A Map and Method
for Next Levels of Consciousness

The Enneagram System of 9 Personality Structures

A profound system from which we can come to understand ourselves and others in great detail and with great compassion.

TYPE 8 THE BOSS

Type 8s are truth-tellers, direct, exuberant, and magnanimous. They can also be challenging, provoking, “my truth is your truth,” and intimidating.

TYPE 9 THE MEDIATOR

9s are amiable, accommodating, and non-confrontational. They are able to appreciate every point of view. They can also be indecisive, conflict-averse, and unclear about their own position.

TYPE 1 THE PERFECTIONIST

1s are conscientious, responsible, and reliable. They live with high internal standards laser focused on doing the right thing. They can also be judgmental, blaming, and self-righteous.

TYPE 2 The Giver

2s are keepers of relationships. Their world is full of the other, responding to ever need whether stated or intuited. They struggle to know their own needs.

TYPE 3 The Performer

3s focus on tasks, results, and rewards. Failure is not an option. They are practical, efficient, and self-assured.  They can also be impatient, unfeeling, and insensitive to other’s feelings.

TYPE 4 The Romantic

4s live in a world with a purple backdrop. They long for what could be. They are  unique and creative. They can also be emotionally intense, self-absorbed, and overly dramatic.

TYPE 5 The Observer

5s are self-contained and self-reliant. Thinking and analyzing are their focus. They can also be aloof, withdrawn, and distant.

TYPE 6 The Loyal Skeptic

6s are doubting, questioning, and vigilant. They can get stuck on the worst-case scenario thinking. They can also be warm, loyal, and protective.

TYPE 7 The Epicure

7s are optimistic, spontaneous, and playful. Best case scenario thinking is their forte. They can also be easily distracted, superficial, and non-committal.

HOW TO BEST STUDY THE ENNEAGRAM?

First, it’s important to acccurately identify your own Enneagram type. Arrange for an Enneagram typing interview with a skilled Narrative Tradition-certified Enneagram practitioner. You can also take several online Enneagram tests and see what type continually shows up highest for you on various tests.

Tour this website and enjoy the video clips provided. Be sure to read the bullet-points as well as the quote for each type — reported by long-term students of the Enneagram. Do any of them sound familiar?

Register for one of Helen’s online courses, see ONLINE COURSES | CEUs on this website.

Visit our ONLINE STORE and choose from a variety of Enneagram audios extracted from Helen’s teachings.

Sign up for one of the many Enneagram trainings offered either in-person or online by THE NARRATIVE ENNEAGRAM (TNE), the Enneagram training school co-founded by Helen Palmer and David Daniels, M.D. in 1988.

Have You Ever Asked These Questions?

For those of you who have studied the Enneagram system, these questions may have been answered long ago. But for those of you just now on the path, these and other very important questions are worth the asking, and the self-discovery that goes along with the answers is a valuable and worthwhile pursuit.

What does "Enneagram" mean?
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How do become the Enneagram type that we are?
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Are men or women mostly one type?
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What is a defense mechanism?
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How can studying the Enneagram help me in my career?
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How do I know if I am "reactive" or being "triggered?"
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What if I don't like the Enneagram type that seems most like me?
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Is Type 1 the best, and Type 9 the worst? Does their numerical order mean something?
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What is "a type?" And why are there nine of them?
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Which Enneagram type is most evolved?
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How can understanding my partner's Enneagram type help me?
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Does my Enneagram type change across my life?
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Can't I be all the Enneagram types? Why do I have to choose just one?
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What's the benefit of learning my Ennearam type?
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How is the Enneagram different from other personality systems, like Myers Brigg?
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