy is a space for 2s to explore their boundaries and prioritize self-care.
Why Type 2s Seek Therapy
Therapy As A Safe Space To Meet Their Own Needs. The structured nature of therapy often allows 2s to relax into allowing their needs to be met. Because therapy is focused on them, they don't feel as much pressure to care for their therapist. They may still try though!
Overwhelmed by Others' Needs. Type 2s often find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of others. They may struggle to say no, leading to exhaustion and stress. Therapy can support them with setting boundaries, saying no, and coping with the resulting discomfort.
Desire for Love and Approval. This type seeks affirmation and can become dependent on external validation, which can impact their relationships and self-esteem. Their deep fear that they are not lovable is often a result of trauma that can be processed with trauma therapy.
Difficulty Setting Boundaries. Type 2s may fear that setting boundaries will lead to rejection. Therapy can help them develop assertiveness and self-advocacy skills. It can also help them tolerate the discomfort of disappointing others.
How Enneagram Therapy Helps Type 2s
Enneagram therapy helps Type 2s recognize the importance of self-care and learn to balance giving with receiving. They can also start to work on undoing the confirmation problem: if all you do is care for others, you'll never know if you're loved for who you are instead of what you do. Through therapy, you can explore your motivations and learn to set healthy boundaries without fear of losing love. Enneagram therapy encourages 2s to believe in their worthiness beyond what they do for others.
Type 4: The Individualist
Type 4, known as "The Individualist," are sensitive and attuned to themselves. They seek authenticity and meaning but may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and envy. Therapy can be a good space for 4s to explore their inner world and work through feelings of melancholy or longing.
Why Type 4s Seek Therapy
Intense Emotions. Type 4s experience emotions deeply and may feel misunderstood or disconnected from others. Therapy provides a space to process and express these emotions.
Struggle with Identity. This type often grapples with questions of identity and purpose. Therapy can help them find clarity and self-acceptance.
Feelings of Inadequacy. Type 4s may compare themselves to others and feel lacking, which can impact their self-esteem and relationships.
How Enneagram Therapy Helps Type 4s
Enneagram therapy helps 4s accept their unique qualities and find value in their individuality. By understanding their core motivations, 4s can learn to appreciate their strengths. Therapy encourages 4s to develop a more balanced view of themselves and foster connections with others. It can help them simultaneously understand themselves better, while also seeing outside themselves with more ease.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Type 6 personalities are known as "The Loyalist." They are reliable, responsible, and value security and stability. Their tendency towards anxiety and self-doubt can lead them to seek reassurance and support in therapy. Type 6s often benefit from exploring their fears and learning to trust themselves.
Why Type 6s Seek Therapy
Anxiety and Worry. Type 6s often anticipate worst-case scenarios and may feel overwhelmed by anxiety and uncertainty.
Need for Reassurance. This type seeks guidance and validation from others, which can lead to dependency on external opinions.
Difficulty Trusting Themselves. Type 6s may doubt their abilities and struggle with decision-making, seeking therapy to build confidence.
How Enneagram Therapy Helps Type 6s
Enneagram therapy helps 6s recognize their inner strength and build tolerance for uncertainty. By exploring their fears and motivations, 6s can learn to trust and develop a sense of security within themselves. Therapy encourages 6s to believe in their own reliability and use their strengths to overcome challenges.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Type 9 personalities, also known as "The Peacemaker," are easygoing, adaptable, and value harmony. They strive to avoid conflict and may suppress their desires to keep the peace. Therapy provides a supportive space for Type 9s to explore their needs and assert themselves more confidently.
Why Type 9s Seek Therapy
Conflict Avoidance. Type 9s may struggle to address conflicts out of a desire to keep the peace. They may seek therapy to develop assertiveness and communication skills.
Suppressed Desires. This type often prioritizes others’ needs over their own, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction or resentment. Unlike type 2, they don't need to be needed. But they have a tendency to go along to get along. They may be truly disconnected from what they want and need time and space to figure it out.
Desire for Inner Peace. Type 9s seek therapy to find balance and cultivate a sense of peace within themselves and their relationships.
How Enneagram Therapy Helps Type 9s
Enneagram therapy helps Type 9s recognize the importance of self-awareness and self-advocacy. By understanding their motivations and fears, Type 9s can learn to honor their desires without fearing conflict. Therapy encourages 9s to contribute meaningfully to their relationships rather than just going along.
How Enneagram Therapy Works
Enneagram therapy uses the Enneagram as a framework to explore personality patterns and dynamics. It is non-pathologizing and emphasizes strengths. It helps people identify their core motivations, fears, and desires, providing insights into their behavior and relationships. By understanding these patterns, people can develop greater self-awareness and make conscious choices that align with their values and goals.
Benefits of Enneagram Therapy
Self-Discovery. Enneagram therapy promotes self-awareness and helps individuals understand their core motivations and fears.
Personal Growth. By recognizing their strengths and challenges, individuals can work towards personal development and positive change.
Improved Relationships. Enneagram therapy fosters empathy and understanding, improving communication and connection with others. I helps us understand the different (but not wrong) programming of others and work well with it.
Emotional Well-Being. By exploring motivations, individuals can develop healthier coping strategies and build resilience.
Schedule a Free Consultation For Enneagram Therapy
If you're interested in exploring how Enneagram therapy can benefit you, book a free consultation with one of our enneagram therapists. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, relationship challenges, or personal growth, our therapists are here to help.
