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.