Enneagram in Denmark

History
The first Enneagram meeting in Denmark dates back to 20 years ago. Although knowledge of the Enneagram had been limited, within the last 5-10 years, an increasing number of people have been introduced to it, particularly in connection with NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). NLP teachers were particularly interested in the Enneagram and began linking it to their teachings in terms of different views of the world, convictions, and as a system for understanding, creating rapport, and communicating with each other. Some people even mistakenly thought that NLP and the Enneagram have always been combined.

Danish interest in the Enneagram is definitely growing. Many people hear about the system and attend workshops to gain important insights about themselves.

International lecturers such as Don Riso, Russ Hudson, and Eli Jaxon-Bear have visited Denmark and more will be invited within the next 1-2 years.

Individuals / Therapy
Psychologists and psychotherapists have paid attention to the Enneagram for quite a while and include it in treating their clients. It provides a good foundation when therapists use the Enneagram style of their client to help identify the core issues and create a space for deep understanding.

Some use it for personal growth in combination with the inner processes of the Diamond Heart Work, and others use the Enneagram in other personal, spiritual practice. The number of people who have integrated the Enneagram as a tool for personal growth is unknown. Yet interest and enthusiasm for the depths of the Enneagram is highly valued. An estimated 10.000 people seek knowledge from the Enneagram each year.

Business
During the last couple of years, the Enneagram model has excited the business world. Many companies have already used MBTI, Belbin and other systems. Some companies, however, find the Enneagram extremely interesting because of its deep insight. The Enneagram gives the opportunity for the further development of human resources, team development, and a good unified team spirit. The need for creating space for the employees to grow and develop is increasingly important, and the Enneagram is also used in leadership development, teambuilding, coaching, stress management, and as a communication tool. Recently, an additional interesting application has emerged. The Enneagram is being used as a tool within the Prison Service, and with very good results.

Traditions and literature
Teachers in Denmark have been educated in the Helen Palmer Narrative tradition, by Don Riso and Russ Hudson, and others as well as by Danish teachers. The system has been adapted to different purposes and is often connected with many other tools in accordance with the aim of the work. Many professionals develop their own systems and add their own experiences and research to their trainings. This also results in the production of numerous booklets and handouts.

Five books have been written in Danish thus far. In addition, Principles of the Enneagram by Karen Webb and The Essential Enneagram by David Daniels and Virginia Price have been translated into Danish. However, as foreign language lessons are part of our educational system from primary school on, many people have benefited from reading literature in English.

In May this year the first magazine on the Enneagram was distributed. The magazine named "Indsigtî" (Insight) collaborates with the Enneagram Monthly, publishing both Danish articles and articles translated from the Enneagram Monthly.

Association
A Danish Enneagram Association was recently established, and is preparing to affiliate soon with the International Enneagram Association. Its purpose is to provide extensive knowledge about the Enneagram as well as to help connect Enneagram professionals with people seeking the wisdom of the system. The Danish Enneagram Association also intends to offer workshops, seminars, and lectures and to be an impartial information channel for people interested in the Enneagram. Being affiliated with the IEA and recently having a Danish member placed on the IEA board (Flemming Christiensen, a board member as of January 05) also gives encouragement to our dream of having an International Conference in Europe within the next few years.

By Susanne Povelsen and Lone Stephensen