3KEYS TO SELF-UNDERSTANDING 

The Enneagram system of personality type is of uncertain origins, but that does not interfere with its accuracy, effectiveness and extreme helpfulness. Whereas the MBTI® provides a profile of the true self, the Enneagram provides a profile of the defence system located in the subconscious. The Enneagram is best determined by referencing a stressful situation and examining motivation, not behaviours. Alternately, MBTI® type is more accurately determined when referencing a peaceful situation.

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There are nine Enneagram types, identified by number rather than using letters as the MBTI® system does.

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 The nine Enneagram types are grouped into three centers:

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1. Gut or Instinctive Centre (Types Eight, Nine and One).

These have anger as the key emotion. Each type deals with anger in a different way:
     Type Eight – Power – they deal with anger through establishing personal power.
     Type Nine – No Conflict – they bury their anger in their subconscious in an attempt to avoid any conflict.

     Type One – Perfection – they turn their anger on themselves in the persistent pursuit of perfection.

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2. Heart Centre (Type Two, Three and Four). 

These have anxiety as the key emotion. Each type deals with anxiety in a different way:
     Type Two – “Need to be needed” – they answer the question of “Who am I?” by referencing whom they serve.
     Type Three – Success – they answer the question of “Who am I?” by projecting an image of success.
     Type Four – Uniqueness – they answer the question of “Who am I?” by establishing that they are totally unique.

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3. Head Centre (Type Five, Six and Seven). 

These have fear as the key emotion. Each type deals with fear in a different way:
     Type Five – Fear of emptiness – they counteract their fear of emptiness by relentlessly taking in information.
     Type Six – Safety and Security – they pursue safety and security by being ever watchful of who/what may be a threat.
     Type Seven – Fear of pain – they deal with their fear of pain by not allowing anything emotionally painful into

     consciousness.