Figuring out who we are can be a daunting and challenging task. You might find yourself having great insight and self-awareness, or maybe you feel lost about who you are, your values and aspirations. If you resonate with either, I will argue that you are in the right place. I am hoping this information will allow you to dig deeper and gain a better understanding of where to start - or continue- the journey to self-exploration and self-knowledge.
The enneagram is an ancient typology system that aims to explain the why behind our actions, thoughts and feelings. It focuses on nine different types that carry different motivations linked to our fears and desires. I might have lost some of you already - thinking I don’t want to be placed in a box or categorized. Bear with me! Even if we have the same number type, we can be very different people. What we do have in common though is our core motivations (fears and desires), but the enneagram takes things even deeper and there is lots of exploration to do. Remember, no type is better than another.
So how do you figure out which type you are? I encourage you to do some research on the various numbers, explore which resonates with you, and then complete an enneagram test. Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson have written several books on the enneagram, as well as established The Enneagram Institute that provides a typology test and additional information online. Additionally, your therapist might have knowledge of the enneagram and can be a helpful resource in supporting you through this journey of self-discovery and growth.
Why care about the enneagram? Gaining understanding of who you are can both be freeing and daunting at the same time. Learning your positive traits, understanding how you interact with others, and what you do well can be lovely. Yet in contrast, learning about your challenges and areas of improvement might not be as pleasant. However, this is why the enneagram can be helpful - it provides you tools with how you can lean into your strengths and build a better version of yourself.
If you want to learn more about the enneagram, check out some of the resources below:
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com
https://www.truity.com/enneagram/9-types-enneagram
Book: The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso
Book: The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
Book: Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson
Mari Kidd, LPC
Mari is passionate about building connections with the individuals and families she serves. She enjoys working with children, teens and young adults, addressing anxiety, grief, trauma, parenting, depression, life transitions and interpersonal conflict. When working with your child, Mari will invite them to express themselves through play to process conflict, big emotions and for them to make sense of the abstract world we adults navigate. For older children, she will utilize various techniques to best meet your child’s needs. This modality consists of traditional “talk therapy”, as well as creative interventions and movement.