Running head: PERSONALITY PROFILE

Personality Profile
Sazshy Valentine
Wake Forest University

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This paper presents findings on my personality type based off three personality
assessments: the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator, and
the Revised NEO Personality Indicator 3. What fits well and what does not fit well with my
personality type are detailed in each assessment section. My personality traits that are similar to
DSM-V personality disorders are also discussed (American Psychiatric Association [APA],
2013). After summarizing my personality, I describe how my personality traits impact my
relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and clients. Also included is insight gained from
having a close friend read my personality summary.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personality Type
My Myers-Briggs Personality Type is ESFP. An ESFP type person is described as
someone who lives in the moment, and is practical, realistic, and observant. Being able to
empathize with others, an ESFP is seen as good at personal interactions, and often is a
peacemaker for friends, family, and coworkers. Energy tends to be sourced from being with
other people, and decisions are often based on personal and social values. An ESFP perceives
information using his or her five senses, and does not often jump to conclusions.
Judging by surface level descriptions, I did not think ESFP fit my personality well.
However, after gaining a better understanding of it, I realized many parts of the personality type
fit with my personality. Being a straightforward person, I take in information by sensing and
learn through personal experience. This means I read between the lines less, something I have
noticed during internship class case feedback. For example, when listening to tapes I catch
myself thinking about what I heard in a more literal sense, and repeatedly learn and gain insight
and ideas from listening to my intuition-leaning classmates thought processes. Another aspect
of ESFP that fits well with me is approaching the outside world through perceiving. I have

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always prided myself on looking for more information before coming to quick conclusions
something that was recognized in my performance review by my last boss. One last piece that
resonates with me is ESFP types are known to be successful at personal relationships and often
known to act as the peacemaker. Since I was young I have had close, lasting friendships as well
as solid professional relationships. I also often find myself acting as peacemaker for my friends
more often than not I voluntarily or involuntarily get involved when there is a conflict or
potential conflict between two of my friends.
Parts of ESFP type do not fit me well. For example, I struggle with being described by
the term extrovert. Even though I enjoy being social, being around people for a long time drains
my energy and leaves me needing time alone to recharge. Another ESFP type description that
does not resonate with me is focusing on having fun when completing tasks and shows less
concern with following the rules. I am task-oriented and more driven to get things done and
check them off my list as opposed to spending time to find a fun way to do them. Also, a
common nickname of mine nickname among my friends is the rule follower I cannot stand to
break the rules. Finally, the spontaneous descriptor does not fit well with me as I am more evenkeeled and as mentioned before, I think before acting. During my department feedback session
in January, my growth edge was that I tend to be less spontaneous in class therefore I might also
be with clients; thus, welcoming spontaneity in my life is actually something I continually work
on in my growth as a counselor.
Enneagram Personality Type
On the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) I scored highest on Type Two:
The Helper, and next highest on Type Eight: The Challenger, and Type Nine: The Peacemaker.
All three personality types fit me quite well. Twos, known to be generous with time and

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attention, place a significant emphasis on relationships. Eights are self-confident, possess strong
leadership skills, and value independence. Nines are generally easygoing, inclusive,
unselfconscious, and at times complacent. In the two following paragraphs I will first discuss
what fits well with my personality, and second what does not resonate with me.
Almost all of the Type Two descriptions are well suited to my personality. The part that
rings most true to me is the Twos are constantly making new friends while maintaining a
network of old friends. At the expense of sounding conceited, during my time in graduate school
the thought has often crossed my mind, I think I have enough friends now. The general
description of Eights to be self-reliant, good leaders, honorable, and decisive make sense to me.
I have illustrated solid leadership skills throughout my developmental stages so far whether it
was a middle school team captain, high school community service chair, sorority vice president,
and now I serve on the Chi Sigma Iota executive council. During these different roles it has been
important to me to be transparent in my intentions and actions, and also make sound and firm
decisions.
One part of Type Two that is not fitting for me is that Twos seek interests or services that
will make them more appealing and useful to others. Pursuing activities that I am not interested
has never been something I do; I tend to stay true to my personal interests while also being openminded to new opportunities. Eights can sometimes be confrontational, bad-tempered, and
rageful, three things that do not fit with my personality. For example, I honestly cannot
remember ever feeling rageful or losing my temper on someone. The adjectives used to describe
some Nines that do not resonate with me are ineffective, passive aggressive, and unrealistic. As I
have mentioned previously in this paper, I pride myself on moving things forward by making
firm decisions, and always try to be realistic. In addition, I am very anti passive aggressive

