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In this episode ofThe Narrative Tradition Podcast, hostJeanette van Stijn interviewsPeter O’Hanrahan, a leading authority on theEmbodied Enneagram.
With a career spanning over46 years in body therapy and Enneagram education, Peter has played a pivotal role in integratingsomatic psychology with the Enneagram.
From his early work incrisis intervention to hisdeep dive into holistic bodywork, Peter shares how hispersonal transformation as a Type Eight led him to develop abody-based approach to Enneagram work.
He discusses thehistorical roots of body therapy, his training inReichian bodywork, and how he merged this knowledge with the Enneagram after encounteringHelen Palmer, David Daniels, and Kathleen Speeth.
Peter why he saw the need to develop aholistic, embodied approach that addresses bothemotional and physical holding patterns.
He also shareshow different Enneagram types respond to body-based work and theimportance of balancing containment with emotional expression.
This episode is essential forcoaches, therapists, and Enneagram practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of howthe body holds our patterns, defenses, and potential for healing.
Key Takeaways
🔹The Origins of the Embodied Enneagram – How Peter’s background in body-based therapy led to integrating somatics with the Enneagram.
🔹Why Talk Therapy Alone Isn’t Enough – The role ofbody armor, emotional containment, and physical release in deep transformation.
🔹How Each Enneagram Type Holds Tension Differently – Why some types needdirect challenge (Eights) while others needgentle trust-building (Fives).
🔹The Role of Emotional Expression – Why simply sensing the body isn’t enough—true transformation requiressafe, guided expression.
🔹The Pitfalls of having a Great Method
🗣️"The Enneagram is not just about psychology; it’s about how our character structure is literally shaped in the body." – Peter O’Hanrahan
🗣️"For years, Enneagram teachers focused on the mind and emotions. But the body has a memory of its own, and if we ignore it, we miss a huge part of the healing process." – Peter O’Hanrahan
🗣️"I was very happy for about two months… and then the other shoe dropped. There was a lot of work to be done."
🗣️"Different Enneagram types have different physical defenses—anger, withdrawal, control. The body holds it all."
🗣️"Some things need to be discharged from the body—breathing issues, emotional repression, deep-seated tension. It’s not just about self-awareness; it’s about release."
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Trauma and the Enneagram: A Crucial Intersection
In the latest episode of The Narrative Tradition Podcast, we explore further the critical intersection between trauma and personality structure with Sharon K. Ball.
The conversation highlights how trauma influences personality structures and why understanding trauma is essential for therapists, coaches, and Enneagram practitioners.
Whether you're a therapist working with trauma or an Enneagram teacher or coach helping clients navigate their inner world, this episode is packed with insights that will transform your understanding of personal healing and growth.
“Some patterns we see in the Enneagram are not just type-related—they
are trauma responses.” – Sharon K. Ball
Many trauma therapists already understand that healing cannot happen through words alone.
Trauma-informed Enneagram work allows practitioners to differentiate between type structure and unresolved trauma, offering clients a deeper level of healing.
Big T and Little t Trauma
A crucial discussion in the episode is the differentiation between Big T and Little t trauma:
* Big T trauma includes extreme events such as war, natural disasters, or abuse.
* Little t trauma refers to more subtle, chronic experiences such as emotional neglect, unhealthy relationship patterns, or societal discrimination.
Many individuals fail to recognize their own trauma because they compare their experiences to more severe cases.
As Sharon explains, trauma is not only psychological but also physical, affecting the nervous system and shaping behavior over time.
Takeaways
🔹 Recognize trauma responses vs. type patterns – Not all reactions are “just the personality.”
🔹 Use the body as a diagnostic tool – Where a person holds tension can reveal hidden emotional wounds.
🔹 Understand ‘big T’ vs. ‘little t’ trauma and stress – Even subtle life experiences can shape the way we relate to others.
🔹 Emphasize co-regulation – Trauma healing requires another human being walking alongside us.
Trauma isolates us. Healing reconnects us.” – Sharon K. Ball
Masterclass: Healing Trauma, Repairing Relationships
Sharon will expand on these topics in a three-day masterclass at the Enneagram Europe Summer School. The workshop will cover:
* Identifying different types of trauma.
