Dr. Cochran: The Enneagram

Many of you have probably heard of, or read about, the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a very old system of
personality nomenclature that many lay claim to originating, and others have written authoritatively about.
Having said that, no one owns exclusive rights to the information - like any other form of knowledge it really
belongs to us all.

I have found the Enneagram a very useful tool both in understanding individuals and relationships.
Relationship of course exists everywhere in our daily lives, at home, at work, at school; relationship is one
of the most challenging of all adult developmental tasks.

I have written some descriptions of Enneagram types and you may use this information to help you determine
your Enneagram Home Point. Remember, we all have the entire Enneagram within us but there are some
specific habits of attention that we seem to cluster our energy around. This is the key to the self selection process.

You will note that each point on the Enneagram has a 'Heart Point', 'Stress Point' and 'Wings', there is also a section
called 'Body Center'. Briefly, the 'Heart Point' is where one goes in matters of strong positive feeling, such as love.
The 'Stress Point' is where one goes when one is frightened or unhappy. The 'Wings' are the points on either side
of the Home Point that influence ones ability to express the nature of the Home Point. One may lean toward one
wing or the other, use both interchangeably or seemingly have no wings at all. The Body Center is where one most
easily receives information - Intellectually (the head), Emotionally (the heart) and Intuitively (the belly).

If you would like a private consultation to help you determine your Enneagram type or you wish to discuss the
Enneagram and how it affects the relationships in your life, please call 408.358.1955 and make a telephone
or 'in-person' appointment with Dr. Margaret Cochran, MS MSW LCSW ACSW.

Roll over one the following nine descriptions and click on which one fits you best: