Growth With the Instinctual Subtypes: October 2025 Retreat

There are three basic survival strategies that have allowed humanity to evolve, and these are called the instinctual subtypes in the Enneagram. 

Each of the nine types has all three, and typically one subtype unconsciously dominates a person’s behaviour. Understanding our subtypes is as important as understanding our type to bring balance and wholeness into our lives.

1. Self-Preservation Instinctual Subtype. Your attention and energy go to issues related to personal survival, such as safety, security, comfort, protection and adequate basic resources.
2. Social Instinctual Subtype. Your attention and energy go to issues related to your community and group memberships, such as role, status, social acceptance and belonging.
3. One-to-one Instinctual Subtype. You attention and energy go to issues related to connection in vital relationships, such as bonding with special others, closeness and merging.