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behavior and seek out conversations and relationships that embrace honesty and clarity. In my
department review that I mentioned once already, I was told with Sazshy what you see is what
you get. To me, that description was a welcome compliment.
NEO-PI-3 Personality Type
My results for the NEO Personality Inventory-3 (NEO-PI-3) imply that I am highest in
agreeableness and extraversion, and lowest in neuroticism. Conscientiousness and openness to
experience tied for my third highest rating. High scorers in agreeableness tend to be supportive
of others, intrinsically altruistic, and eager to offer help. An extraversion high score implies a
person who is sociable, enjoys being active, and has an overall cheerful disposition. Individuals
low in neuroticism are even-keeled and not easily rattled. Next, I will discuss how my NEO-PI-3
results characterize my personality, how parts of the results do not fit me, and also speak to the
positive and negative adjectives within the facets of the five personality domains that I scored
very high or very low.
Out of the three assessments discussed in this paper, the results to my NEO-PI-3 match
my personality the best. Scoring very low in neuroticism makes the most sense to me. I am
typically the most even-keeled in groups of people. During stressful situations, I remain calm
and am not easily rattled. The best example of this is my time as a volunteer Emergency Medical
Technician which I started at age 15. While in my role as an EMT, I fostered innate calming
skills and created new ones during stressful, unexpected situations; skills I continue to use today.
In addition to my neuroticism score, the description of agreeableness fit me. I am sympathetic
and eager to help others. I almost always wonder what else could be going on with another
person before rushing to judgment about the comment he or she made, or the situation he or she
might be in. Also, one of my favorite things to do is help others by connecting them to resources

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from which they could gain. An example being two days ago when a friend who lives in Los
Angeles vented to me about her lack of career direction. Quickly I realized I had just had a
conversation with a professor about a great career self-help book, which I then sent to my friend.
A few results of my NEO-PI-3 are not completely in line with my personality. First, the
facet of extraversion that describes my personality type as high on gregariousness and having a
the more the merrier attitude. I do think I enjoyed larger social gatherings when I was younger
and in college; however, now I prefer getting together with friends in more intimate settings. As
mentioned previously I am not an anxious person, but I dislike large group functions and do feel
somewhat anxious while there. Second, the description of agreeableness states that individuals
scoring high are eager to help others, and also believe that others will reciprocate. It is hard for
me to admit that I have a lack of trust in others dependability on wanting to help in return. What
I think my mistrust stems from the part of my personality that makes it hard for me to ask others
for help. A final aspect of my NEO-PI-3 results that surprised me is that conscientiousness
turned out to be one of my lower scores relative to agreeableness and extraversion. According to
the descriptions, those high on conscientiousness tend to be planners, organizers, and involved
with carrying out tasks - all of which I consider strengths of mine.
Of the six facets within each of the five personality domains that I scored the lowest was
vulnerability. Angry hostility and depression tied for my second lowest scores. Low scores on
vulnerability indicate capability of handling oneself in difficult situations. As mentioned
previously in this section of the paper, throughout my life I have always felt mentally equipped
to handle tough times. Scoring low on angry hostility definitely characterizes me as I am very
slow to anger. My low score on depression also makes sense to me. I seldom feel guilty, sad,
hopeless, or lonely.

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I scored very high on altruism, competence and warmth. My highest score being
altruism is in perfect alignment with choosing counseling as my career. In my activities of daily
living as well as at school and at work, I feel well prepared to deal with what comes my way.
This capable and effectiveness element of my personality are what lead me to score very high
on competence. Although it takes time for me to fully open up to others, once I do, I am
incredibly warm, genuine, and friendly.
DSM-V Personality Disorders
Certain personality traits of mine are similar to the described diagnostic criteria for
avoidant personality disorder (APA, 2013). Criterion 2 states that an individual, is unwilling to
get involved with people unless certain of being liked (APA, 2013, p. 673). Growing up I was a
kind and reserved child who got along with others easily and often was invited to friends houses.
I was well liked by classmates, teachers, and parents. As an adult, I am accustomed to being
well-liked. It is clear that I have been extroverted throughout my development, as indicated by
the MBTI and the NEO-PI-3. When I get even the slightest feeling that someone does not like
me or something about me it bothers me severely, and I often find myself doing whatever I can
to get that person to like me.
A second criteria of avoidant personality disorder that I relate to is criterion 3: shows
restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed (APA,
2013, p. 673). I have a significant fear of being embarrassed, a personality trait of mine that
makes me difficult to get to know on an intimate level. Emotionally, I have strong reactions to
the feelings ridicule and shame, and withhold personal information for fear of being exposed
(APA, 2013, p. 673). This characteristic of my personality was particularly evident in my first

