I Get It. You’ve got More Questions. Here are common questions and answers.
What is the Enneagram? The Enneagram is an ancient tool that shows us nine different personality types – nine different ways we interpret and inhabit our world. While the Enneagram can be simple, it is incredibly nuanced and complex in its layers. It doesn’t transform you; but as you peel back those layers it can help you to see how your motivations actually drive your behaviors and cause you to think, feel, and act in predictable ways. In a nutshell – it is a system to help you be more AWARE.
How can I find out my Enneagram type? Assessments do exist but they’re not as helpful, honestly. If you want to do some digging on your own, you might find out your Enneagram type by looking at the core motivations, desires, and fears of ALL nine types. You’ll likely resonate with two or three types and narrow it down from there. You can read and research the qualities of each enneagram type to get a feel for yours. (Or, you can meet with me and I’ll help!)
Can you be more than one type? In a word, no. That said, we all reflect the image of God which means we are multi-faceted – He is reflected in all nine types. So, we borrow from all the types at one time or another. Each type leans on four other numbers more heavily than the others. You’re a complex, beautiful work of art! However, there is always one personality type that is more dominant, based on your core motivations. This type consists of a set of patterns that have been engrained in you since childhood.
Does your type ever change? Nope. Most Enneagram experts will say that your type emerges from your earliest days as you learn to cope in this world. The patterns and behaviors that make up our personality type are a mixture of nature and nurture. This means that your childhood wounds and continuing life experiences will not cause your type to change; you will just respond within your type. However, we are not static beings. We are changing and growing over time – either toward greater health and integration or toward greater unhealth as we live misaligned with who we were created to be.
Why do I need coaching? Can’t I just take a test and be done with it? Information is not the goal. Transformation is. Knowing your type is really just the beginning if you want more than a label. Working with a coach gives you opportunities to unpack your type and do something meaningful with your newfound information. Since the tests are only about 60% accurate, a coach can ask questions and help you develop a path toward understanding the masterpiece of you, bringing it more fully into the light. If you want to figure out how to relate to others in a deep and meaningful way and you want to better understand the motivations behind the ways that you think, speak, and behave so that it translates into purposeful life change, you need a coach.
Is this therapy or coaching? Coaching and therapy are focused on two different goals. While the two practices may overlap slightly, a general rule is that Enneagram coaching is future-focused. I will help you zero-in on who you are now; we explore your core motivations and make goals to help you grow. Therapy, in contrast, is more focused on healing past wounds. Enneagram coaching can often go hand-in-hand with therapy but it is NOT therapy. I am not a licensed therapist.
How does one-on-one coaching work?
I have an easy four-step coaching process I use:
1 . We have a complimentary call. This is a quick 15-20 minute call to gauge whether or not coaching would be a great fit!
2. We schedule your typing session. You’ll do an assessment as a starting point to begin our coaching relationship. From there, I’ll craft a typing session just for you. We can meet in person if you’re local to Northeast Ohio or via zoom if you’re long-distance.
3. We work together to create your personal growth plan. As you grow in understanding your core fears, desires, weaknesses, and longings, you’ll come alive!
4. We go a little bit deeper. If you decide you really want to dive into your understanding of your personality and create a plan for transformation, we’ll schedule more sessions! Typically a four-session package is the best next step.
I also offer team coaching sessions and all-day workshops/retreats.
