Michael Shahan - LMFT

12/23/2025

Wrapping up short explanations of each Center of Intelligence, this is a sneak peek of the explanation of the head types (Enneagram 5, 6, and 7.)

Head over to the full series on YT through the link in my bio to learn more about head types' need for a sense of grounding, and their challenges around fear and anxiety.

If you're a head type, chime in in the comments.

12/22/2025

ICYMI: I'm doing a series over on YT that breaks down many of the Enneagram concepts in more detail than I've ever done before! Here's a sample from the video about the Heart Center numbers: Numbers 2, 3, and 4.

Watch the full series (link in bio) to understand why I think the primary emotion for the heart center is "sadness" instead of "shame," and what each number seeks in their relationships with others.

If you're a heart type, I'd love to hear your feedback in the comments!

12/20/2025

Getting into body center types of the Enneagram, Enneagram 8, 9, and 1! If you haven't been following my Grounded Enneagram Series over on YT, now is the time to start. In this video, I break down how types 8, 9, and 1 favor their body or "gut" center intelligence often over the heart or head center. Head over to the full length video to see more nuances around this topic.

12/19/2025

You can't get too deep into the Enneagram before first discussing the centers of intelligence. One thing I find fascinating about the Enneagram is that the three centers (head, heart, and body or gut center) align with three real parts of our brain!

Every person, regardless of Enneagram number, has access to all three centers. What your Enneagram number tells you, is which center you may be most unbalanced in.

Follow the link in my bio to this YouTube series to watch the whole video and more!

12/18/2025

I've been doing an Enneagram concept series over on YouTube! If you're interested in diving into topics around the intersection of therapy and the Enneagram (like self-awareness, compassion, and more), from an Enneagram coach and therapist, this series is for you.
Follow the link in my bio for the whole series!

10/20/2025

10/16/2025

Holiday prep sessions are back! If you are feeling overwhelmed about interactions with family this holiday season, let's talk.

There is no cookie-cutter process for handling the holiday season. It's going to be different for everyone based on their personality, their family situation, and so much more.

I've designed these sessions to be ultra-personalized and practical so that you can feel equipped to take on the holiday season with as little as one session.

Here's how it works: fill out a short form letting me know your Enneagram number and your biggest fears, worries, or hesitations about the upcoming holiday season. I'll read over your notes and assess your situation through an Enneagram and family systems lens. Then, we'll meet for a 60-minute session to discuss your situation more in-depth and come up with a plan that feels doable for you!

If you want to schedule follow-up sessions, you always can!

I have absolutely loved these holiday prep sessions the last two years and have found it to be a great tool for people who just need a little support headed into this often stressful time.

If you don't know your Enneagram number, that's okay! Take the free test at Truity (link in bio) and we'll go from there!

Interested? Fill out the interest form in my bio and my assistant will reach out to schedule your session.

09/12/2025

I love the Enneagram. I use it in my therapy practice. I’ve seen it transform people’s self-awareness, relationships, and growth.
But sometimes… I also hate it.

The Enneagram can be incredibly powerful, but only when we treat it as a tool for reflection and growth, not as a set of stereotypes to fit into or excuses to hide behind.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by how the Enneagram is talked about online, you’re not alone. The work is deeper than memes, quizzes, and catchphrases (even though those have their place and can be fun.) It’s really about discovering yourself, beyond the surface.

09/10/2025

Friendly reminder: you are not your Enneagram number.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking your type defines who you are or even who you should be. Maybe you’ve heard that Type 1s are perfectionists, Type 2s are selfless, or Type 7s are always chasing fun.

And yes, those traits can show up, but they are just tendencies, not the full picture of you.

Your Enneagram type is a tool for self-awareness. It helps you notice patterns, motivations, and fears, but it doesn’t capture the depth, complexity, and unique combination of experiences that make up your life.

When we mistake our number for our identity, we risk limiting ourselves, believing we must always behave a certain way or fit a certain mold.

This is your reminder: the traits commonly associated with each type are just tendencies, not prescriptions. Real growth comes when we notice these patterns, reflect on why we do what we do, and make conscious choices about how we want to show up in the world. You get to define yourself, a number doesn’t have that power over you.

What things have you seen online about your Enneagram number that make you think, “THAT’S NOT ME!” Share your thoughts in the caption!

09/08/2025

We all have those moments where it’s time to disappear 🪄

09/05/2025

Society loves to celebrate certain traits. For each Enneagram number, there’s a particular way we’re praised, rewarded, and encouraged to “show up.”

But here’s the thing: just because the world values these patterns doesn’t mean they’re the full picture of who we are or what’s healthiest for us. In fact, leaning too heavily into them can keep us stuck, disconnected, or exhausted.

For example, being disciplined and responsible as a an Enneagram 1 gets you recognition, but it can also make it hard to let yourself relax or embrace imperfection. Being generous and selfless as an Enneagram 2 earns love and admiration, but can make it easy to neglect your own needs. And being fun and optimistic as an Enneagram 7 makes you a joy to be around, but might stop you from sitting with discomfort and growing in presence.

This post breaks down what society tends to praise in each type, and what opportunities we might miss when we over-focus on those traits.

Growth doesn’t mean rejecting the qualities that make you, you. It means noticing when they’re being performed out of expectation rather than choice, and making space for what actually nourishes your mind, body, and heart.

Which one feels most familiar to you right now? Where do you notice yourself performing a trait because it’s expected, rather than because it’s what you truly need?

09/04/2025

Okay, it may be a little late for this meme, but I felt inspired this morning.

P.S. I was at the football game that Taylor Swift was at last Thursday, so we’re basically best friends.