* Distinguishing trauma responses from Enneagram type patterns.
* Understanding how trauma is stored in the nervous system.
* Practical tools for trauma healing.
Sharon’s approach integrates both theoretical knowledge and experiential exercises to help participants apply trauma-informed practices in their personal and professional lives.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this conversation, Sharon K. Ball discusses her book 'Reclaiming You', which explores the intersection of trauma recovery and the Enneagram. She emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma before applying the Enneagram, sharing her personal journey and how the Enneagram has transformed her both personally and professionally. The discussion highlights the role of storytelling in therapy and the significance of authenticity in overcoming personal challenges.Sound Bites"It made me a better therapist.""I became a human being and not that human doer.""I was just so wore out from pleasing everyone."KeywordsEnneagram, trauma recovery, resilience, personal growth, storytelling, mental health, psychological approaches, compassionate inquiry, narrative tradition, self-discovery.Takeaways
Understanding trauma is essential before applying the Enneagram. The Enneagram can aid in trauma recovery by providing insights into personal responses. Sharon's journey with the Enneagram began at a Richard Rohr conference. The importance of compassionate inquiry in therapeutic settings. How crisis can lead to personal growth and authenticity. Self-compassion is crucial for therapists to connect with clients. The Enneagram helps in understanding different responses to similar traumas. Sharon emphasizes the need for safety and security in trauma recovery. The Narrative Tradition focuses on storytelling as a healing tool. Personal experiences shape professional practices in therapy. -
Keywords
Enneagram Summer School, Systemic Work, Family Constellations, Narrative Tradition, Mr. Gurdjieff, personal growth, Teaching Team, coaching, transformation, embodiment.
In this conversation, Jeanette and Peter, explore with Islam Abokandil the profound impact of the Enneagram on personal growth and its application in various contexts, including organizational settings and family systems. They discuss the importance of time in learning, the holistic nature of the Enneagram, and the significance of support in personal development. Islam shares his journey with the Enneagram, highlighting its transformative power and the need for deeper understanding beyond cookie-cutter solutions. The discussion emphasizes the Enneagram as a system that integrates various aspects of human experience, inviting listeners to engage in their own personal work.
Takeaways
The Enneagram is a holistic system, not a tool. The Enneagram offers a deep understanding of personal motives. Personal growth requires time and commitment. Systemic work enhances the application of the Enneagram. Support from others is crucial in personal development. Embodiment practices are essential for transformation. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and requires patience. Teaching the Enneagram can change lives and organizations. Connection with oneself leads to positive outcomes. -
🎙️ New Episode Alert: Enneagram in the Narrative Tradition Podcast – Part 2 with Ginger Lapid-Bogda
"Ethics and Integrity in Enneagram Teaching"
In this highly anticipated follow-up episode, we continue our captivating conversation with the incredible Ginger Lapid-Bogda, diving even deeper into her invaluable perspectives on the Enneagram.
🌟 Highlights from Part 2:
Ginger reflects on the legacies of Don Riso and Claudio Naranjo, emphasizing their concerns about ethics, superficialization and the commercialization of the Enneagram. The rise of Enneagram tests: the good, the bad, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their accuracy and application. The importance of deep learning versus superficial knowledge in teaching and practicing the Enneagram. Why in-person training and community support remain essential for true inner work and growth. Ginger shares personal stories from her extensive experience, offering wisdom, humor, and a heartfelt call to preserve the depth and integrity of the Enneagram.This episode also offers a glimpse into Ginger’s role at the upcoming European Summer School, where she joins forces with Peter and Jeanette to provide immersive and transformative Enneagram learning experiences.
💡 A Thought to Reflect On:
“The Enneagram is bigger than any of us.” – A timeless reminder from Don Riso, echoed by Ginger in this episode.Tune in to discover why Ginger’s teaching and storytelling continue to inspire Enneagram enthusiasts worldwide.
🎧 Listen now and share your thoughts!