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few months as a graduate student when I seldom spoke in class, often for fear of saying
something wrong.
A few of my personality traits also meet diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive
personality disorder (APA, 2013). Criterion 1, preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order,
organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost (APA, 2013, p.
678) characterizes me well. I have to make lists for everything I do from school tasks, to grocery
lists and cleaning lists. My apartment is scrupulously organized with each item I own having a
specific place. I think what keeps me from fully meeting the criteria is that I am mentally and
emotionally stable when my apartment gets dirty or disorganized, or if I go to the grocery store
forgetting my list, or start my homework without my planner.
As discussed previously in this paper in the MBTI section, I get caught up in rules, a
personality trait of mine that meets criterion 1 for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, as
well as criterion 4 which states that a person, is over conscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible
about matters of morality, ethics, or values (APA, 2013, p. 678). In particular, I become
consumed with rules when authority figures are involved leading me to attempt to follow the
rules quite literally. For example, I have never asked to turn in a paper or assignment late, and
am always in awe of my peers who do request an extension. Behind this personality trait lies an
aversion to rule bending and fear of underperforming in front of a superior.
Summary of Personality
This section of this paper will summarize both what I learned from taking the MyersBriggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI), and the
NEO Personality Inventory 3 (NEO-PI-3), and which personality traits of mine are similar to

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diagnostic criteria for DSM-V personality disorders. The MBTI assessed me as an ESFP which
includes: extraversion, sensing, feeling, and perceiving. ESFP types are described as outgoing
individuals who have strong interpersonal relationships. They are able to empathize with others
and often act as the peacemaker. Basing decisions off personal values and thoughtful
consideration, the ESFP type does not quickly jump to conclusions. ESFP type characterizes my
personality well for the most part. I enjoy being social, I place importance on relationships, and
find myself in the peacemaker role occasionally. Some parts of the extroversion type do not fit
my personality. For example, I feel drained after social interaction leaving me in need of alone
time, and I do not act spontaneously.
My RHETI results scored me highest on Type Two: The Helper, Type Eight: The
Challenger, and Type Nine: The Peacemaker, all of which I found fit me well. A combination of
Two, Eight, and Nine describes individuals who are generous with their time and attention, selfconfident leaders who enjoy independence, patient, and at times complacent. As evidenced by
my many friendships, my career path, and leadership roles held, I think my RHETI personality
type characterizes me well. The aspects of the personality type that did not fit me well were
some personality traits of Eights and Nines like short temper, rageful, passive aggressive, and
unrealistic.
I scored highest in agreeableness and lowest in neuroticism on the NEO-PI-3. I also
scored high in extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience. Of the three
personality assessments, the NEO-PI-3 gave the most comprehensive summary of my personality
type. Of the domains I scored highest or lowest in, characteristics of my personality type include
intrinsic altruism, sociable, cheerful disposition, and even-keeled. My calm demeanor stands out
to me as one of my most notable personality traits, for which the NEO-PI-3 assessed. Although

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reluctant to warm up to new people, I am warm, enjoy connecting others with resources, and
slow to judge.
Particular personality traits of mine meet diagnostic criteria for avoidant personality
disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (APA, 2013). Attributes like my strong
desire to be liked by everyone around me, and significant fear of being embarrassed meet parts
of criterion 2 and criterion 3 for avoidant personality disorder (APA, 2013, p. 673). My fixation
with order, lists, and rules, in particular surrounding activities involving authority figures, meet
some of both criterion 1 and criterion 4 for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (APA,
2013, p. 678). Although I can relate to the criteria for avoidant personality disorder and
obsessive-compulsive disorder, the personality traits mentioned are neither enduring patterns, nor
do they significantly vary from cultural expectations, for this reason I do not meet DSM-V
diagnostic criteria for the personality disorders (APA, 2013).
Personality Impacts on My Relationships
My personality traits impact my relationships with family, friends, and coworkers both
positively and negatively. My high scores on The Helper, The Challenger, and The Peacemaker
make the most sense to me in terms of my interactions with my family. Positively, my helper
personality traits, bring me closer to my parents, and in particular to my dad. During his hard
times he had leaned on me. For example, when his best friend passed away and his dad was in
the hospital, my dad kept me close by his side at all times, and also tasked me with helping him
write the eulogy for his friend. Surprisingly, my peacemaker personality traits have affected my
relationship with my parents negatively. When they are in conflict, both of my parents tend to
confide in me, creating a messy family triangle which leaves me, the child, feeling confused.

