This article was reviewed by Allison Broennimann, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA. Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 2,531 times.
Do you know someone who can be described as a “ride or die” best friend or partner? If so, they likely have a Type 6 personality. Enneagram Type 6s are the Loyalists or Skeptics of your friend group. Type 6s are loyal, dedicated, and caring individuals who strive to create a stable community for themselves and their loved ones. This guide covers common Type 6 personality traits, their relationship compatibility, and more!
Things You Should Know
- Enneagram Type 6s are loyal, trustworthy, responsible, and dedicated. They often become successful paralegals, medical professionals, and police officers.
- Type 6s are analytical and nurturing individuals who can offer valuable insights to keep their communities safe and secure.
- Many 6s struggle with anxiety and paranoia, which can cause them to become more codependent on those they trust and less trusting of people they don’t know.
Steps
Growth Opportunities for Enneagram Type 6s
-
Practice self-awareness. When you’re feeling anxious, it’s helpful to develop a self-awareness practice that can help you identify why you’re acting or feeling a certain way. Ask yourself, “What am I terrified of?” or “What happened that’s making me feel this way?” Doing so can help you look back at your situation more objectively.[17]
- Becoming more self-aware can be as simple as listening to an online guided meditation, teaching you how to relax your body and slow your mind with controlled breathing.
- You can also try journaling your thoughts and feelings. Afterward, read the words aloud or in your head to identify patterns or triggers.
-
Learn to feel safe and protect yourself. Feeling protected by someone else is always nice, but learning new safety measures can be beneficial when flying solo. Try boxing or karate, or sign up for a self-defense class. If that isn’t your speed, that’s okay. If you’re exploring a new city, map out multiple routes. Instead of listening to music, keep your volume low or completely off so you can be aware of your surroundings.[18]
-
Develop healthy anxiety coping mechanisms. Anxiety is a common experience for Sixes. Instead of relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms, learn to overcome anxiety by engaging in regular physical activity to boost your mood and release any physical tension in your body.[19]
- Similarly, prioritize getting plenty of rest to approach the new day feeling more alert and present.
-
Ask for help from loved ones or a medical professional. While it may feel natural for a Six to isolate initially, it’s important to remember the community you’ve built for yourself. You are surrounded by love and support, and those who truly love you will want to be there for you. Contact trusted friends, family members, mentors, or a licensed therapist for additional support.[20]
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6
- ↑ https://www.theworldcounts.com/purpose/enneagram-number-6-personality-type-six-loyalist
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6#strengths-weaknesses
- ↑ https://www.theenneagramsingapore.com/three-centres-of-intelligence/
- ↑ https://www.integrative9.com/enneagram/introduction/type-6
- ↑ https://heightsfamilycounseling.com/blog/2021/4/25/an-enneagram-guide-for-self-care-type-6
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/enneagram-types/
- ↑ https://enneagramuniverse.com/enneagram/learn/enneagram-types/enneagram-type-6-the-loyalist/
- ↑ https://www.integrative9.com/enneagram/introduction/type-6
- ↑ https://www.theenneagramsingapore.com/levels-of-development/
- ↑ https://www.theenneagramsingapore.com/levels-of-development/
- ↑ https://www.theenneagramsingapore.com/levels-of-development/
- ↑ https://enneagramuniverse.com/enneagram/learn/enneagram-wings/
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6w5
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6w7
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-7
- ↑ https://www.theworldcounts.com/purpose/enneagram-number-6-personality-type-six-loyalist
- ↑ https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/prevention/self-defense
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/11-tips-for-coping-with-an-anxiety-disorder
- ↑ https://heightsfamilycounseling.com/blog/2021/4/4/an-enneagram-guide-for-self-care-type-5
- ↑ https://thepleasantpersonality.com/enneagram-type-6-relationships-and-compatibility/
- ↑ https://thepleasantpersonality.com/enneagram-type-6-relationships-and-compatibility/
- ↑ https://thepleasantpersonality.com/enneagram-type-6-relationships-and-compatibility/
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6-relationships
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6-relationships
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6-relationships
- ↑ https://thepleasantpersonality.com/enneagram-type-6-relationships-and-compatibility/
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6-relationships
- ↑ https://thepleasantpersonality.com/enneagram-type-6-relationships-and-compatibility/
- ↑ https://www.personalitydata.org/enneagram/type-6-careers
- ↑ https://psychometric-success.com/aptitude-tests/personality-tests/enneagram-type-6