Enneagram as a Counseling Tool
The Enneagram: A Path to Deeper Self-Awareness and Healthier Relationships
What is the Enneagram & Why Does It Matter?
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why you do the things you do—or wishing you could better understand the people you care about—the Enneagram is a powerful tool that can help bring clarity. At its core, the Enneagram isn’t just about personality traits or behavior patterns. It’s about understanding the deep internal motivations that drive us, often unconsciously. When we can name those motivations, we can work with them in a healthier, more compassionate way.
In my own life, the Enneagram has been transformational. It’s helped me grow in self-awareness, deepen my personal relationships, and approach my own patterns with curiosity instead of criticism. And in my therapy practice, I’ve found that integrating the Enneagram with clients often brings a sense of relief—like things finally “click” and they can start understanding themselves and others through a more compassionate lens.
A Brief History of the Enneagram
The Enneagram has deep roots, drawing from ancient traditions and spiritual practices that go back centuries. It was further developed into the modern psychological tool we know today by teachers like Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo in the mid-20th century. While some people explore the Enneagram within a spiritual or faith-based context, others appreciate it as a secular framework for personal growth and understanding. In my work, I find that it meets people where they are, whether they come from a spiritual background or not.
A Quick Overview of the Nine Types
Here’s a brief introduction to each of the nine core Enneagram types. Keep in mind that these are simplified snapshots—each type is rich, complex, and layered.
Type One – The Reformer: Principled, responsible, and driven by a desire to do the right thing. At their best, they are ethical and wise; at their worst, overly critical and perfectionistic.
Type Two – The Helper: Caring, generous, and motivated by a need to feel loved and needed. They thrive when they balance giving to others with caring for themselves.
Type Three – The Achiever: Success-oriented, adaptable, and focused on achievement. Underneath, they long to feel valued for who they are, not just what they accomplish.
Type Four – The Individualist: Creative, intuitive, and deeply attuned to their inner world. They seek authenticity and can struggle with feelings of inadequacy or being misunderstood.
Type Five – The Investigator: Analytical, perceptive, and driven by a need to understand the world. They often protect their energy by withdrawing but thrive when they engage and trust.
Type Six – The Loyalist: Loyal, reliable, and security-seeking. They are skilled at anticipating problems but can struggle with anxiety and self-doubt.
Type Seven – The Enthusiast: Adventurous, spontaneous, and driven by a desire to avoid pain and boredom. They bring joy and optimism but can struggle with staying present.
Type Eight – The Challenger: Assertive, protective, and focused on control and justice. They have big hearts but often guard them fiercely.
Type Nine – The Peacemaker: Easygoing, accommodating, and driven by a need for harmony and peace. They are steady and grounding but can avoid conflict to their detriment.
How I Use the Enneagram in Therapy
In therapy, the Enneagram becomes more than just a personality framework—it’s a map for self-understanding, growth, and healing. One of the things I love about using the Enneagram in my practice is how it opens up deeper conversations around core motivations, emotional patterns, and the unconscious strategies we all use to feel safe and valued.
I typically help clients explore their type through self-typing. I don’t assign types or tell people who they are—this is a collaborative, reflective process. We explore things like core fears and desires, communication styles, and how they relate to their bodies (gut), emotions (heart), and thoughts (head). Over time, clients often experience more compassion for themselves and a clearer understanding of why they relate to the world the way they do.
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this can be in couples therapy, where understanding each other’s types brings more empathy, less blame, and deeper connection. One couple I worked with said it was like they were finally speaking the same language for the first time in years. It doesn’t “fix” everything overnight, but it creates a foundation for real, lasting change.
Why It’s Helpful (In Life and In Therapy)
Understanding your Enneagram type can create space for personal growth, healing, and healthier relationships. It can help you:
Build self-awareness and self-compassion
Recognize patterns that no longer serve you
Improve communication and conflict resolution in relationships
Develop empathy for yourself and others
Navigate stress and triggers with greater clarity and calm
In therapy, we use the Enneagram to explore these dynamics in depth, often alongside other approaches like EMDR, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. It’s not about putting yourself in a box—it’s about understanding the box you’ve been in so you can step out of it when you’re ready.
Ready to Explore Your Type?
Whether you’re brand new to the Enneagram or you’ve already done some exploring on your own, I’d love to help you take the next step. If you’re curious about how understanding your type could support your personal growth or your relationships, we can explore that together in therapy.
You can reach out to schedule a consultation or learn more about how I integrate the Enneagram into my work with individuals and couples. Together, we can uncover more of who you are—and who you’re becoming.