The Enneagram and Bioneuroemotion®: Transforming Our Relationships

Our relationships are deeply influenced by our personality, as described by the Enneagram. This model reveals the personality we develop to face life—shaped during our socialization process—as unconscious strategies to function in the world.

While these strategies may have been helpful at one time, in adulthood they can become barriers, preventing us from building authentic and harmonious relationships. On the other hand, Bioneuroemotion®, developed by Enric Corbera, helps us identify the key moments in our lives when these strategies were formed, as well as the beliefs that sustain them. This discipline invites us to broaden our perspective and understand that every experience has meaning, showing us how to transform suffering into learning.

The Enneagram and Personality Types

The Enneagram is a symbol made up of a circle, a triangle, and a hexagon, representing the dynamics of nine personality types. Each type has unique characteristics, deep motivations, and specific challenges.

Above all, it’s important to understand that we are much more than a personality or a number—these types are simply strategies that our ego uses in an attempt to replicate who we truly are. That’s why it’s important to know them: so we can free ourselves from ego-driven patterns and reconnect with the abundance of our true Being. The Enneagram offers us a starting point for understanding the light and shadow sides of our ego.

The 9 Enneagram Types

• Type 1: The Perfectionist – Focuses on doing what is right according to their values

• Type 2: The Helper – Focuses on connecting and being generous

• Type 3: The Achiever – Focuses on doing their best in everything they do

• Type 4: The Individualist – Focuses on emotional depth and originality

• Type 5: The Investigator – Focuses on observing and understanding while protecting their emotions

• Type 6: The Loyalist – Focuses on safety and protecting their loved ones

• Type 7: The Enthusiast – Focuses on what excites them and spreads positivity

• Type 8: The Challenger – Focuses on strength and protecting their inner circle

• Type 9: The Peacemaker – Focuses on maintaining inner and outer peace
  

The Importance of Self-Knowledge

Self-awareness is essential for creating healthy and lasting relationships. It's just as important to understand the “language” spoken by our partner or loved ones—through the lens of their Enneagram type.

This allows us to understand their deeper needs and motivations. When we do this, we open the door to empathy, connection, and mutual growth.

By knowing, accepting, and nurturing yourself, you can then give from a place of fullness and build conscious and meaningful relationships.

In every relationship, there will be conflict. Often, we don’t even know where it came from. But when we understand where our focus lies and what truly matters to us, communication becomes easier. And when we understand the Enneagram types of our partner, parents, children, siblings—or any relationship—it brings clarity to our interactions.

The Enneagram and Bioneuroemotion® together offer a powerful path for transformation—helping us uncover patterns, heal old wounds, and build deeper, more authentic relationships rooted in self-awareness and compassion.