If you’ve heard about the Enneagram and are intrigued, this is the right article for you. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of the 9 personality types.

The Enneagram is a dynamic tool that provides a new perspective on human understanding, truly offering a window to the soul. Its origin is ancient, but its application is highly relevant to the complex and volatile challenges of modern times. Each of the nine personality types proposed by the Enneagram is distinct, with specific motivations, fears, and desires. Uncovering these behavioral patterns can be crucial for the work of a therapist specializing in clinical hypnosis.

In this context, the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), committed to scientific and ethical methods of promoting emotional health, has observed the Enneagram as a valuable tool for health professionals. Scientific hypnosis, in turn, can enhance the understanding and application of this ancient wisdom, producing transformative results.

So, whether you are a professional looking to enhance your therapy skills, or just someone curious about the wonders of the Enneagram, this article is for you! Let’s unravel the mysteries behind these 9 personality types and explore the real benefits of applying this information in the clinical hypnosis setting.

Introduction: What is the Enneagram?

If you are looking for an innovative and effective way to understand and support your patients, the Enneagram may be the answer.

The Enneagram is an ancient system of personality types, believed to be able to unravel the mysteries of human behavior. Based on a millenary tradition, this system focuses on nine main “types”, each with its unique attributes, motivations, and underlying fears.

This fascinating system is not just a catalog of personality traits. It provides a deep and multidimensional representation of human personalities. As each type is interconnected and influences the others, it also reveals patterns of behavior, interpersonal relationships, and even paths for personal growth.

The beauty of the Enneagram lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Although there are nine main types, a single type does not completely define a person. One may have traits of other types and these can vary depending on the person’s emotional state and environment. Thus, the Enneagram embraces human diversity while providing a structured means of understanding people.

Understanding the Enneagram can enrich your practice of clinical hypnosis, providing a greater understanding of the underlying fears and motivations of your patients. This could allow for greater effectiveness in creating personalized hypnosis scripts that address the individual needs of each patient.

Origins and History of the Enneagram

The Enneagram is a tool that originated thousands of years ago and, over time, has undergone various modifications and interpretations. It is believed that its roots trace back to the philosophical thinking of the ancient Greeks and Sufi mysticism.

The Enneagram as we know it today, however, was largely developed in the 1970s by Oscar Ichazo, a Bolivian psychologist, who associated specific human personalities with the nine points of the Enneagram. Ichazo was the first to apply the Enneagram to the study of personality.

Later, a Chilean psychiatrist named Claudio Naranjo reformulated and expanded Ichazo’s work. Naranjo’s development added elements of Western psychology, such as the teachings of Gurdjieff and Freud, to form the Enneagram personality system used today.

Since then, the Enneagram has found wide acceptance, being used in various contexts such as personal development, therapeutic, and even organizational. It is interesting to note that, although ancient, this tool is still extremely relevant and useful today.

With its rich history and continuous evolution, the Enneagram remains a tradition of self-knowledge and growth that continues to inspire and help people around the world.

Understanding the 9 Personality Types of the Enneagram

First of all, the key to unraveling the Enneagram is to understand the 9 different personality types that coexist within it. When we talk about these 9 types, we are referring to nine unique and distinct ways people think, feel, and act in the world. And, logically, each of these types carries its virtues, deficiencies, desires, and fears.

Type 1: the Perfectionist, resentful, reformer, and rational.

Type 2: the Helper, proud, lover, and emotional.

Type 3: the Achiever, vain, pragmatic, and ambitious.

Type 4: the Individualist, envious, introspective, and sensitive.

Type 5: the Investigator, stingy, visionary, and innovative.

Type 6: the Loyalist, fearful, duty-bound, and defender.

Type 7: the Enthusiast, gluttonous, versatile, and experienced.

Type 8: the Challenger, lustful, leader, and confrontational.

Type 9: the Peacemaker, lazy, accommodating, and accepting.

By identifying your type in the Enneagram, you have the chance to embark on a journey of self-discovery, developing empathy for others, understanding their motivations and fears. Thus, the self-knowledge promoted by the Enneagram favors emotional health, a central element in the approach of clinical hypnosis.

Application of the Enneagram in Clinical Hypnosis

The Enneagram, although not scientific, emerges as a strategic tool for understanding human diversity. Its application allows for a deeper look into the specificities of each individual, providing indispensable insights for conducting sessions in a personalized and effective manner.

In practice, the Enneagram helps us identify patients’ behavioral patterns. By better understanding their ways of acting, thinking, and feeling, it is possible to outline more assertive intervention strategies, aligned with their intrinsic characteristics and what they wish to change in their lives. It is directly linked to how we deal with our internal conflicts, and can be integrated into the hypnotic treatment plan.

Studying the Enneagram also allows us to act in critical areas of human behavior. For example, it points out what the fears are, as well as the unconscious motivations that may be preventing an individual from reaching their maximum potential. This information is very useful for designing a work script, focused not only on providing immediate relief but on stimulating significant long-term change.

Still within this context, the Enneagram also plays an important role in helping us establish a stronger therapeutic relationship. After all, understanding is also a form of showing empathy. It shows the patient that we are genuinely interested in helping them, and that we are prepared to provide the necessary assistance.

Therefore, there is no doubt that the Enneagram can be a powerful ally in clinical hypnosis. Its use in the therapeutic process, combined with scientific hypnosis, provides a more illuminated path for the patient’s emotional well-being.

The Meaning of the Enneagram Symbol

The Enneagram symbol is as fascinating as the system itself. It consists of a circle enveloping an equilateral triangle and an irregular hexagon. Each of these elements has a profound meaning and reveals the intricate relationships between the nine personality types of the Enneagram.

Starting with the circle, which symbolizes the unity and totality of human experience. It suggests that all personality types are interconnected and that despite our differences, we share a deep and inseparable connection.

The equilateral triangle, which connects types 3, 6, and 9, represents the Law of Three. This law, originating from an ancient spiritual philosophy called Enneads, postulates that all reality is composed of three aspects: affirmative, negative, and conciliatory.

The irregular hexagon, which links types 1, 4, 2, 8, 5, and 7 in a specific sequence, represents the Law of Seven. This law, also derived from the Enneads philosophy, expresses the idea that change is a non-linear and cyclical process.

This entire structure is a powerful reminder that the Enneagram is not just a diagram of personality types – it is also a map for personal growth and transformation.

How Does the Enneagram Test Work?

The Enneagram test is a good indicator that reveals which of the 9 Enneagram personality types fits the individual. It generally consists of an extensive questionnaire, with questions designed to understand different aspects of personality, including desires, fears, motivations, behaviors, and reactions.

The candidate answers a series of questions, often indicating how strongly they agree or disagree with certain statements. The answers are then calculated to determine which personality type has the highest score. It is worth remembering that, like any personality test, the Enneagram is a tool for self-knowledge and not a definitive diagnosis.

In general, the Enneagram test is self-administered, meaning you answer the questions based on your self-knowledge. However, it is important to answer authentically and sincerely, rather than choosing answers you think are expected or desired. Answering honestly allows for a more accurate identification of your personality type.

Finally, after taking the test, the personality type related to the highest score is verified. However, it is essential to consider individual nuances. This is because a person may see themselves in more than one type, which in the Enneagram is known as “wings” and “arrows”.

Relationships Between Personality Types: Wings and Arrows

The Enneagram not only reveals our own personality type but also highlights the expressive connections between them – these are the so-called “Wings” and “Arrows”.

Within the Enneagram, the “Wings” correspond to the personality types that directly flank your main type. These “Wings” can influence you with additional characteristics and make your personality even more complex and unique.

Take, for example, Type 2, which has as its “Wings” Type 3 and Type 1. This person, therefore, may exhibit additional characteristics of both Type 3, such as competitiveness, and Type 1, such as perfectionism.

The “Arrows”, in turn, indicate the movement between personality types in times of stress and security, that is, the way we deal with different pressure or tranquility situations. For example, a Type 5 person in a moment of stress may behave more like a Type 7 person, becoming more expansive and scattered.

The intelligent use of “Wings” and “Arrows” in the process of clinical hypnosis enhances the understanding of the client, thus enabling more effective results in each therapy session.

Benefits of the Enneagram in Teamwork

Using the Enneagram in teamwork can generate a series of benefits for everyone involved. Initially, it helps to understand the diversity within the group, as each member will likely identify with a different personality type.

This understanding helps to make the most of individual strengths and work more effectively. For example, if a team member identifies as Type 3 (The Achiever), they may be excellent at leading projects and achieving goals. If another member identifies with Type 9 (The Peacemaker), they may be fundamental in dealing with conflicts and maintaining a harmonious environment.

The Enneagram also helps in building healthier and more productive relationships within the team. By understanding each colleague’s intrinsic motivation, it is possible to have more effective communication and resolve conflicts more efficiently.

Another benefit is the optimization of development for each team member. By knowing themselves better and understanding the points they need to improve, each one can chart a more assertive personal and professional development plan.