📩 Connect with us: [email protected]✨ Educating ✨ Inspiring ✨ Enneagram Experts ✨
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"We hit the parenting jackpot.""I benefited from your family.""It felt like a gut feeling that I knew."In this extended conversation, which continued after the formal recording of the interview, Jeanette, Denise, and Peter dive even deeper into their shared passion for the Enneagram. With permission from Denise and Peter, Jeanette felt this part of their discussion was equally compelling and worth sharing with the audience.
Denise speaks candidly about her personal journey as a scientist working with the Enneagram, offering unique insights into its transformative power.
Throughout the conversation, Denise, Peter, and Jeanette openly share their personal experiences and perspectives, creating a heartfelt dialogue that explores the profound connections between emotional intelligence, relationships, and the scientific exploration of human behavior through the lens of the Enneagram.Takeaways* We hit the parenting jackpot.* I feel so blessed to have David as my father and Judy as my mother.* I benefited from your family, your parents, and they were part of my coming into a new experience in life.* It felt like a gut feeling that I knew that this was important for me.* Your father taught what he learned from you too about the nine temperaments in the trainings.* What really drew me to the Enneagram were the mathematical laws.* These reliable patterns kept showing up for thousands of years.* The quote, objective science was completely biased by the enneagram type.* We are being taught to become very aware of your type of bias as an Enneagram teacher.Tune in and reconnect with the Narrative Tradition community! Don't be shy to share your thoughts, questions and comments and connect with us at:[email protected]✨ Educating ✨ Entertaining ✨ Enneagram Experts ✨
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In this new episode of The Narrative Tradition podcast, we shine the spotlight on the incredible Ginger Lapid-Bogda. In this conversation, Ginger shares her remarkable journey into the world of the Enneagram, detailing her experiences and insights as a leader in the Enneagram community.
In the Narrative Tradition: what a storyteller Ginger is herself. With barely a question asked, Peter and I found ourselves hanging on her every word. Listen or watch to discover why for yourself.
She reflects on her initial reluctance to embrace the Enneagram, shares fascinating inside and background stories—both entertaining and educating—and offers personal insights into her relationships with prominent Enneagram teachers, painting a vivid picture of the development of the modern Enneagram of personality structures.
Takeaways
* Ginger's journey with the Enneagram was unplanned and organic.
* She emphasizes the importance of accurate typing in the Enneagram.
* The Enneagram community has evolved significantly over the years.
* Ginger's leadership role was a result of being pulled into situations rather than seeking it out.
* She developed tools for using the Enneagram in organizational settings.
* Ginger's relationships with other Enneagram teachers were built on trust and mutual respect.
* She reflects on the ethical implications of using the Enneagram in business.
* Ginger holds both Don Riso's and Claudio Naranjo's perspectives in high regard.
* The Enneagram's superficialization and commercialization is a concern for many in the community.
Tune in and reconnect with the Narrative Tradition community!
Don't be shy to share your thoughts, questions and comments and connect with us at:[email protected]✨ Educating ✨ Entertaining ✨ Enneagram Experts ✨
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"The Enneagram can change people very rapidly.""The Enneagram is a method of human growth.""We hit the parenting jackpot with David."This conversation with our first guest of honor, Denise Daniels, PhD, continues in Part II, where we further explore the profound impact of Dr. David Daniels on the Enneagram.
The discussion delves into the origins of the Enneagram, its relevance for personal growth and relationships, and ongoing efforts to bridge it with scientific research. Personal anecdotes highlight David's character and the transformative power of the Enneagram in fostering self-awareness and understanding others. The speakers reflect on the importance of passing this knowledge to future generations and the evolving recognition of the Enneagram within academic circles.Takeaways
The Enneagram is about self-discovery and understanding one's core motivations. David Daniels played a crucial role in bringing the Enneagram to a wider audience. The Enneagram can facilitate rapid personal change and emotional growth. There is a growing body of scientific research supporting the Enneagram's validity. David's Basic Propositions provide a clear path for personal development. The Enneagram fosters empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships. The legacy of the Enneagram is being carried forward by new generations of teachers. David's courage in facing skepticism helped legitimize the Enneagram in psychology. The Enneagram is increasingly recognized in academic and scientific communities. Personal anecdotes reveal the human side of David and his impact on others.Tune in and reconnect with the Narrative Tradition community! Don't be shy to share your thoughts, questions and comments and connect with us at:[email protected]✨ Educating ✨ Entertaining ✨ Enneagram Experts ✨
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Keywords
Dr. David Daniels, Legacy, Narrative Tradition, personal growth, relationships, inclusivity, emotional intelligence, spiritual psychology, family impact.
