What are they?

 

Students often ask, “How do I discover my Enneagram Type?” Typing Interviews are usually more effective and accurate than written tests because through skillful questioning and dialogue the student’s core or basic motivation is quickly revealed. This can happen in a matter of minutes, or by the end of the session. Once Type has been determined Carl helps the student to explore various aspects of who s/he is, or is not, as the case may be. The system really comes alive when working with an experienced teacher, one who can be a mentor and guide to psychological self-awareness and spiritual development.

 

Typing Interviews offer informed, sensitive and supportive guidance, in a safe and confidential space, that can be useful in easily discovering your Enneagram Type. They can help elucidate the issues the student is dealing with, and clarify the motivations behind past and present choices, behaviors, attitudes, interests, and values. Often, people can narrow down their Type attribution to two or three possibilities after reading a book or two, watching online videos, taking a class, or doing a workshop. But then they can get frustratingly stuck. There is the phenomenon of “wanna be” typing—one would rather be an evolved version of a Type they are not, than a more average version of a Type they actually are. Or there has been imprinting, usually from parents, from childhood. For various reasons one is emulating the personality characteristics of someone else. Perhaps the person is older and more mature, and the Type is worn more lightly and thus difficult to discern. A Typing Interview can be helpful in all of these cases. In some ways it’s similar to a differential diagnosis in medicine, except that we are looking at the person from broader and healthier perspectives. As people do in Transpersonal Psychology, we always make sure to also include the spiritual dimensions of human existence.

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Besides discovering my dominant Type, what else would we look at?

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The sessions are tailored to the student’s interests, issues and prior experience with Enneagram work. We can explore Wings, Stress and Security Points, the Soul Child, Instinctual Stacking and Subtypes, Levels of Development, and much more.   

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Why are tests not enough?

 

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​Enneagram tests in books and online can be, and often are, inaccurate and misleading, because they are focused primarily on the Type’s outward, behavioral manifestations. On the other hand, personalized interviews will try to quickly uncover the basic motivation underlying similar sets of behaviors. For example, if a test asks: “How important is privacy to you?” many Types might answer “Yes!” but for very different reasons. An Achiever or Performer (3) might need some privacy to create their new action plan; a Romantic or Individualist (4) might want some solo time and space to create original art; an Enthusiast or Epicure (7) might want to pull back in order to concentrate, focus and stay grounded; a Protector or Boss (8) might want time and space to consolidate power and move into a place of leadership that benefits themselves and others. A Mediator or Peacemaker (9) might want time and space to find and express their own agenda. These are real differences that need to be differentiated and addressed if accurate results are to be attained. An interview highlights our unconscious blind spots and biases, and fosters a transformative capacity to self-observe and remember our True Nature or Self in daily life. It also highlights our spiritual potential. Enneagram work, whether at the psychological or more spiritual levels, is most effective when you already know your own Type, which becomes the gateway to further, deeper and more comprehensive understandings of the world.   

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How does a Typing Interview work and what types of questions should I expect?

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You only need to bring something to write on, your curiosity, and the desire to grow. Carl will guide you, sensitively, through the process. Some of the more important questions include: “Where does your attention habitually go, and why? What is the strongest and most consistent motivation for doing what you do, and how is that a result of the structure and dynamics of your inner life? How do you tend to get stuck according to Type, and what are some of your Type’s greatest gifts?” People almost always find the experience educational, enjoyable, inspiring and hopeful. Once Type is discovered and explored a bit, some may be ready for follow-up Enneagram Mentoring Sessions to help apply these insights in daily life.

 

What is the cost?

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Typing Interviews cost $175.00 for a 90 minute session, and can be conducted via Zoom or in person.

 

One Typing Interview and two Mentoring Sessions can be bundled for $450.00.  This is a great way to begin the journey of discovering and working with your Type and Subtype.

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For more information or

to schedule a Typing Interview email:

cmarsak@gmail.com

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