so we can do the things He planned for us long ago.
you are the only you there has ever been or ever will be.
WHAT IS THE ENNEAGRAM?
The Enneagram is simply a word built from the Greek words ennea=nine and gramma=symbol. The shape above is a visual representation of nine stances, or views towards self and others, we as humans can take in the world. The lines show the interconnected nature and movements between these points of view. I will help explain the symbol during our initial session, but know it is a visual touch-point for understanding the nine types of personalities and how they are connected.
Perhaps you’ve heard someone familiar with the Enneagram say “I’m an Eight,” or “I’m a Nine with a One Wing” or “I’m a Self-Pres Five.” Why numbers? What are the additional descriptive terms? I will explain these shades of the primary nine “colors” during our sessions, but the framework for this numbering system is nine identified “Enneatypes” – given numbers to avoid confusion but remain neutral – which represent nine separate and unique sets of motivation (core need), shadow (ego-fixation), childhood wound, coping strategy, passion (or deadly sin), holy ideal and virtue. We all have portions of all nine types in our make-up; however only one will become your well-worn path, your knee jerk reaction, your unconscious default, your pattern. This is the number you then “identify” as but, as we will discuss, this is a mixture of both confirmation-bias and genuine you-ness.
Think of it as nine archetypical stories we tell ourselves in childhood that help us to find meaning, identity and survival in our young world, but which may have gotten distorted along the way, no longer fit us, or perhaps never were true in the first place.
Once we move past representational symbols and numbers, we discover in the Enneagram ancient wisdom that integrates with modern psycho-dynamic theory, cognitive, behavioral and humanistic approaches in therapy, and a Christian worldview of creation, fall, redemption & restoration – addressing the body, mind, heart & spirit. The Enneagram is not a faith system, belief or practice; but rather a tool for growth, awareness, insight, healing, empathy and compassion. Beginning within yourself, it can illuminate your interactions and relationships with yourself, family, friends, work colleagues, and faith.
This invitation is less about depriving the self, and more about disowning, or renouncing a relationship with the part of ourself that is not what God created us to be. – Marilyn Vancil
In moments of unknowing, when you stand at a crossroads – thrilling or difficult – wisdom gleaned from the Enneagram can help guide you away from your false self and towards your complete self and your Creator’s purpose for you. We hate the unknown, we fight lack of control, we run from suffering, we numb our experiences, we lie to ourselves, we blame others. In short, we enjoy our well-worn roads even if they are leading us in circles. When we tire of these loops or we realize they are leading us away from peace, joy, contentment, and belonging, we often go to The Quick Fix. A+B+C=Tah-Dah! Formulas entice but they rarely deliver. The Enneagram will direct and guide you to the work necessary, but it will neither be formulaic or easy. It’s less Tah-Dah and more Ah-Ha (and sometimes Ouch). It will be part of your unique story that involves a history that belongs only to you and a future that is of your choosing. Seeing your story in light of the Enneagram can guide you to know and trust your own voice, awaken you to your gifting and faults, recognize self-imposed limitations, and lead you back to your truest, most integrated self. It is my hope that the Enneagram can be a map, leading you home to your sacred purpose in the larger story surrounding us all.
Unlike many other personality typing systems, the Enneagram is both dynamic and complex. While a person will never change their core type, we are ever-changing beings, and the typology of the Enneagram reflects that our levels of integration and balance will shift depending on stress, security, health, awareness, and other factors. Myers-Briggs, Strength Finders and other fixed personality systems are excellent for understanding behaviors and temperaments, but the Enneagram sheds light on what lies beneath, our unconscious motives and beliefs that we unknowingly live out in daily life. Instead of a box that allows us to dismiss others or limit ourselves, when the Enneagram is rightly applied, we are given an invitation and opportunity to grow – both in empathy & appreciation for others and compassion & honesty with our self.
The Enneagram is exploding in popularity around the world. While this can be a gift to many, its wisdom can also be reduced to memes and simplified typing based on behaviors. It is fun but sophomoric to simply run through our social circles tagging one another with numbers for entertainment. Recognizing that our mask-making tendencies are influenced by nature, nurture and family systems, the Enneagram typology is based on motive. Therefore, the question we ask is not “What do I do?” but rather “Why do I do it?” Looking to our core motivations and wounds may at first feel uncomfortable and vulnerable, causing us to shrink from exposure or armor up for defense. But in a space of honesty and openness, we can begin the difficult but healing journey to finding who the Divine created each of us uniquely to be. Stepping backwards and forwards simultaneously, you will discover who you were before the world told you who you should be.
GETTING STARTED
The Enneagram is a useful guide on your journey towards self-development, relationship building, conflict resolution & improvement of team dynamics.
- Integrative Enneagram Solutions -
Discover your number
on the Enneagram.
You will begin with the Integrative Enneagram (iEQ9) online inventory questionnaire followed by an initial session to understand the Enneagram system and begin exploring your type in light of your personal story. As your coach I will share additional insight gathered from the questionnaire, shedding light on your unique "shade" as it relates to the Enneagram archetype of your number.
Explore your number
and relational style.
In this session you will continue to uncover the hidden components and unconscious motivations that can influence your thoughts, actions, and feelings. From an understanding of your type and personal experiences, your weaknesses and strengths will be explored to uncover how they may be impacting your life, relationships, and faith.
Embrace your true identity and know yourself. Shed the mask.
"Persona" is derived from the Greek word "mask". Our personalities are often masks that have served us in the past but now only hinder us from being fully ourselves. In this session we will discuss your masks and the skills needed to find freedom to embrace your true self and grace to appreciate others.