Summary
In this special episode of the Narrative Tradition podcast, hosts Jeanette and Peter are incredibly proud and thrilled to welcome their very first guest in this new podcast series: Denise Daniels, the daughter of Dr. David Daniels.
In this episode, they honor the legacy of Dr. David Daniels, a pioneer of the Enneagram. They discuss his profound impact on personal growth, relationships, and the importance of inclusivity. Denise Daniels shares her reflections on her father's work as a bridge builder and the ongoing influence of the Enneagram community, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding oneself and others through this system.
Takeaways
The Enneagram has transformed countless lives since its inception. Denise Daniels reflects on the journey of carrying on her father's legacy. David Daniels was instrumental in creating the Enneagram Professional Training Program, a testament to his persistence and dedication. David was the initiator of the International Enneagram Association, driven by his commitment to fostering connection and community. The Enneagram provides a framework for personal growth and understanding relationships. Inclusivity was a core value for David in his work with the Enneagram. The Enneagram helps individuals understand their own minds and the minds of others. David's humor and goodwill made the Enneagram accessible to all. David deeply valued integrating science with the Enneagram, bridging empirical research with ancient wisdom. The Enneagram bridges the gap between spirituality and psychology. Denise's family experienced the Enneagram as a language of connection. David's upcoming book on relationships integrates the Enneagram with neuroscience. -
"It's all about relationships."
Summary
In this conversation, Jeanette and Peter explore various aspects of the Narrative Tradition and its application in personal growth and communication. They discuss the importance of self-remembering, body-centered practices, and the Via Negativa in meditation. The conversation also delves into the significance of understanding subtypes in relationships and the challenges that arise from different subtype dynamics. They emphasize the value of in-person learning and community building, as well as the empowerment that comes from teaching and supporting others in their journeys.
Takeaways
The Narrative Tradition focuses on communication and connection. Practicing self-remembering enhances interpersonal interactions. Body-centered practices provide grounding during challenging moments. The Via Negativa offers practical insights into meditation. Resistance to meditation is common and also rooted in personal history. Understanding subtypes is crucial for navigating relationships. Different subtypes can create unique challenges in partnerships. In-person learning fosters community and deeper understanding. Teaching empowers both the teacher and the students. Maintaining the practices for future generations is essential. -
In this conversation, Peter and Jeanette discuss their recent experiences with Enneagram trainings, focusing on subtypes, transformational processes, and the importance of in-person learning. They reflect on the legacy of the Narrative Enneagram and its impact on personal growth and community engagement. The conversation also touches on upcoming events and the significance of compassion in the Enneagram journey.
Takeaways
Every time I work with the subtypes, I am amazed by how this material impacts participants, their lives, and their relationships. People experience profound insights as they come to understand how their predominant instinct shapes what makes sense in their lives. The self-preservation instinct is about the need or right to survive. The sexual instinct engages the need or right to be loved and seen as an individual. The social instinct involves the need or right to belong. We offer a post-graduation retreat program consisting of nine retreats, starting with the retreat for Point 1, focused entirely on the practice of compassion. The transformational process has always been part of our professional training program, but now we've made it explicit. In-person learning fosters deeper connections and support. The younger generation tells us to continue making this work accessible, as online learning simply cannot offer the same healing and growth experience. The Narrative Tradition continues to be life-changing for many. -
Keywords
Enneagram, Helen Palmer, Via Negativa, Via Positiva, Intuition, Psychospiritual Integration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Development, Enneagram Community, Podcast
Summary
In this conversation, Jeanette and Peter discuss their recent experiences in the Enneagram community, focusing on the teachings of Helen Palmer. They explore the concepts of Via Negativa and Via Positiva, the importance of intuition, and the integration of psychological and spiritual practices. The discussion highlights Helen's significant contributions to the Enneagram and the ongoing relevance of her teachings in personal growth and spiritual development.
