Part 2: The Enneagram in Therapy (What It Looks Like in the Room)

About this episode

This episode explores the practical application of the Enneagram in therapy, emphasizing self-awareness and emotional regulation.

In Part 2 of our conversation on using the Enneagram in therapy, we move from theory to lived experience in the room. Anthony and I discuss how type can be understood as an adaptive survival strategy shaped by early attachment and trauma—and how that framing reduces shame instead of reinforcing it. We talk about what it looks like when the Enneagram is actually working in session: increased self-observation, greater emotional regulation, and more compassion. As a therapist, your type doesn't clock out when the session starts, so we dig into the importance of self-awareness and countertransference, explore how the Enneagram can either heal or harm in couples work, depending on whether it increases curiosity or contempt. Whether you're a clinician or someone doing your own inner work, this episode invites you to hold the Enneagram lightly—and people reverently. When it's used well, it doesn't replace therapy. It deepens it. ============================================== Download the free Therapist Discussion & Reflection Guide Check out the Typology Institute Enneagram Assessment Follow Ian on social at @ianmorgancron and @typologypodcast

Topics covered

• Enneagram
• therapy
• self-awareness
• emotional regulation
• attachment
• trauma

Keywords

• self-observation
• compassion
• countertransference
• couples work

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Enneagram, Therapist Discussion & Reflection Guide, Typology Institute Enneagram Assessment

More episodes of Typology

• Courageous Conversations: How to Say What Needs to Be Said – Without Blowing It Up · April 23, 2026 · 37 min
• Courageous Conversations: How Your Conflict Style Shapes Every Difficult Conversation · April 16, 2026 · 56 min
• Courageous Conversations: Why We Struggle to Ask for What We Want (and How to Change It) with Attia Qureshi · April 9, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Courageous Conversations: The Inner Work that Builds Confidence · April 2, 2026 · 58 min
• Replay: When the Life You Built Breaks Open w/Jen Hatmaker · March 26, 2026 · 52 min
• Feeling Different? A Deep Dive into the Enneagram 4 Experience with Dudley Delffs · March 19, 2026 · 49 min