Type 8
Let's Talk About Eights
Jim Jennings, Ph.D.
If you’re willing to listen, I’m willing to talk. I’m an Eight. Funny thing about being an Eight. If I meet a group of Enneagram aficionados and state my type when asked, I’m often met with a somewhat defensive, stand-offish reaction. “Uh-oh! I’d better be careful. You’re an Eight.” I guess they’ve heard that while the passion or vice of the Eight is lust, the problem of Eight’s (for others) is anger.
Ones struggle to be in control and strive mightily to do what’s “right” (as they understand what’s right). They deal with anger by never being angry. Ones get upset when other people, circumstances, whatever - forces them to lose it. Ones perceive the source of their anger coming from outside themselves. They find anger to be an alien, distressing emotion.
Jim Jennings, Ph.D.
If you’re willing to listen, I’m willing to talk. I’m an Eight. Funny thing about being an Eight. If I meet a group of Enneagram aficionados and state my type when asked, I’m often met with a somewhat defensive, stand-offish reaction. “Uh-oh! I’d better be careful. You’re an Eight.” I guess they’ve heard that while the passion or vice of the Eight is lust, the problem of Eight’s (for others) is anger.
Ones struggle to be in control and strive mightily to do what’s “right” (as they understand what’s right). They deal with anger by never being angry. Ones get upset when other people, circumstances, whatever - forces them to lose it. Ones perceive the source of their anger coming from outside themselves. They find anger to be an alien, distressing emotion.
Eights in Psychotherapy
Carolyn Bartlett
Presentation in Therapy
• Many Eights have a big energy and a noticeable intensity
• They are usually forthright and direct
• Can play Good Mother or Good Father roles and be protective and nurturing
• May be confrontational and demanding; can readily shift into anger and blame
• Self-referencing; may positively spin their own behavior
• In relationships they can be controlling and sometimes overwhelming
• In conflict, they can seem to have amnesia for their own past behavior; at other times they can be ruthlessly hard on themselves.
• Substance abuse may evolve from excessively enjoying sensory pleasure combined with their need to deny their underlying pain and vulnerability.
Healthy Eights are magnanimous, sharing their power and energy in a community spirit. They are natural leaders who want the best for everybody and act from high ethical values. They are also unguarded, allowing themselves to share the tender side of their heart.
Presentation in Therapy
• Many Eights have a big energy and a noticeable intensity
• They are usually forthright and direct
• Can play Good Mother or Good Father roles and be protective and nurturing
• May be confrontational and demanding; can readily shift into anger and blame
• Self-referencing; may positively spin their own behavior
• In relationships they can be controlling and sometimes overwhelming
• In conflict, they can seem to have amnesia for their own past behavior; at other times they can be ruthlessly hard on themselves.
• Substance abuse may evolve from excessively enjoying sensory pleasure combined with their need to deny their underlying pain and vulnerability.
Healthy Eights are magnanimous, sharing their power and energy in a community spirit. They are natural leaders who want the best for everybody and act from high ethical values. They are also unguarded, allowing themselves to share the tender side of their heart.
