Embarking on a transformative journey with the Enneagram, Lee Milligan’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery, recently featured in an insightful interview with MysticMag. In 2017, during a tumultuous phase of her life, Lee encountered the Enneagram, a moment she describes as the system finding her at the right time. As her passion for this transformative tool deepened, Lee immersed herself in extensive study and earned certification as an Enneagram Teacher and Practitioner with The Narrative Enneagram.
Inspired by her own profound experience, Lee founded Ritual Enneagram and launched The Enneagram Typecast podcast, dedicated to spreading secular Enneagram wisdom.
Lee’s approach to coaching is marked by a personalized and compassionate touch. Drawing on her own journey and experiences, she tailors her coaching methods to individuals’ unique Enneagram types. Recognizing the power of the Enneagram in navigating life’s challenges, Lee shares success stories, such as a client’s transformative shift towards self-care and boundary-setting. Her coaching methodology goes beyond traditional approaches, incorporating mindfulness practices, somatic awareness, and personalized rituals to foster self-awareness and holistic growth.
What distinguishes Lee in the realm of Enneagram education is her authentic and inclusive teaching style. As a female pagan, neurodivergent thinker, and Type Nine, Lee brings a rich tapestry of experiences to her coaching practice. Her warmth, humor, and humility create a genuine connection with those seeking self-discovery. Committed to continuous improvement, Lee actively refines her methodologies, integrating Tritype® theory and engaging in ongoing learning with various Enneagram teachers. In a world where growth is a constant, Lee Milligan stands as a guide, offering a unique blend of wisdom, compassion, and authenticity in the journey of self-awareness and transformation, as featured on MysticMag.
How did you first encounter the Enneagram, and what inspired you to become a certified teacher, coach, and mentor in this system?
I first encountered the Enneagram in 2017 during a challenging phase of my life after the end of a twenty-year relationship. It’s often said that the Enneagram finds you at the right time, and this rang true for me. Since then, my love for this incredible system has only grown stronger. Immersing myself in Enneagram books, blogs, social media, and podcasts, I devoured all the wisdom I could find.
I began working with my mentor, Dale Rhodes, here in Portland, Oregon, that same year. After studying with him, he recommended I continue my studies, and I did. In 2021, I obtained my Enneagram Teacher and Practitioner certification with The Narrative Enneagram, the world’s longest-running Enneagram School and the only IEA Accredited School with distinction.
With the Enneagram, my mission is to help individuals develop greater compassion, cultivate inner wisdom, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Eager to share the transformative power of this system that profoundly shaped my own life, I founded Ritual Enneagram. Since then, I’ve been teaching, coaching, facilitating groups, and mentoring individuals. In that same year, I also launched my podcast, The Enneagram Typecast, with a mission to spread secular Enneagram wisdom and create a welcoming space for all who are eager to learn.
Most of my days are spent working one-on-one with coaching clients, using the Enneagram as a tool in our work. It applies to all areas of our lives—how we show up, where our attention goes, and our core fears. So, whether coaching a client on setting good boundaries, working on presence, or helping them learn to sense and get grounded into their body through somatic work, the Enneagram is always there.
Can you share a success story from your experience as an Enneagram coach, highlighting the positive impact it had on an individual or a team?
Certainly! I had the privilege of working with a coaching client who initially came in for a Typing Session. After discussing her Enneagram results, we delved into triadic work with the Enneagram, exploring communication styles, strategies we use for getting our needs met, and relational behaviors beyond the core Type structure.
She was securely identified as a Type Two (The Giver or The Helper), known for prioritizing others’ needs before their own and being conflict-averse. We explored how this pattern played out in her relationships and work life, leading to a sense of overwhelm. Recognizing an opportunity for coaching, we embarked on a journey together over a few months.
In each session, we balanced teaching with progress check-ins. Remarkably, in a short time, she underwent a transformative shift. She became more present, established healthy boundaries, and prioritized self-care, addressing the burnout she had been experiencing. As it turned out, conflict can be a catalyst for growth and helpful in strengthening relationships. We also incorporated breathwork, which unearthed deep emotions and grief.
While everyone’s journey is ongoing, the impact has been profound. Witnessing her embrace the concept of pausing and breathing before actions, asking “What about me?” and considering ‘no’ as a valid option, has been immensely rewarding. I believe I’ve helped facilitate a life-long change, even if it’s through the smallest steps toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. The work is a daily practice, and some days we may seemingly fail at everything we’ve been working towards, but we have tomorrow to get up and try again.
How do you customize your approach when working with individuals of different Enneagram types to ensure effective coaching and mentorship?
Customizing my coaching approach based on individuals’ Enneagram types is at the heart of fostering warm and personalized mentorship. The journey begins with a deep dive into each person’s Enneagram type, allowing us to craft a coaching plan that feels uniquely tailored. Understanding the core motivations and fears associated with each type, I adjust communication strategies to create a more intimate and receptive connection.