Additional sessions
available upon request.
SESSIONS
Sessions begin with the iEQ9 Questionnaire & Report
Standard Report
The iEQ9 Standard Report provides insight regarding your Enneagram type, wings, lines of integration, types stacking, instinctual subtypes, strain-stress levels and interaction & conflict styles. You will receive your report and will be able to begin reading in preparation for our initial session. The iEQ9 is a wealth of information I will help you unpack in layers during our time together.
($60 value)
Professional Report
The iEQ9 Professional Report incorporates all elements of the Standard Report plus additional insight on communication dynamics and strategies for working with other Enneagram types. This information can shed light on struggles or conflicts you may be experiencing in your personal or work relationships, and is helpful in elevating your self-awareness in these areas.
($120 value)
While the iEQ9 Questionnaire & Report can be purchased online, DO NOT ORDER IT DIRECTLY. As an accredited practitioner with Integrative Enneagram Solutions (Integrative9), I am able to place the order and send a link directly to your e-mail. This allows me access to your iEQ9 Coach’s Companion, an invaluable resource of additional measurements & insights I will reference during our sessions.
An important component of my coaching approach is the Integrative Enneagram Solution’s iEQ9 Questionnaire & Report. Many of the current Enneagram tests available are limited and often mistype (measuring behaviors only). Because of this I have always been cautious of any sort of testing for Enneatypes, preferring the narrative tradition. While I still incorporate narrative style work in sessions with clients, I learned of the iEQ9 by way of Enneagram teacher and expert Dr. Beatrice Chestnut. When asked if there is any test available that accurately types for the Enneagram, Dr. Chestnut answered that the only one she has found to be consistently accurate is the iEQ9. Used throughout Europe & Asia and just recently arriving to our shores, the iEQ9 questionnaire and coaching practice combines the ancient wisdom of the Enneagram with modern psychology and cutting edge technology. The iEQ9 is highly respected and used in both coaching and licensed therapeutic work.
The iEQ9 Questionnaire is unique in that it is responsive and dynamic – after a foundational number of questions are asked, the program begins responding to your answers, asking questions that further clarify or flesh out areas that perhaps have two or more close outcomes. Along with a 95% accuracy rating, this questionnaire also helps determine Instinctual Sub-types, Dominant Wings, Hornavian Interaction Styles, Integration Level, Harmonic Conflict Styles and additional number stacking.
A link for an iEQ9 Questionnaire will be sent directly to your e-mail when you sign up for any of my coaching sessions. The cost is simply included in each package price to allows me, as an accredited practitioner with the Integrative Enneagram, access to additional diagnostic information and details from your report. Additional information on the iEQ9 can also be found at their website https://www.integrative9.com
Personal
Discovery
Are you ready for change, or has change found you? Do you desire insight to your past or growth for your future? These personal one-on-one sessions to learn and discuss your Enneatype will be a launching point for new understanding & appreciation for yourself and the unique ways you perceive, interpret, & relate to the world.
New
Beginnings
The perfect investment or gift for the graduate or young adult stepping into their next adventure, this assessment and personal one-time session will equip any young adult for the coming changes and challenges of adulthood with increased self-awareness, groundedness, and an appreciation of the gifts they have to offer the world.
Marriage & Relationships
You love each other! But how well do you understand each other? These sessions will provide any committed, engaged, or married couple a foundation of understanding & insight; discovering together how you each communicate & interpret information, navigate stress & conflict, and express love & connection in differing ways. This package includes reports with insight for you as individuals as well as together as a couple.
+ Couples Report
Working
Together
Sessions are available for business groups or leadership teams. Incorporating individual Professional iEQ9 questionnaires, group instruction, and individual and/or group sessions, we will explore the dynamics of your team with tailored strategies and insights based on your Enneatypes to create awareness and raise emotional intelligence for a mutually supportive and thriving work environment.
Contact for pricing
Events &
Retreats
Michelle is available to teach or lead discussions on the Enneagram at your event or retreat. She has years of experience teaching in both the academic and church setting, and is able to tailor her focus to your specific group's needs. As a trained Precept Bible study leader Michelle is also equipped to present a hybrid of Enneagram and Biblical teaching for spiritual development and growth.
Contact for pricing
What people are saying...
It was fun and informative to learn more about myself through the enneagram. Michelle made it approachable & engaging!
– Alyssa
I am 74 years old, yet gained insight that makes lots of my interactions and emotional reactions make more sense!
– Barb
So many a-ha’s at how accurate the enneagram assessments were – we could really use the couple’s assessment to better understand each other. A+ for Michelle! She did a great job of walking us through them & we really enjoyed it!
– Dan & Meredith
I feel more secure in my own inner guidance, and can trust my own judgments. Thanks Michelle!
– Workshop attendee
In the months following her workshops, requests for Michelle’s handouts have continued to come. This is uncommon, and a sign that interest in her material was higher than even the number of people who could attend.
– Jennifer, workshop host
Michelle’s teaching opened up a whole new level of conversation between everyone who attended. The conversations continued all weekend as we reflected on and applied what she had shared.
– Retreat attendee
least of all the ones we cherish about ourselves.
My Enneagram Story
Michelle Whalen is an accredited Integrative Enneagram Coach and Consultant based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Believing that everyone has intrinsic worthiness & purpose, and with over 20 years experience in both speaking & teaching, she is a grounded, knowledgeable, and supportive coach.