Why Enneagram Subtypes Matter … A Ton!

Have you ever struggled to pinpoint your Enneagram type or felt like it didn't quite capture who you are?

Same. And that's where subtypes come in.

In my experience, they're the secret sauce of the Enneagram—often overlooked but wildly illuminating. Recently, in "The Practice," my monthly Enneagram and self-care membership, we explored this exact topic in depth. Luckily for us, we learned from none other than Beatrice Chestnut, psychotherapist, master teacher, and the "Grande Dame of Subtypes" herself.

If you're unfamiliar with her work, Beatrice is the author of two cornerstone Enneagram books:
📘 The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge
📘 The 9 Types of Leadership: Mastering the Art of People in the 21st Century Workplace

Both are must-reads. The Complete Enneagram, in particular, is one I return to again and again—it's part deep dive into subtypes, part Enneagram history lesson, and part transformation manual.

Like me, Beatrice is passionate about helping people use the Enneagram as a growth tool, not just a personality label. Our recent conversation was full of "gold," but I want to share three key takeaways that might just change how you see yourself (and your type).

1. Subtypes can clarify your core type.
Figuring out your Enneagram type isn't always straightforward. There are only nine types and billions of us, so it's no wonder we sometimes feel boxed in or misunderstood. That's where subtypes bring nuance. Each of the nine types has three instinctual variations, based on the dominant instinct driving our behavior:

• Self-Preservation (security, comfort, safety)

• Social (belonging, contribution, group dynamics)

• One-to-One or Sexual (intensity, depth, connection)

That makes 27 distinct "flavors" of personality. Exploring the subtypes within the types you resonate with can bring clarity where there was once confusion.

2. Subtypes are a better growth tool than wings.
Let's be honest—wings are easier to talk about. They're physically adjacent to your core type and tend to feel more accessible. But Beatrice emphasized that wings are more of a "flavoring" that can change over time. Subtypes, on the other hand, point to our dominant instinctual drive and the way it interacts with our core emotional struggle (also known as the "passion" of your type). That combo is potent—it uncovers blind spots and stuck patterns we might not otherwise see.

3. Subtype = Instinct + Passion
This is the real magic. A subtype isn't just a self-preservation instinct or just a social instinct. It's the marriage of instinct and your type's core passion. For me, as a Type Four, my dominant instinct is self-preservation, and my passion is envy. That combo creates a very specific expression of Four—one that focuses more on safety, security, and moving beyond the ever-present suffering of Type Fours. In this way, Self-Preservation Fours can look a lot like Threes or Sevens.

Once you start seeing your subtype clearly, you begin to understand where your growth edge is. It's often where your dominant instinct is out of balance and where your type's passion is in the driver's seat.

If you want to go deeper into this kind of content, you're invited to join us in "The Practice." It's a soulful, practical space for integrating the Enneagram into your everyday life—with guest teachers like Beatrice, monthly live sessions, and guided practices for real transformation.

Subtypes might seem like a technical layer of the Enneagram, but in my experience, they're one of the most powerful keys to self-understanding and lasting change.

Love & Gratitude,

Katie