The initial step involves delving into the Type structure, recognizing that individuals are much more than their Type. The Enneagram-type structure is not something to evolve past; instead, it should be respected for having kept us alive and safe. However, understanding it is crucial. I guide individuals through the exploration of common struggles associated with each Type, emphasizing that our Type is always with us and plays a vital role in our lives.
In setting personal goals, I seek to identify growth areas and tap into the distinctive strengths inherent in each Enneagram type. This approach ensures that our coaching journey aligns seamlessly with individuals’ dreams and challenges, providing guidance that feels both supportive and empathetic. Flexibility is woven into my coaching technique, recognizing that individuals evolve over time. This adaptability allows me to respond to changing needs, ensuring that our coaching interactions remain relevant and leave a lasting impact.
I incorporate a variety of coaching methods, adjusting to the unique preferences of each Enneagram type. Whether it’s through goal-oriented action plans or reflective sessions, my aim is to create a coaching experience that feels gentle and nurturing. Acknowledging potential resistance or hesitancy tied to specific types, I approach challenges with a soft touch, offering constructive guidance.
At its core, my approach centers on encouraging self-awareness by fostering reflection on thought patterns, behaviors, and motivations. This creates a coaching journey that is not just effective but also resonates warmly with the unique qualities of each individual. Additionally, I address common struggles associated with each Type, exploring universal shared struggles and introducing rituals for daily life improvement. Emphasizing a curious mindset, I highlight the value of learning about all Enneagram Types, their gifts, and struggles to foster greater compassion in our interactions with others.
What specific tools or methods do you employ to help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges based on their Enneagram type?
In guiding individuals through their personal and professional challenges based on their Enneagram type, my approach involves a multifaceted strategy that integrates tailored coaching techniques, introspective tools, and ongoing support.
We start with an in-depth Typing Session to accurately identify each individual’s Enneagram type. This foundational understanding forms the basis for exploring the nuances of their personality, motivations, and potential challenges. Once their Type is determined, I provide personalized insights into their specific Enneagram Type, emphasizing strengths, challenges, and common patterns associated with their personality structure.
Collaboratively setting personalized and realistic goals follows, addressing specific challenges, fostering growth, and aligning with their aspirations. These goals are then broken down into actionable steps, allowing individuals to make progress incrementally and celebrate achievements along the way.
Recognizing that communication styles vary among Enneagram types, I help individuals adapt their communication approaches to better connect with others, especially in professional settings and interpersonal relationships. Understanding how each Enneagram type approaches relationships, I provide guidance on navigating relationship dynamics, resolving conflicts, and building stronger connections.
Incorporating mindfulness practices tailored to each Enneagram type fosters self-awareness. Techniques such as breathwork, meditation, and reflective exercises help individuals stay present and attuned to their thoughts and emotions. Additionally, emphasizing somatic awareness—connecting with bodily sensations—provides a powerful avenue for self-discovery and stress management.
I introduce personalized rituals and daily practices that align with each Enneagram Type. These rituals serve as anchors for individuals to ground themselves, maintain balance, and navigate challenges more effectively. Also, we’re humans who crave to try new things. Some practices work whereas others we might abandon for something else! This is an area to play and explore in helping the mundane become more magical.
Ensuring sustained progress involves regular check-ins, providing a space for reflection, addressing emerging challenges, and adjusting strategies as needed. A foundational principle is fostering a curious mindset, encouraging individuals to stay curious about themselves and others, enhancing self-awareness, and promoting continuous personal and professional growth.
By combining these tools and methods, my goal is to empower individuals to navigate challenges, capitalize on their strengths, and cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life, both personally and professionally.
In your opinion, what sets your teaching and coaching style apart in the realm of Enneagram education, and how do you continuously refine and update your methodologies?
What sets my teaching and coaching style apart in the realm of Enneagram education is me! I’m a pagan and practitioner of the craft, currently in my mid-life or maven phase. Identifying as a Type Nine, I’m also a neurodivergent thinker with ADHD, queer, and grapple with body image issues and religious trauma. I share all this openly, hoping to connect with kindred spirits who may find resonance in my experiences. I hold a deep appreciation for the light and dark, celebrating the unique beauty within each of us. Additionally, as a lover of nature, I understand we all grow in seasons and recognize the inherent balance in everything.
My teaching style is characterized by warmth, strength, and loving care, complemented by a generous dose of humor and humility. I understand the importance of laughter and forgiveness in the journey of self-discovery, especially when dealing with serious personal matters. While I may not be the right fit for everyone, those who resonate with my approach appreciate the genuine connection I bring to the table.
Continuously refining my methodologies is a core aspect of my approach. For example. I have incorporated Tritype® theory into my practice after a year-long intensive with Katherine Fauvre and am currently engaged in a year-long program with Russ Hudson where I am learning some wonderful practices that are Type specific. Emphasizing the importance of ongoing learning, I study under various Enneagram teachers with diverse perspectives, ensuring a dynamic and evolving approach to my teaching and coaching. I love learning and have no plans to stop!
Lee’s Website: www.leemilligan.co