In short, the Enneagram in teamwork promotes self-knowledge, improves communication, and builds relationships of respect and understanding. These are the foundations for a high-performance team.

Criticisms of the Enneagram and Final Considerations

Like any other method of personality categorization, the Enneagram is not exempt from criticism. Many question the scientific basis behind this system, suggesting that it is more a spiritual and philosophical approach than a validated psychological tool. There is also skepticism regarding its ability to predict behaviors and reactions in a precise and useful way.

It is important to emphasize that, despite its limitations, the Enneagram can be a valuable tool in the therapeutic process. It offers a unique way to understand how individuals perceive the world and behave, allowing a deep understanding of their motivations and fears. Used correctly and responsibly, it can provide valuable insights for those seeking self-development and emotional well-being.

In terms of clinical use, it is crucial to remember that the Enneagram is just one part of the puzzle. It should be used in conjunction with other tools and techniques, such as clinical hypnosis, to achieve effective results. Each person is unique and complex, and no personality typing system can fully capture the richness of human experiences.

In summary, while it has its limitations, the Enneagram is a tool that can add great value when used ethically and professionally in therapeutic practice.

Practical Examples of Enneagram Application in Therapies and Clinical Approaches

Let’s dive into some practical examples of using the Enneagram in therapeutic and clinical approaches.

First, the Enneagram can help therapists quickly understand the mental and emotional functioning of their patients. By identifying the patient’s type, the therapeutic approach becomes more personalized and effective. This generates a better understanding of the core beliefs, fears, and desires that drive the patient’s behaviors.

Second, the Enneagram can help patients increase self-awareness and promote self-understanding. Often, patients are surprised when they recognize themselves in the description of an Enneagram type. This can help them feel less judged and, therefore, in a safer environment to begin a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Additionally, in couples therapy, the Enneagram is an excellent tool to help each partner understand the motivations, desires, and fears of the other. Thus, it enhances understanding, empathy, and communication between the couple.

Finally, by combining scientific hypnosis with the Enneagram, it is possible to direct suggestions according to the personality type, enhancing the effects of therapy. With this combination, many patients have noticed significant changes in their behavior and well-being.

Conclusion

In summary, the Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-knowledge and emotional growth. With its nine distinct personality categorizations, it is a valuable key to unraveling the mysteries of human behavior. Understanding these motivations, fears, and desires of each type is crucial for a therapist specializing in clinical hypnosis.

The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis promotes the integration of the Enneagram with the practice of scientific hypnosis, transforming it into a relevant and highly effective resource in the field of emotional health. Using the Enneagram during hypnosis sessions can result in better individual understanding, facilitating the healing and self-awareness process.

Despite its limitations and criticisms, when used ethically and professionally, the Enneagram can be a great ally in therapeutic processes. Without a doubt, it is a powerful tool, capable of adding significant value when associated with scientific hypnosis in clinical practice.

Finally, if you are interested in discovering how to further enhance your practice or even pursue a new profession in the mental health field, the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis offers evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses. Explore our courses and discover how scientific hypnosis can transform your professional and personal life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the nine Enneagram personality types?

Each of the nine Enneagram types represents a distinct way of thinking, feeling, and acting, and each type has its own fears, desires, and motivations. For example, Type 1 is the perfectionist and tends to be very critical of themselves and others, while Type 9 is the peacemaker who values peace and harmony in their relationships.

How can the Enneagram be used in clinical hypnosis?

The Enneagram can be used as a tool to better understand the emotional and mental functioning of the patient. By identifying the patient’s personality type, the therapist can create a more personalized and effective therapeutic approach. Additionally, the understanding provided by the Enneagram can be valuable in creating hypnosis scripts that address the individual needs of each patient.

What are the “wings” and “arrows” in the Enneagram?

The “wings” in the Enneagram refer to the personality types that are directly next to someone’s main type. This means that these types can influence someone’s personality with additional characteristics. The “arrows” indicate the movement between personality types in times of stress and security, representing how we deal with different situations.

Are there criticisms of the use of the Enneagram?

Yes, some criticisms of the Enneagram include questions about its scientific basis and predictive capabilities. Although it is a valuable tool for self-knowledge and human understanding, it is important to remember that it should be used in conjunction with other tools and techniques in clinical practice.

How to take an Enneagram test?

The Enneagram test involves answering a series of questions to help determine the main personality type. The questions are designed to understand different aspects of personality, including fears, desires, motivations, behaviors, and reactions. The answers are then calculated to determine the personality type that results in the highest score.