The Narrative Enneagram
- Enneagram Training UK & Ireland
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 11
Not all Enneagram teaching is the same.
If you've ever read a type description online or taken a quick personality test, you’ve only scratched the surface.
At Enneagram Training UK, we teach the Enneagram using the Narrative Tradition - a live, relational method that brings the Enneagram to life through personal stories and shared experience. It’s not just a theory. It’s a real-life conversation. You are the expert on your type patterns.
This approach creates space for deeper insight, stronger empathy, and genuine transformation whether you're new to the Enneagram or not, and whether you’re using it for your personal development or to enhance your professional practice or both.
What Is the Narrative Enneagram Tradition?
The Narrative Tradition uses first-person stories, interviews, and group exploration, and in particular, panels of people who recognise the same Enneagram patterns. On a panel, participants are invited to explore their lived experience of these patterns through:
Panel interviews – where people with the same type patterns share how they are alike and how they are different
Live facilitation – led by skilled Enneagram teachers who enquire with presence, curiosity and compassion
Community learning – where listening is as powerful as speaking
It’s experiential. It’s relational. And it’s deeply human.
"The Enneagram, taught through the Narrative Tradition, offers not just information - but transformation."
Why This Approach Works
Unlike approaches that rely solely on reading descriptions or test results, The Narrative Tradition is based on the idea when it comes to understanding ourselves and others, we learn best through hearing from the real experts - the people who live in that type space.
The Narrative method:
Builds self-awareness through dialogue, not just diagnosis
Reveals the nuance of each type in real life
Encourages compassionate listening, not judgement or labels
Supports the development of a safe, compassionate and respectful learning environment
Rather than just reading about type patterns, you get to see, hear and experience their energy in the room.
Why People Choose the Narrative Tradition
Whether you're exploring your own growth or working with others in a personal or professional setting, people choose the Narrative Tradition because it’s:
Inclusive – all voices are welcome without judgement
Transformational – it creates a safe space for awareness and change
Skill-building – it teaches how to listen, reflect and ask meaningful questions of yourself and others
Accredited – our school is the only International Enneagram Association accredited provider of Narrative Enneagram training in the UK & Ireland
Is This Just for Coaches or Therapists?
Not at all. The Narrative Enneagram approach is for anyone interested in:
Better understanding themselves
Improving their personal and professional relationships
Working with teams or clients
Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
It’s especially useful for people in roles where presence, empathy, and insight are vital: coaches, educators, leaders, spiritual directors, therapists - and those on a personal journey of growth.
How We Teach at Enneagram Training UK & Ireland
Every course includes live teaching, reflective practice, experiential and story-based learning ... no personality labels, no pressure, and no need to have anything “figured out” beforehand.
"The Narrative Tradition is opening up my world in ways I never imagined. This deeper study has taken me and my perspective to a whole different level." - Sue Murray, Executive Coach
Where to Begin
Your journey starts with our Foundation Programme courses; then you can follow on with deeper exploration and practitioner certification if desired.
We also offer regular free online Open Evenings, advertised on our website and on social media. Here you can find out more about the workshops, and meet some staff and current/past students. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you're Enneagram-curious or ready for the next step. See how upcoming dates here.
Or you can get in touch with us for a no-obligation chat about where your Enneagram journey is taking you and how our courses might fit with that.
About Enneagram Training UK & Ireland
We offer clear, compassionate and practical Enneagram-based training to support your growth - personally, professionally and spiritually. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or seeking to deepen your understanding, our Narrative-based approach helps you develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience and authentic connection with others.
Through online and in-person workshops, practitioner pathways, team development, we create safe, experiential spaces where transformation can take root.
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