Healing & Discovery: How Your Enneagram Type Can Reveal Childhood Wounds and True Desires

College is a time of transformation. You're discovering who you are, what you want, and how your past has shaped your present. One powerful tool for self-awareness is the Enneagram—a personality framework that not only helps you understand your behaviors but also uncovers the deeper motivations and wounds that drive them.

Let’s explore how each Enneagram type can guide you in healing childhood wounds and reconnecting with your authentic desires—with practical healing exercises to support your journey.

Type 1 – The Reformer

• Wound: Feeling only worthy when being “good” or perfect.
• Wounding Message: "It's not ok to make mistakes"
• Desire: To be accepted as you are.
• Healing Exercise:
  ✨ “Messy Art” Practice – Set a timer for 20 minutes and create something without editing or judging it. Let it be imperfect. Reflect on how it felt to let go of control.

Type 2 – The Helper

• Wound: Believing love must be earned through meeting the needs of others.
• Wounding Message: "Your needs are not important"
• Desire: To be loved for simply being.
• Healing Exercise:
  💌 Self-Love Letter – Write a letter to yourself as if from someone who loves you deeply. Focus on who you are, not what you do.

Type 3 – The Achiever

• Wound: Feeling valued only for success.
• Wounding Message: "Your achievements are what are important"
• Desire: To be seen for your true self, not the mask you put on to please others.
• Healing Exercise:
  🪞 Mirror Affirmations – Each morning, look in the mirror and say three affirmations that have nothing to do with achievement (e.g., “I am enough just as I am”).

Type 4 – The Individualist

• Wound: Feeling emotionally misunderstood or unseen.
• Wounding Message: "Your emotions are not welcome"
• Desire: To be deeply known and connected. To feel special.
• Healing Exercise:
  🎨 Emotion Collage – Use magazine clippings, colors, or drawings to express your current emotional state. No words—just feeling. Then journal about what came up.

Type 5 – The Investigator

• Wound: Feeling emotionally overwhelmed by their environment. Feeling as if their needs are a burden to others.
• Wounding Message: "Your presence is a problem"
• Desire: To feel secure and capable and knowledgeable.
• Healing Exercise:
  📖 Voice Journal – Record yourself talking about your feelings instead of writing them. This helps bridge the gap between your inner world and emotional expression.

Type 6 – The Loyalist

• Wound: Growing up in unpredictability or fear.
• Wounding Message: "Never be too sure of yourself"
• Desire: To feel safe and supported.
• Healing Exercise:
  🧘 Grounding Ritual – Each morning, place your hand on your heart and say, “I am safe. I trust myself.” Pair this with deep breathing or a short meditation.

Type 7 – The Enthusiast

• Wound: Avoiding pain by chasing pleasure.
• Wounding Message: "You can't depend on others"
• Desire: To experience joy without escaping discomfort.
• Healing Exercise:
  🌧️ Sit with Sadness – Set a timer for 10 minutes. Sit quietly and allow any uncomfortable feelings to surface. Journal what you notice without trying to fix it.

Type 8 – The Challenger

• Wound: Feeling the need to be strong to survive.
• Wounding Message: "Never let your guard down"
• Desire: To be vulnerable and loved.
• Healing Exercise:
  🤝 Safe Sharing Circle – Choose one trusted friend and share something vulnerable. Let them respond without interruption. Practice receiving support.

Type 9 – The Peacemaker

• Wound: Feeling overlooked or unimportant.
• Wounding Message: "Your voice doesn't matter"
• Desire: To be heard and live with purpose.
• Healing Exercise:
  📣 Voice Activation – Each day, speak one truth out loud (to yourself or someone else). It could be as simple as “I don’t want that” or “I need a break.”

Why This Matters in College

College is more than academics—it's a time to rewrite your story. Understanding your Enneagram type can help you:

• Break patterns that no longer serve you
• Heal emotional wounds that still echo from childhood
• Discover your true desires and live with intention



Whether you're journaling, in therapy, or just having deep conversations with friends, the Enneagram can be a mirror and a map. It shows you where you've been—and where you’re meant to go.

College is not the only time for self discovery. It is never too late to learn more about yourself and focus on your true desires in life. Don't let your no yesterday keep you from saying yes to healing today!

Want to learn more about yourself and the Enneagram? Join us at Connected Counseling, located in Carmel, IN to start your journey of healing and discovery! Have more questions? Reach out to us here!