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I love IFS, CBT, attachment theory, and narrative work. But the Enneagram has become one of my go-to tools because it’s so accessible. Clients walk out of sessions feeling like they actually understand something meaningful about themselves — and what to do with it.
And yes, there’s real research backing it up. Ian shared about the psychometric rigor behind his Typology Institute assessment, and also gave a shoutout to Dr. Todd Hall’s systemic review of the Enneagram literature. So if you’ve been sitting on the skeptical sidelines, it might be time to dive into the data.
The Enneagram Doesn’t Put You in a Box
One of my favorite moments from our episode was when Ian said this:
“The Enneagram doesn’t put you in a box. It tells you about the box you’re already in — and how to get out of it.”
That, my friend, is why I’m so excited for therapists like you to start using the Enneagram more deeply, more confidently, and more clinically.
The Enneagram doesn’t diagnose. It doesn’t pathologize. It illuminates.
It helps clients recognize their strengths, but also their less-helpful strategies—the ones that might’ve protected them in childhood but now block connection, vulnerability, or self-awareness.
I’ve used it with coaching clients, therapy clients, and couples. And the most consistent feedback I get?
“Finally, someone put into words what I’ve always felt but couldn’t articulate.”
It’s efficient, it deepens insight, and it creates a shared language you can use throughout the treatment process.
More Resources for Therapists
If this got your wheels turning and your therapist heart buzzing, let’s keep the conversation going. Sign up for my weekly newsletter for therapists — it’s where I share fresh ideas, personal insights, and evidence-based strategies to help you grow into the most effective, thriving version of yourself both in the chair and out of it.
You can also connect with me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/drlisabobby — I’d love to hear your take on this episode and how you’re using the Enneagram in your work.
Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
P.S. If this sparked something for you, I bet it’ll do the same for someone else in your circle. Share this with a colleague, supervision group, or your therapist bestie — because great clinicians lift each other up.
Resources:
Hook, J. N., Hall, T. W., Davis, D. E., Van Tongeren, D. R., & Conner, M. (2021). The Enneagram: A systematic review of the literature and directions for future research. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(4), 865-883. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jclp.23097
Huber, D. A. (2023). What’s your type? The relationship between Enneagram personality style and psychiatric diagnosis. https://repository.fit.edu/etd/1520/
Matise, M. (2007). The enneagram: An innovative approach. Journal of professional counseling: Practice, theory & research, 35(1), 38-58. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15566382.2007.12033832
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