Takeaways
Peter shares his busy week at the Enneagram Las Vegas community conference. The Enneagram Europe Summer School 2025 is officially booked at a monastery retreat center. Helen Palmer's teachings on the Enneagram are profound and impactful. The Via Negativa emphasizes receptivity and understanding one's ego. The Via Positiva can lead to spiritual bypass if not balanced with the Via Negativa. Helen taught that intuition is accessible to everyone, not just certain types. Psychospiritual integration is crucial for personal growth and relationships. Helen's teachings encourage a balance between ego and spiritual development. The importance of being receptive to spiritual experiences and relationships. The conversation reflects on the legacy of Helen Palmer and her teachings.Sound Bites
"I think it's amazing the insights she gave us."
"If you don't get the via negativa, you don't get the work."
"The necessity to first know my ego and my drives."
Chapters
00:00. Introduction and Personal Updates
05:40. Spotlight on Helen Palmer
07:36. Listen Helen teaching
14:25. Understanding Via Negativa and Via Positiva
20:39. Helen's Teaching and Personal Growth
28:06. Psychospiritual Integration and Receptivity
36:15. Reflections on Helen's Legacy
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A Journey of Transformation and Community with the Enneagram
In the third episode of The Narrative Tradition Podcast, host Peter O'Hanrahan turns the spotlight on Jeanette, leading to an intimate and insightful conversation about the transformative power of the Enneagram in her life and work.
This interview introduces listeners to Jeanette’s remarkable journey with the Enneagram, which began in 1998, and reveals how it has shaped her path as a teacher, trainer, coach, and author. Together, they explore the importance of building a supportive learning community—one that fosters deeper connections and collective growth, a central theme of the upcoming Enneagram Summer School. This unique initiative offers advanced training for those looking to deepen their mastery of the Enneagram, while highlighting the irreplaceable value of in-person learning in an increasingly digital world.
Listeners also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast was born out of Jeanette and Peter’s shared passion for meaningful dialogue. This episode serves as both an introduction to Jeanette and a preview of what's to come, including future episodes featuring influential voices from the Enneagram community.
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The Panel Interview is an important method of The Narrative Tradition, where certified Enneagram Teachers interview panels of individuals who identify with the same Enneagram type.
This method, which moves from curiosity to exploration of the types and the stories of those who resonate with that type, unites and achieves three goals: (1) research and knowledge acquisition, (2) teaching the observing audience, and above all (3) supporting and encouraging self-inquiry.
In this podcast, we turn the tables: this time, the 'Teachers are in the Hot Seat.'
In this second episode, we kick things off by interviewing Peter O'Hanrahan to hear his story about how he first encountered the Enneagram, the origins of the Narrative Tradition and the school of Helen Palmer and David Daniels, and much more inside information and anecdotes. And, of course, Peter’s life story goes hand in hand with unique insights into the work and the Enneagram.
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Join Peter O'Hanrahan, Enneagram Teacher and Body Therapist since 1978, and the nr 1 Core Faculty Teacher of Helen Palmer's and Dr. David Daniels' Enneagram School in the Narrative Tradition since 1988, and
Jeanette van Stijn, Director of Enneagram Europe since 2004, as they invite Enneagram enthusiasts from all over the world to reconnect with the transformative power of the Narrative Tradition.
In this first episode, Peter and Jeanette will explore the added value of the Narrative Tradition, sharing why this unique, expert-led approach continues to inspire deep personal understanding, healing, and growth. Discover why this podcast exists, why now is the time to reconnect, and what you can expect in the upcoming episodes.
With a blend of entertainment and education, this podcast offers rich insights from two seasoned, world-class experts who live and breathe the Enneagram. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or a long-time practitioner, this podcast is your chance to engage with a tradition that prioritizes personal stories, deep connection with yourself and others, and authentic, healthy development.
Tune in and reconnect with the Narrative Tradition worldwide!
✨ Educating. Entertaining. Enneagram experts. ✨
