The Brain-Based Enneagram: you are not A number

by Jerome D. Lubbe, Tiffany Berkowitz (Editor), Aimee Strickland (Illustrator)

When we understand how the brain works, we understand how the Enneagram works. When we understand how the Enneagram works, we understand our identity, and when we understand our identity, we know how to thrive.

This is the essence of The Brain-Based Enneagram; it is a tool meant for optimal human flourishing. 

By marrying the traditional Enneagram with present-day neuroscience, Dr. Jerome offers a model for engaging our personal, relational, and global well-being with greater agency and awareness. Neuroscience and the Enneagram are two pieces of the same puzzle.

This book will reshape your understanding of the Enneagram, expand your capacity for (w)holistic well-being, and provide practical, neuroscience-based applications for you to develop step by step into the best possible version of yourself.

Genres: Nonfiction

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Dr. Jerome D. Lubbe is referred to as the “Patient Doctor” because it was his own quest for neurological wellbeing that led him to specialize in complex, unresolved neurological cases. His practice explores how functional neurology, neuroplasticity, and tools like the Enneagram can improve (w)holistic wellbeing. Dr. Jerome created and released the first-ever neuroscience-based model of the Enneagram in his book The Brain-Based Enneagram. He currently resides in Atlanta with his wife Deborah and their two children.

Reviews

[Nia Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just start by saying - the graphics in this are gorgeous. I've read and listened to quite a few representations of the enneagram and this is one of my favorites with new and greater understanding about the integration of being many parts that all work together towards our uniqueness. I appreciate Dr. Lubbe's depth without being overly clinical or difficult to relate. As a mental health therapist, I would recommend this to all my clients and friends who are interested in the mind-body connection and the beauty of each person.

[Lauren Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Lubbe changes the way you will view the enneagram in this easy to read, engaging, and colorful text. Linking neuroscience and enneagram research, Dr. Lubbe encourages readers and practitioners to see themselves in terms of wholeness and not fragments (as in: I'm a 5 (full stop)). I have recommended this text to a number of people who are wrestling with comprehending the enneagram and what to make of it as well as those who are eager to pursue more personal self wholeness.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of enneagram books, blogs, and other resources. This is exactly what the current climate of polarized enneagram research needs; an opening expanse of how we've dug ourselves into our numbers and how we can tap into every single number to grow, learn, and thrive.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a helpful glance at the enneagram for those more inclined towards the science or neurobiology piece. I've used this as a workbook with several clients, and they have found the exploration helpful.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I expected a deeper explanation of the biochemical processes taking place in the brain and how those processes can inform our understanding of why the enneagram typology works. For example, I've read other places that extroverts have more dopamine receptors and introverts react more strongly to acetylcholine, which means different lengths of neural pathways. I was hoping to hear similar explanations for enneagram types, or scientific explanations debunking personality myths.

The general idea of this book is that the brain stem, left hemisphere, and right hemisphere are the primary centers for the instinctive/gut, intuitive/heart, and intellectual/mind. This book puts an emphasis on how no one is any one part, we all use our whole brains just like we all exhibit/experience every enneagram type to some degree. This was a nice message since no one wants to be boxed in or labeled.

This book also had a great part about trauma, explaining how frequency, duration, and intensity play a part in trauma being imprinted on the brain. And how the brain reliving the trauma can account for the experienced frequency. My wife just attended a conference on trauma where they spoke about not going to sleep right away, I believe. The brain is a fascinating thing.

A good section or this book feels like an advertisement for an additional test you have to pay for, which either should have been mentioned in the book synopsis or made a less substantial part of this book. Admittedly, it contributed to my feeling that this book was incomplete, hence 2.5 stars.

The visual design of the chapter separators is really beautiful.

[Barb Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerome Lubbe has brought to the enneagram community a fresh look into answering the question of "who am I?". More than it being yet another book to explain the 9 personality types, is a book that adds a very rich layer to seeing ourselves as a whole identity with expressions coming from each of the 9 types. I found this read to make so much sense. Of course there are aspects of each of the enneagram types firing inside my brain to some degree or another. I particularly liked the concept of imagining a population density map of my identity. From that vantage point I could ask myself the question, "What particualar types do I encounter the most?" "Of all the types, where do I spend most of my energy and time?" In other words, how have I become efficient at engaging with life? A deeper question that I've taken time to consider is WHY have I become efficient within certain type reflections and to a lesser degree, others? To better understand my motivations and values in living my life has been a gift. Thank you Jerome for doing the research, thinking it through and putting it to paper for others to be enriched by.

[Daniel Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Jerome provides a foundation for not just unlocking the enneagram, but living it out more fully. The book's intersecting of neurology and personality encourages the reader to consider a more detailed road-map on understanding how these complex functions interact. It's well-written, well-designed, and well-intention-ed. I have loaned it to many friends since reading it myself.

Thankful for this work and for the work that is to come! Would suggest to anyone interested in how our brains process the world, or how to challenge their personal growth through careful understanding of themselves.

[James Benefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Lubbe's book "Whole-Identity" Volume One was a new approach for me in studying the Enneagram. It was interesting to consider the personality types in association with the three parts of the brain that he references in his book. His worksheets were very insightful when considering my own personality type along with the others types that are not my dominant type. There was one exercise that I found very useful in working with the Enneagram and other programs that I am involved with in my life. I am not going to mention the exercise, so you will just have to get a copy of the book to check it out for yourself. I look forward to his next book that I believe is due out in May.

