Inspired by content I’m sharing with Master’s in Counseling Students, each of our Enneagram personality type structures has strengths and challenges that we bring to the therapeutic relationship. Let’s start with the slippery slopes.
Slippery Slopes for Therapists—by Enneagram Type
Enneagram 1 Therapists: Careful that you aren't too rigid on measuring a client's progress, effort at their homework, or set an unrealistic bar for their therapeutic work with you. Caution that you don’t aim for perfect in your client work.
Enneagram 2 Therapists: Careful with your need to be needed such as blurred boundaries, agreeing to things you shouldn't (such as writing an ESA letter for a client) or holding onto them too long versus graduating them from therapy. Caution that you don’t take it personally when a client stops therapy.
Enneagram 3 Therapists: Careful not to work harder than your client, work long hours, or make decisions on your client's behalf with your ego driving the decision. Caution that you don't equate a client discontinuing therapy as you not being good enough.
Enneagram 4 Therapists: Careful not to go too deep too fast with your clients. They may not be ready or resourced yet. Caution that you don’t look at everyone through a trauma lens, it may not actually apply.
Enneagram 5 Therapists: Careful with your pace of wanting to lean into the fix-its or intellectual processing over sitting in emotions with the client. Caution that you don’t embrace scarcity with caseload ebb and flow.
Enneagram 6 Therapists: Careful to not let your anxiety drive decisions as they relate to client care. Caution that you don’t assume clients want to dissect the worst possible scenario, that may be hurtful rather than helpful.
Enneagram 7 Therapists: Careful to stay in the present with the client, not only focus on the future outcomes, goals, or experiences. Caution on slowing down and sitting in pain or discomfort with a client, even when your nervous system doesn't want to.
Enneagram 8 Therapists: Careful your passion doesn't overshadow your client's goals, wants, and needs. Caution with your desire to protect them or speak for them in wanting to advocate on their behalf, consent should be sought every time.
Enneagram 9 Therapists: Careful to not numb out when client work gets stressful or overwhelming. Caution when self-care suggestions reinforce escapism for yourself and others.
Of course we want balance when thinking of how the Enneagram contributes to the therapeutic alliance, so let’s take a look at your superpowers as well!
Superpowers as a Therapist—by Enneagram Type
Enneagram 1 Therapists: You encourage people to grow and exceed their own expectations.
Enneagram 2 Therapists: You make clients feel held, seen, and supported.
Enneagram 3 Therapists: You instill hope for meaningful change in your clients.
Enneagram 4 Therapists: You create safe spaces for people to talk about things they can’t talk about with anyone else.
Enneagram 5 Therapists: You help people master new skills in their therapeutic work.
Enneagram 6 Therapists: You create safety and normalize anxiety when it happens.
Enneagram 7 Therapists: You help clients try new modalities and interventions.
Enneagram 8 Therapists: You support clients in feeling heard.
Enneagram 9 Therapists: You encourage clients to see more sides to an issue or decision they are trying to make.
We can continue to grow and pursue conscious, empowered self-development, just like our clients. What else would be a slippery slope for you as a therapist? Any other superpowers that are worth naming as they relate to the Enneagram personality type structure?
Unsure of your Enneagram Type? Consider an Enneagram Typing Interview!