What’s My Type?

The Enneagram is a complex, nuanced personality system containing nine distinct personality types. We all have one basic personality type, even though we may see ourselves in all nine numbers. Researchers and Enneagram authors believe our temperament, prenatal factors, and early childhood environment all play a role in determining our type. No type is inherently better or worse than another—the Enneagram is just a tool to assist in self-development and growth. To get started, check out the nine basic types below.

Type One: The Reformer

Type ones are rational, principled, and conscientious. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and are always striving to improve the world around them. They have a fear of making mistakes and can slip into criticism and perfectionism easily.

Type Two: The Helper

Twos are caring, generous, and sincere. They have a strong desire to be close with, support, and unconditionally love others. They are so attune to the needs of those around them that sometimes they can shift into people-pleasing without acknowledging their own needs.

Type Three: The Achiever

Type threes are driven, adaptable, and self-assured. Their ambition and energy causes others to admire and look up to them. Their focus on success can drive them towards workaholism and self-consciousness about how others perceive them.

Type Four: The Individualist

Type fours are sensitive, introspective, and self-aware. They are emotionally honest, creative, and want to be seen for who they really are. They can sometimes enter into moodiness and self-absorption when they feel defective.

Type Five: The Investigator

Fives are perceptive, innovative, and cerebral. They have an incredible insight and ability to concentrate on complex skills and ideas. They can become preoccupied with their own thoughts and curiosity so much that they detach and isolate from others.

Type Six: The Loyalist

Sixes are committed, responsible, and trustworthy. Their reliability and work ethic make them great troubleshooters and connectors. They can easily become anxious, stressed, and doubt themselves and others.

Type Seven: The Enthusiast

Type sevens are spontaneous, versatile, and optimistic. Their playful energy and high spirits often lead them to be outgoing with others. They can easily become over-extended and may feel disappointed by constantly seeking new and exciting experiences.

Type Eight: The Challenger

Eights are powerful, confident, and assertive. They are extremely resourceful and decisive and protect those around them. They can become domineering and confrontational because of their strong wills and desire for control.

Type Nine: The Peacemaker

Nines are easygoing, agreeable, and accepting. They are trusting of others and want things around them to go smoothly. They can be complacent and conflict-avoidant, leading them to minimize anything upsetting.

If you are interested in learning more about the Enneagram, check out the Enneagram Institute’s webnsite at https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/.

If you have been struggling and you are in the Chicagoland area, please feel free to contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000.

Written by Kathryn

2021 Graduate Intern

Image: 67881-getty-enneagram.1200w.tn.jpg (1200×627) (swncdn.com)