[David And]

I have listened to several podcasts with Dr. Lubbe explaining his perspective on the Enneagram. From these podcasts I decided to purchase the book to help me dig in deeper. I did thoroughly enjoy the book although I wish it had more overall content and I do wish there were some places that had really expanded into regarding his specific Enneagram perspective. I do feel like his view on Enneagram was from a place of wholeness and good rather than what is broken and that was incredibly encouraging. I hope he will continue to share his work as his research progresses forward.

[Ryan Kuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brain-Based Enneagram is brilliant resource that is unlike anything you've encountered. First, the book itself is very aesthetically pleasing. It's a physically beautiful work of art. Second, Dr Jerome integrates neurobiological facets of type, which is a unique and helpful angle on this ancient tool for spiritual formation. As someone whose work is interdisciplinary, I really appreciated the author's ability to do the work of integration. Also, the book held move us away from reductionistic caricatures of type and into greater depth and nuance. I highly recommend reading this.

[Daniel Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a number of books on the Enneagram and done some consulting around using it in the past. The Brain-Based Enneagram revolutionized how I understand and communicate about the Enneagram. In the past, it's been easy to fall into the trap of "typing" people or using the Enneagram more as a descriptor for who people are, rather than a tool to dive deeper into themselves. This book makes it clear and easy for anyone to understand the Enneagram and neurology. Highly recommend!

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Lubbe's work can be described in one word: freeing. The Enneagram, like any personality typing system, can feel like a box that we put ourselves into, and can quickly become a way that we justify our hurtful actions, thought patterns, or communication styles. The Brain-Based Enneagram helps to break down those barriers and excuses, allows us to see our inner-workings in a new light, and invites us to press into every aspect of our personhood.

[Shay Bocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the connection this book makes between the Enneagram and brain development—and how the author explains that in such an accessible and beautiful way. As someone who identifies as a creative Four, I appreciate the clever imagery throughout the entire book. I devoured the book all at once because I couldn't look away. This perspective is definitely something I'm integrating into my practice with the Enneagram!

[Lisa Slayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brain Based Enneagram adds a new kind of depth and insight into the wisdom of the Enneagram. Marrying the deep work that many have done around the 9 archetypes of the Enneagram with science gives those of who work with others on their own journeys to gain new insight in to themselves and their relationships! Nicely done.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!! I have loved studying Enneagram through the lens of Whole Identity! Anytime enneagram is mentioned I bring up Whole Identity! I had the privilege of sitting under Jerome Lubbe’s teaching in Mimas, Spain and every day just soaked up everything he had to share. So grateful to have this teaching in a book!

[Steve Van Kleeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lubbe does a great job bringing modern neuroscience together with the ancient wisdom of the Enneagram. I’ve used some of Lubbe’s material with Enneagram coaching clients and it’s been profoundly helpful!

[Emily Neesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few things about the Enneagram, but nothing captivated me quite like this. I spent an entire Saturday taking notes and diving into this book from cover to cover. Definitely check it out if you are looking for something new!

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! I have always been fond of the enneagram and recently been drawn into brain research, especially with trauma. This book was right on target and connected the dots for me:
mind, body and spirit!

[Doug Townsdin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely valuable and insightful information allowing me to open up my possibilities. This book allowed me to expand my thinking regarding all the numbers and how I show up in those that are not my primary number.

[Aaron M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Dr. Jerome's take on the Enneagram. I know say I "identify" most as a Nine and now realize that there are parts of all numbers in me. It's a great book. The hardcover is absolutely beautiful.

[Laine Walters Young]

Not an entirely new take on the Enneagram if you are super well read on it, but clearly articulated in a way that cuts through all the typical density in Enneagram commentary in a way that makes it highly useful as a teaching resource, so I will be using it in my personality curricular teaching.

[Searl Vetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for the book to come out. Jerome's articles, on-line courses and interviews/podcasts are top rate. Smart guy, new insights. Intersting and worthwhile. This book is one of the only books I have pre-bought prior to publication.

[Neil Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books on the Enneagram including all the classics as well as some more modern takes. With that being said, Dr Jerome Lubbe has taken this study to a whole new level. I was hooked from the very start. Can't recommend this book enough. Looking forward to his subsequent works.

[PJ Sampel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a a great, fresh approach to the use of the Ennegram as a powerful tool for learning and self development. I highly recommend.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Jerome Lubbe opens new doors of understanding and possibility with his Brain-Based Enneagram. I cannot recommend it enough! Do you want to become a whole and healthy person? Then get this book!

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop reading reviews and start reading this book!

[Gay Keim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished Part Two. Part Three is a difficult read.

[Alle Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visually it is very beautiful and I appreciate the approach that Dr. Lubbe takes with the Enneagram. The SWOT analysis was a very helpful section for me. I look forward to the rest of the series!

[Melody Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an enneagram lover and this book brought so much full circle for me. Dr. Lubbe has added an aspect of the Enneagram that was new to me, ie the science part. Loved this book and highly recommend.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully designed book, wholistic perspective and a great complement to your enneagram journey.