The Enneagram Field Guide: Unlocking the Power of Personality in Counseling Therapy

Have you ever wondered why people behave the way they do? Why some individuals are more driven, while others are more laid back? Why certain people are always seeking attention, while others prefer to stay in the background?

If these questions resonate with you, then you'll be interested to learn about the Enneagram, a powerful tool used in counseling therapy to understand and navigate the intricacies of human behavior. In this Enneagram Field Guide, we will explore how this ancient personality system can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of counseling therapy, providing therapists and clients with valuable insights that lead to transformative growth and self-discovery.

The Enneagram: A brief

The Enneagram is a dynamic model that maps out nine distinct personality types, each with their own unique motivations, fears, and coping mechanisms. Originating from centuries-old wisdom traditions, this system has been adapted to modern psychology and is widely used today in counseling therapy.

the ENNEAGRAM FIELD GUIDE Notes on Using the Enneagram in Counseling, Therapy and Personal Growth

by Carolyn Bartlett (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	925 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	179 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Unlike other personality tests, the Enneagram delves deep into the core motivations driving our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through self-reflection and observation, individuals can gain a more profound understanding of themselves and others, fostering empathy, compassion, and personal growth.

Applying the Enneagram in counseling therapy

The Enneagram is a versatile tool that can be used in various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and even holistic practices. Its application in counseling therapy can be transformative, both for therapists and their clients.

Enhancing self-awareness

One of the primary goals of counseling therapy is to increase self-awareness. By understanding their Enneagram type, clients gain valuable insights into their patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This self-awareness allows them to identify and challenge limiting beliefs and destructive habits, paving the way for personal growth and positive change.

Therapists can also benefit from Enneagram knowledge, as it provides a framework for understanding their clients on a deeper level. By recognizing the core fears, motivations, and defense mechanisms associated with each Enneagram type, therapists can tailor their therapeutic approach to meet each client's specific needs.

Developing empathy and compassion

The Enneagram fosters empathy and compassion by shedding light on the underlying motivations and fears driving behavior. When clients and therapists understand the unique struggles and challenges associated with each Enneagram type, they can develop greater empathy for one another.

Therapists can guide clients towards self-compassion, helping them embrace their strengths and vulnerabilities. By recognizing that everyone has their own unique journey, clients can develop a sense of compassion not only towards themselves but also towards others.

Transformative growth and self-discovery

The Enneagram serves as a roadmap for personal growth and self-discovery. By identifying their dominant Enneagram type, clients gain access to a wealth of knowledge regarding their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Through counseling therapy, clients can work on integrating the positive qualities of other Enneagram types, effectively reducing the limitations of their dominant type. This process, known as growth and integration, leads to holistic development and the cultivation of a more balanced personality.

Utilizing the Enneagram in counseling therapy: Best practices

When incorporating the Enneagram into counseling therapy, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure the most effective and ethical use of this powerful tool:

Complementing other therapeutic approaches

The Enneagram should be used as a supplement to other established therapeutic approaches. It is not a standalone methodology but rather a framework that enhances existing counseling techniques. By integrating the Enneagram into their practice, therapists can enhance their understanding of clients and provide more targeted interventions.

Respecting individual differences

Although the Enneagram provides valuable insights, it's essential to remember that each person is unique. While an individual may exhibit characteristics of a particular Enneagram type, they are not solely defined by it. Therapists should remain open to the nuances and complexities of each client's personality, using the Enneagram as a guide rather than a definitive label.

Cultivating self-compassion

The Enneagram is an invitation for self-discovery and growth, not a tool for self-criticism or judgment. In counseling therapy, it's crucial to guide clients towards self-compassion and acceptance. By emphasizing the positive qualities and growth opportunities associated with each Enneagram type, therapists can facilitate a nurturing environment that promotes genuine transformation.

The Enneagram: Your field guide to personal growth

The Enneagram offers a unique and insightful lens through which we can understand ourselves and others. By incorporating this ancient personality system into counseling therapy, therapists empower their clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and transformative growth.

If you're a therapist, consider integrating the Enneagram into your practice. If you're seeking counseling therapy, discuss the possibility of incorporating the Enneagram with your therapist. Together, you can unlock the power of the Enneagram and embark on an extraordinary path of personal growth and self-fulfillment.

Remember, we are all complex individuals with unique stories to tell. The Enneagram field guide can be a compass to navigate the intricacies of our personalities and unlock the potential for profound healing and transformation.

the ENNEAGRAM FIELD GUIDE Notes on Using the Enneagram in Counseling, Therapy and Personal Growth

by Carolyn Bartlett (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	925 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	179 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Therapist’s Companion

The Enneagram Field Guide is a great reference for therapists, counselors and anyone who wants quick help understanding the Enneagram or themselves. Based on years of clinical experience and field interviews by therapist Carolyn Bartlett, the book presents reports from therapy clients and individuals, all of whom know their Enneagram style. As they describe their experiences with therapy and counseling, they reveal what has helped them successfully grow and change as well as what has not worked for their personality style.

Therapists and counselors will find clear guidance about how to create meaningful change in their clients. Spiritual directors will discover stories that illuminate the Enneagram’s transpersonal meaning, plus ways to evoke the essential spiritual qualities of each style. Enneagram enthusiasts, who already know the power of this profound system, will find inspiration and insights from fellow travelers – pointing you towards fulfilling your own true potentials.

“Practical, smart and clinically astute. An invaluable handbook for therapists and counselors who want to use the Enneagram with their clients.”
– Michael Goldberg, organizational consultant, author, The 9 Ways of Working

“A must-read for therapists and counselors, Carolyn Bartlett’s superb Enneagram Field Guide is also illuminating for anyone seeking personal growth or insights into the complexities of the Enneagram’s personality styles.”
– Judith Searle, author of The Literary Enneagram

“The Enneagram Field Guide represents a breakthrough effort to bring the Enneagram understandings into counseling and therapy. Carolyn provides many insights in what does work synthesizes and systematically reviews therapy strategy with each of the Enneagram types. She provides clarity, compassion and thoughtfulness in her writing. All of us in the fields of counseling, ranging from executive coaching to spiritual direction, will find this guide of great and enduring benefit. It is a pleasure to recommend it.”
– David Daniels, M.D., Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Medical School