what is the enneagram?

it’s a fluid system that is based on motivations, not behaviors. while the symbol of the enneagram is an ancient symbol, the enneagram of personality we currently use today has been in development for about sixty years. it has primarily been developed through the lens of psychology and spirituality. to read more about the history of the enneagram, visit integrative9.com.

we all have every enneagram type within us, but one is most dominant and determines why we do what we do. our dominant type does not change throughout our lives, but the goal is that we would do the inner work necessary to let go of tendencies that no longer serve us and find balance between all the types within us.

what is enneagram work?

our personalities work for most of us up until we reach the age of 30-35. sometimes before then, and sometimes after then, our natural tendencies stop working for us and we have to try something new. some people dig in deeper at this point, double down on the way they’ve been and have more fear than curiosity about a different way.

for those who get curious, however, the enneagram is an incredibly helpful tool for that process - showing us how we can become more self aware and let go of what isn’t serving us anymore. attending a workshop or working with an enneagram coach or therapist is a way to go through that process with others, in community.

the nine dominant types and their motivations

type one: motivated by a desire to have integrity and balance, to strive higher and improve everything around them, including themselves; to be consistent with their ideals, to justify themselves and to be beyond criticism

type two: motivated by an unquenchable need to be loved and liked, to express their love toward others, to be needed and appreciated, and to avoid feeling unworthy

type three: motivated by wanting to feel valuable and worthwhile, needing to be affirmed by others, to distinguish themselves, to be admired and to be as efficient as possible

type four: motivated by a desire to be themselves in an authentic way, to avoid rejection, to express themselves in something beautiful, to avoid feelings or actions that confirm their inner sense of inadequacy, and to seek out deep experiences and connection with others

type five: motivated by a need to be capable and competent, to master a body of knowledge and skill, to preserve their energy, to explore reality, to remain undisturbed by others and to reduce their needs so as not to welcome intrusion

type six: motivated by a need to feel safe and supported, to have the approval of others, to defend their beliefs, and to find predictability that brings a sense of stability and security

type seven: motivated by their desire to maintain their freedom and happiness, to avoid missing out on worthwhile experiences, to keep themselves excited and occupied, to avoid and discharge pain, to keep their options open so as not to feel trapped and by a need to escape their anxiety

type eight: motivated by a desire to be self-reliant, to resist weakness and vulnerability, to be important in their world, to stay in control of themselves, to have autonomy in life, and to have an impact on their environment without being affected by it

type nine: motivated to have serenity and peace of mind, to avoid disconnection in relationships, to create harmony in their environment, to preserve things as they are, to avoid conflict and tension and to escape demands placed on them by others

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