Enneagram Type 8
The Enneagram is such a powerful tool to use in therapy or Enneagram coaching. When my clients find their correct type and resonate with the work of that type, it accelerates their self-awareness and self-growth. The Enneagram acts like a mirror and a compass. My clients can see the good, the bad, and the ugly AND understand what’s keeping them stuck. They learn how to break the cycles that are keeping them stuck and preventing them from thriving. If you study the Enneagram, you know that it goes SO MUCH deeper than what a small blog or social media post can describe. You may relate or not relate to everything in this slide. If you believe you’re this type and there are elements that don’t fit, look at the subtypes. The Enneagram is just as complex as the humans it represents. Keep that in mind, and here are some basics about Enneagram Type 8.
Type 8
Core Emotion: Anger (Externalizing)
Filter: Sees that something terrible has happened and they must fix it
Energetics: Big, powerful, strong
Traits: Gregarious, big personality, ‘in your face’, motivator, protector, leader, comfortable / likes being in the spotlight, intense, work hard / play hard, lust for vices
Values: Directness, meeting goals, honesty, loyalty
Childhood: Learned early on that weakness is vulnerability and they must protect themselves and others. Often took care of or protected a parent, sibling, friend or pet.
Not afraid to: Tell you like it is, take action, be in conflict, take control
Hard for them to: Be vulnerable, let go of control, not feel responsible for protecting others they feel are weak, stop working (can be workaholics)
Common Experiences For Type 8’s
Having a lot of motivation, know-how, and energy to get things done.
Being frustrated when they can’t get others on board with their vision
Being frustrated when they’ve taught someone how to do something and that person isn’t taking the lead
Caring a ton about the people in their inner circle, especially those that need help or are vulnerable in some way
Being surprised that others find them intimidating
Avoiding the feeling of weakness or vulnerability
Feeling like their job is to protect others and take on responsibility or hardship because others aren’t capable of it
Desiring closeness and to not be so strong all the time, yet vulnerability feels terrible and it’s challenging to find someone ‘strong enough’ to trust
Enneagram 8 Trauma Response
Seeks Safety Through Self-Reliance and Avoiding Vulnerability
Believe that they are the only ones who will keep themselves and others safe
Abandoning self-care needs and living in intensity all of the time
Coping with trauma could look like fighting for and seeking out people or causes that need protecting and intensely overworking to protect or advocate to the point of self-abandonment
Working too much, never resting, and never taking breaks. May create more intensity on planned breaks instead of focusing on rest and restoring
Living so much in the present moment that choices are made without consideration for future consequences
Impulsivity, intensity, and thrill seeking. Living life on the edge without consideration of impact on self and others
Rely on crassness, bravado, and control to avoid vulnerability and feelings of weakness
Practicing vulnerability feels downright unsafe
Letting their guard down is like opening up to being attacked with your belly shown
Showing weakness or vulnerability is avoided at all costs
Engaging in dominating and controlling behavior to avoid vulnerability
Isolates, withdraws, and may cut off contact with others when the demands are too much
Can feel at war with the world and rally themselves and others to be tougher
Holding a core belief that others might try to control them if they let their guard down
No matter where you are in your Enneagram journey, working with an Enneagram therapist will help you create the kind of change you desire in your life. It will help you understand and remove the barriers that your type is creating to having the kind of love and relationships that you want. My goal is for you to walk away from therapy with confidence and a feeling of empowerment. I will help you get clarity on what you need to do to grow into the healthiest version of your type. Our Enneagram work and trauma work is never really fully complete, but Enneagram therapy can help you gain clarity on what you need to heal.
If you are ready to get started, the first step to working together is to schedule a free 20 minute phone 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 phone 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.