How to Type Yourself on the Enneagram Without Relying on a Test
Written by Hanna B. Woody, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and certified Enneagram Teacher
When I teach Enneagram workshops or have a client that wants to use the Enneagram for their self-growth, I frequently get asked “How do I know what type I am?" It’s an important question that’s generally followed by “Is there a test I can take?" Yes, there are tests you can take, but even the really good ones are frequently inaccurate. My clients who take these tests often end up confused about their results and don’t know if they should believe the test. My advice is don’t let a test tell you who you are. Read about all 9 types and type yourself from there. Your Enneagram test results might be a good place to start, but don’t let it end there.
It’s common for people to relate to all of the Enneagram types. We have all nine of the types in us to some extent so this makes sense. But your Enneagram type is more like a core wound that causes consistent suffering than a simple set of personality traits. Two people can have very similar personality traits and behaviors, but the motivation and internal processes behind them are very different. For example, both 8’s and 3’s can have vibrant, intense personalities. They are both types that tend to work very hard and get a lot done. They both can work themselves to the point of exhaustion because they keep going until the task they want to achieve is done. Both types tend to be skilled at persuading, leading, and motivating others. 8’s and 3’s share an uncanny ability to achieve what seems impossible to others.
The motivation for these behaviors in 8’s is rooted in a desire to have control, to protect others by being strong and knowing what to do, and to protect themselves by not allowing the vulnerability and feelings of weakness that show up when they slow down. For 3’s on the other hand, these behaviors are rooted in a desire to perform well and do what is expected of them. The persistent striving and hard work that is required for achieving is rooted in a desire to win worthiness and avoid the core belief that they are without worth unless they are achieving. Very different motivations and internal processes! Both 8’s and 3’s may feel restless and anxious when they slow down, but the internal reasons for this are incredibly different.
So, if you can’t trust your test results and you relate to multiple types, how do you know which type you are? There are internal reactions and responses when you have your type right.
Here are some of the signs that you’ve got your type right:
Feelings of “Yikes, ick! I don’t want to be this one!” It’s totally normal and expected to not feel great about your type. Learning your type can feel like seeing yourself fully, including the parts of yourself that you don’t like. Cultivating self-compassion is an essential practice in Enneagram work.
Feelings of vulnerability. It can be unnerving to learn your type. Many people feel like someone is reading their journal out loud to them.
Feelings of being exposed. You may feel nervous that others might see the things you don’t like about yourself. You may worry that you are unintentionally having a negative impact on others.
You get a feeling of resonance in your gut or in the core of your body.
The work of the type seems substantially difficult or impossible. Imagining doing the work of your type may feel like it requires you to go against the grain of who you are. It may even feel terrifying. For example, a type 9 learning that they must get more comfortable with conflict is an overwhelming and scary thing.
Feelings of being seen and understood. This can feel like “Finally someone gets it!”
Relief that it’s not just you and that there’s something to do about your suffering. Knowing that there are others out there exactly like you, suffering with the same kinds of things, can relieve a feeling that there's something wrong with you. It can also feel relieving to know that there is a pathway forward.
Signs that you might have your type wrong:
When you first learn your type, you believe that you have already “overcome” the majority of the fixated traits of your type without having had to do substantial self-work to get there. Enneagram work is not easy work. The core features of your type show up across your lifetime and take a lot of intention and effort to unravel.
The work of the type seems doable and could potentially be done with ease. Say, for instance, that you believe you are a type 2 because you are kind and generous with others. You enjoy helping. Even if it disappoints or makes people dislike you, saying no to others and putting your needs first does not elicit strong resistance or deep fear. It seems difficult, but achievable. You might not be a 2.
There’s only a couple of things you strongly relate to about the type. For example, “I really enjoy taking in new information and collecting data. I’m pretty intellectual, I must be a 5.” Many types could relate to the statement above. 9’s, 7’s, 6’s, and 1’s for example. This is a big reason why it’s important to learn about all of the types and assess for yourself which ones resonate with what you know to be true about yourself.
You feel great about being your type. If you’ve learned about the shadow and negative traits of your type and feel unperturbed by it, you might not be that type. I’m talking about how you feel about yourself on the inside, not what you portray to others. All of us shield ourselves from vulnerability to some extent by not allowing others to see our full selves, so pay attention to your inner narrative and go with the type that feels most true to who you know you are.
What Enneagram tests are the best for typing?
While there are lots of Enneagram tests available online, it’s common to get inaccurate results. The Enneagram is just as dynamic and complex as the humans it represents. Tests do not account for change across your lifetime, subtypes, energetics, or movement to your stress and growth points. Some types answer test questions similarly even though their core motivation is different. The point is, don’t let a test tell you who you are. The best way to type yourself is to read about all 9 Enneagram types and assess which ones resonate with you the most.
The tests I recommend were developed by Enneagram experts with decades of experience. The following two tests come from slightly different traditions of the Enneagram. You may get completely different results from each.
This test developed by the Chestnut Paes Enneagram Academy is a free micro test. Their teaching places a lot of emphasis on subtypes which is really important. In my work with clients I also lean heavily on sub-type work.
This test was developed by Don Riso and Russ Hudson and is available through the Enneagram Institute.
The point of the Enneagram is for self-growth and self-development. All 9 types have incredible gifts and strengths. This is especially true when you challenge yourself with the work of your type. All 9 types have unique ways of suffering and getting in their own way. Meaningfully identifying your type is the first step in this work. Learn more about the Enneagram and the 9 types.
The Enneagram is the most powerful tool I have come across to implement personal change. Working with an Enneagram specialist can help you get clear on how to do the work of your Enneagram type. My goal is for my clients to walk away from sessions feeling more in touch with their self-worth and more confident in their ability to give themselves what they need. Learn more about working with Hanna using the Enneagram in therapy or coaching here.
The first step to working together is to schedule a free 20 minute consultation. Investing your time, money, and emotional energy into therapy or coaching is a big deal. It’s an investment in yourself and your wellbeing. It’s important that you make this investment with trust and confidence that working together is a good fit. This is why I offer a 20 minute consultation. During this time we can identify your needs and answer any questions that you have about working together.
Hanna Woody is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Asheville, North Carolina. She has over 12 years of professional counseling experience and specializes in breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma, childhood trauma, and the Enneagram. Certified in the Embodiment Tradition, she has over 150 hours of training and teaching experience. Hanna is in private practice and provides online mental health therapy, Enneagram coaching, and Enneagram training.
Therapy in Asheville, Raleigh, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro and all North Carolina regions.
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