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| Enneagram Personality System |
| Columns - Alternative Therapies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Written by Carolyn Bartlett | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 07 August 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Enneagram personality system lends itself to any addiction
treatment model or approach. Notwithstanding uniqueness, it offers
consistent insight into neurotic habits, inherent strengths and
spirituality, providing a valuable resource for growth and recovery.
Enneagram System defined “Ones” are perfectionists who identify with being right. Idealistic and interested in a better world, they notice what needs improving. Attention is drawn to ethics, fairness and work before pleasure. Fearful of criticism, they overcompensate and then become resentful. In an effort to relax, or quiet an overactive super ego, substance abuse may develop. Substances allow “Ones” to express the shadow side of being so moral. In counseling, rational story lines often mask emotional truths. At best, they accept their own flaws, as well as the flaws of others, with compassion and humor. “Twos” are motivated to please, and identify with their relationship intelligence. Attention is drawn to engagement with others. In pursuit of being liked and looking good, they use flattery to please and support others. Personal needs are repressed based on the fear that they will not, or cannot, be met. Despite apparent social facility, many “Twos” experience social anxiety, and report substance use before, during and after social events. While engaging with counselors, “Twos” attempt to avoid feelings of fatigue, pain and anger. At best, they are true to themselves, and recognize and support the best in others. “Threes” are performers who identify with personal success. Generally competitive, creative and optimistic, they are adept at accomplishing goals. Their personas are in concert with American ideals, creating a blind spot for counselors who do not see past the successful persona. Afraid of failure, this type will achieve perceived therapeutic agendas, even if at personal odds. Substances are generally used to quiet anxiety caused by neglect of the internal experience. If substance abuse becomes problematic, often “Threes” will retain the energy for stellar performance, leading to better than average concealment. At best, they recognize the importance of feelings, value others and are flexible and generous with their abundant energy. “Fours” are artistic, and identify with uniqueness. They are attuned to the creative, the authentic and the paradoxes of life. They can be consumed with feeling either special or flawed: noticing what is missing, creating drama and seeing themselves as exempt from ordinary expectations. Sensitive to abandonment, they may withdraw or be provocative to manage this fear. They are often in a family scapegoat role. Substance abusing “Fours” often operate from the romanticized, self-destructive image of the artist-addict. If attached to this identity, efforts at sobriety can be thwarted. Substance abuse increases depression and distorts reality, often fueling dangerous fantasies and risky behaviors. Counselors can be either mesmerized or impatient with the emotionalism. At best, “Fours” naturally balance the material and spiritual parts of life, and allow themselves to be both productive and happy. “Fives” are observant, and identify with being self-contained. They value their mental acuity: attention is drawn to gathering information, maintaining privacy and observing the external world. Fearing others will intrude and overwhelm them, inner life is closely guarded, and this reserved nature can make the counselor — especially one who is warm and relating — anxious, which can result in misdiagnosis. “Fives” may abuse substances to relieve social anxiety and to quell other fears. At best, “Fives” are engaged in life through their relationships and work, and are willing to share their time, knowledge and emotions with others. “Sixes” are questioners who identify with being perceptive and intuitive. Loyal, often possessing an offbeat sense of humor, they see the other side of an assertion. Attention is drawn to safety by screening for danger and imagining worst-case potentials. Fearing misused authority, they are hypervigilant in seeking certainty. This guard of doubt and mistrust can confuse others, including counselors. Substance abuse may initially relieve their doubt and anxiety. When “Sixes” grow dependent on substances, they can become isolated from those who might provide emotional support and reality checks. Substance toxins combined with isolation will amplify paranoia. At best, they are skillful problem solvers, offering a creative vision of shared possibilities. “Sevens” are epicureans who identify with being happy. They plan for fun, interesting and pleasurable possibilities. Quick mental energy helps them connect ideas and see the big picture. They do not like limitations and are afraid of being trapped if they acknowledge pain. They engage others, including counselors, with charm, and re-frame negatives into positives. Substance abuse may develop if their need for unlimited positive options is frustrated. “Sevens” can be aggressive when rationalizing their addictions —“it’s your problem.” Sobriety and experiencing emotional pain sometimes precedes counseling. At best, they value other people, and are unusually accepting and tolerant as they share their expansive sense of possibility. “Eights” are protectors who identify with being powerful. Attention is drawn to overt control, excesses, strength, protection and justice. They have a gut sense of the location of actual authority, and are prepared to protect the vulnerable. They fear personal vulnerability, and can be intimidating. They expect to be met honestly, and avoid counselors who over-react or draw back from their aggression. Substance abuse may result from excessive enjoyment of sensory pleasure combined with denial of underlying pain and vulnerability. At best, “Eights” are sensitive and natural leaders, sharing their power and energy with the community. “Nines” are mediators who identify with being peaceful. Understanding all points of view, they seek harmony and comfort. “Nines” connect with others in a way that allows them to feel valued, often losing sight of themselves, and could potentially become discouraged and passively angry. They fear interpersonal conflict will lead to rejection. Counselors need be aware of the tendency of “Nines” to appear to go along with the treatment agenda, even when not in agreement. Substance abuse may develop to numb feelings; however, substances may prompt suppressed feelings and thoughts to surface, making “Nines” uncharacteristically combative and provocative. At best, they recognize their own importance, communicate what is right for them, and remain empathetic with others. Many resources are available for learning about the Enneagram. This typing system will enhance your ability to support positive outcomes for your clients.
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