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Wanting to be the peacemaker, I do not handle my conflicted role well and often end up stepping
away from the situation instead of letting them know that I feel uncomfortable.
My personality traits like altruism and warmth, assessed very high by the NEO-PI-3,
positively impact my relationships with friends. I am often told by my friends that they can
come to me to talk about any issue knowing that I will be non-judgmental and comforting. For
example, I am the only person outside her family that one of my closest friends told about her
fathers affair. Certain personality traits of mine assessed by the NEO-PI-3 impact my
relationships both positively and negatively. For example, scoring low on neuroticism effects my
friendships negatively at times. One of the facets of neuroticism I on which I scored lowest is
angry hostility. I simply do not get very angry, and there are times when my friends want me to
be incredibly heated over an issue or something someone has done; in my friends eyes, at these
times I lack emotionality which they yearn for me to have. Scoring low on neuroticism also has
positive influences on my friendships, and in particular in my relationship with coworkers.
Personality traits like even-keeled, and not easily rattled have helped me to be a coworker who
someone can depend on in times of stress. For example, when working in event planning in
Washington, DC my boss was higher in neuroticism. At times, we needed to feel under pressure,
and at other times we needed to feel secure and confident during our events. She could count on
me to be calm; we were successful as a team because we could even one another out.
Personality traits of mine detailed in this paper help make me a trustworthy counselor.
Gladding (2013) wrote that trustworthiness, which is fostered by counselor traits like sincerity,
consistency, genuineness, is crucial to developing a helping relationship (p. 130-131). Specific
traits that will positively impact my counselor-client relationships include intrinsic altruism,
compassionate, genuineness, even-keeled, generous with time, practical, and most importantly,

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places a strong emphasis on interpersonal relationships. With one of my current clients I have
been consistent in my genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. She feels at ease
in my presence, allowing us to dig deeper together in each session.
The client previously mentioned is both similar and different to me in personality. We are
similar in being extroverts. When she describes her many friendships and what she does with her
friends, I can relate to her. I find myself smiling and laughing when she talks. Like me, my
client also finds herself conflicted in the peacemaker role with her parents marital stressors. Our
similar personality traits have helped us create a strong therapeutic relationship. She trusts me,
can tell me things she is afraid to tell others, and feels at ease in my presence. We are different in
that she is much higher on neuroticism than me. Her anxiety consumes her, leading her to
dramatize most situations. In these instances where her anxiety is overwhelming, I can find her
difficult to work with. I wonder if her narratives are exaggerated and doubt how one friend
could negatively impact her self-confidence. My suspicions leave me questioning my strongest
personality traits, genuineness and empathy.
Countertransference and transference issues come up in session with this client.
Emerging from my peacemaker personality trait, countertransference is something I must always
be aware of in session, but in particular with this client and her role in her parents relationship.
In our last session together I found myself focusing too much on the details of the story, and how
she could improve her relationship with her parents because I too find myself wanting to mend
my parents relationship. What would be most beneficial to her at that time would have been to
be tend to her feelings and the meaning behind bringing the issue of her parents marriage to our
counseling session.

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I can anticipate transference happening in session when I am working with individuals

who have personality traits that are opposite some of my strongest traits like sociable, evenkeeled, and peacemaker. When the client mentioned previously has a strong bout of anxiety and
sits across from my calm presence, she looks to me to rescue her in some way. When I encounter
clients who are quick to anger and accuse others, I think it will be challenging for me to
sympathize with them since I rarely get extremely mad. Other individuals I imagine will be
difficult for me to counsel will be those with an external locus of control, since I am independent
and a self-starter.
Friends Reaction to Personality Summary
My best friend from childhood read my personality summary and offered insights. She
agreed with the personality trait peacemaker, as the MBTI and RHETI indicated. When conflict,
or impending conflict, arises she noted that my calm nature allows me to analyze the
disagreement and see both sides of the situation. Ultimately, this personality trait prevents me
from jumping to conclusions. My friend also agreed with me that personality traits like rageful,
passive aggressive, and unrealistic do not fit well with my personality. Her agreement with my
summary, and thoughtful insights on my personality, were heartwarming to read.
Conclusion
This paper included many details and insights on my overall personality. Based off of the
results and discussion on the three personality assessments it is clear that my personality traits
that stand out the most are extrovert, conscientious, and agreeable. My strong desire to be liked
by others and inclination for organization, make me relatable to some diagnostic criteria for
avoidant personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Strengths and

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weaknesses exist in my personality that have both positive and negative impacts on my
relationships with family, friends and coworkers. Those strengths and weaknesses will affect my
ability as a counselor to relate to clients who are similar and those who are different from me.
Because of this, self-awareness around issues that are triggers for me will help to avoid potential
transference and countertransference.

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References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders:
DSM-5. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association.
Gladding, S. T. (2013). Counseling: A comprehensive profession (Seventh ed.). Boston: Pearson.