The Enneagram: Psychological model
The 9 Personality types (Enneatypes)
Time for a new wardrobe?
The nine points along the circumference of the circle in the enneagram describe different phases in a process (see process model). At the level of personality types the quality of every phase is expressed as nine possible reactions someone can display in any given situation. Many psychological enneagram models are based on the assumption that we 'are' one enneatype. My personal experience is that we (at least in principle) have access to all nine behaviours. After all, we are all an expression of a complete enneagram. In that sense, the enneatypes are more like nine coats that we have hanging in our wardrobe. In theory, we should be able to wear a different coat every day.
However, most of us show a distinct preference for one coat (one specific set of mechanisms and behaviours). We may also call this our enneatype. Our basic type seems to be determined very early on in life and is based on our deepest (subconscious) fears and motivations. The basic type is our 'natural' personality type, the one we feel most comfortable using when interacting with others. Since in is near-impossible to apply this basic behaviour in all situations, most of us will try on other coats for size, usually resulting in a second or third 'preference' in behaviour (which may or may not cover up the basic enneatype). Nonetheless, when the personality type is formed it is nearly always a result of usage of defence mechanisms learned in childhood, rather than a conscious choice. In other words, many of us are still acting out childhood behaviours, which can be functional, but are usually limiting - sort of like walking around in the coat of a 5 year old.
The good news is that it is possible to get access to your complete wardrobe again! The first step is to identify the enneatypical defence mechanisms learn to recognize them and to neutralize them. This does not mean that they will immediately disappear not ever to return again. That would not be so handy either, since we do need some kind of personality to be able to interact with others. What does happen, is that you have more choice and control over your behaviour in different situations.
However, most of us show a distinct preference for one coat (one specific set of mechanisms and behaviours). We may also call this our enneatype. Our basic type seems to be determined very early on in life and is based on our deepest (subconscious) fears and motivations. The basic type is our 'natural' personality type, the one we feel most comfortable using when interacting with others. Since in is near-impossible to apply this basic behaviour in all situations, most of us will try on other coats for size, usually resulting in a second or third 'preference' in behaviour (which may or may not cover up the basic enneatype). Nonetheless, when the personality type is formed it is nearly always a result of usage of defence mechanisms learned in childhood, rather than a conscious choice. In other words, many of us are still acting out childhood behaviours, which can be functional, but are usually limiting - sort of like walking around in the coat of a 5 year old.
The good news is that it is possible to get access to your complete wardrobe again! The first step is to identify the enneatypical defence mechanisms learn to recognize them and to neutralize them. This does not mean that they will immediately disappear not ever to return again. That would not be so handy either, since we do need some kind of personality to be able to interact with others. What does happen, is that you have more choice and control over your behaviour in different situations.
Descriptions of the 9 Enneatypes
Below, you will find short descriptions of the 9 enneatypes. If you are interested in more in-depth descriptions, please go to links. If you need help determining your (main) personality type(s), you can book a Life Coaching session with me.
Once you have identified your main personality type(s), it is up to you to decide what you want to do with this information. To some extent we are the way we are. As long as you are satisfied with that, there is no problem. However, you may find at a certain moment that your behaviour becomes a limiting factor in who you want to be and what you want to do. You may no longer feel comfortable with the way you are behaving, or your behaviour may cause a lot of conflict in your life. Your defence mechanisms may stand in the way of your finding your real self. In that case, neutralizing those defence mechanisms, could very well be the best gift you can give to your self.
Once you have identified your main personality type(s), it is up to you to decide what you want to do with this information. To some extent we are the way we are. As long as you are satisfied with that, there is no problem. However, you may find at a certain moment that your behaviour becomes a limiting factor in who you want to be and what you want to do. You may no longer feel comfortable with the way you are behaving, or your behaviour may cause a lot of conflict in your life. Your defence mechanisms may stand in the way of your finding your real self. In that case, neutralizing those defence mechanisms, could very well be the best gift you can give to your self.
Find out more about the Cosmic laws at the heart of the enneagram and the Process model here.
To learn more about Defence Mechanisms go here.
Read more about the enneagram and enneatypes in my blog.
To learn more about Defence Mechanisms go here.
Read more about the enneagram and enneatypes in my blog.
I have worked as a Life Coach and Masseur since 2005. Find out more about my background and the techniques I use.
Read more about My way of working here. Find out more about Life Coaching here. Go here to read about Massage.
Read here what others are saying about Massage: Relax into in your Body.
Read more about My way of working here. Find out more about Life Coaching here. Go here to read about Massage.
Read here what others are saying about Massage: Relax into in your Body.
