Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns with the Briggs-Myers Personality Types

Introduction

         Imagine this: You’re in your late 30s, standing at a crossroads, feeling and holding space for excitement and uncertainty. You’ve been walking a familiar path, but now you’re questioning if it’s truly the right one. That was me not too long ago. I felt a powerful urge to realign my work with my true purpose. Amidst the swirling thoughts and emotions, I discovered the magic of the Briggs-Myers personality types. This tool became one of my guiding lights through the fog of career change. But the adventure didn’t stop there – these personality insights also breathed new life into my relationships and how I move through the world! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of personality types and see how they can help us navigate career shifts and deepen our connections with the people around us.

The Theory Behind Personality Types: Jung’s Influence

         Let’s take a quick trip back in time to the roaring 1920s. Enter Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist who changed how we think about personalities. Jung’s theory proposed that people have inherent preferences in perceiving the world and making decisions. These preferences fall into categories like introversion vs. extroversion and thinking vs. feeling, among others. Fast forward to World War II, when Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers took Jung’s ideas and turned them into the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI); they aimed to help folks find careers that suited their true selves. Talk about a mother-daughter power duo!

The 16 Personality Types

         Now, let’s break down the MBTI’s 16 personality types. Each type is a unique mix of four dichotomies: Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E), Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N), Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F), and Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P). Each type has its quirks and strengths, making the world wonderfully diverse. (See link below for full assessment and type)

How MBTI Can Help with Career Changes

         Understanding your MBTI type can be incredibly beneficial when navigating career changes. Here are a few ways the system can assist:

 •   Self-awareness: Understanding your type gives you a crystal-clear view of your strengths and weaknesses. This self-knowledge is golden when you’re figuring out your next career move.
 •   Career Alignment: Some types naturally fit specific careers. ENFJs, for example, are often fantastic teachers and counselors, while ISTPs might thrive in hands-on, technical roles.
 •   Decision-Making: By knowing how you process information and make decisions, you can choose a career path that feels just right.
 •   Improved Communication: Being aware of your type helps you communicate better with your new boss and colleagues, easing the transition.

Enhancing Personal Relationships with Personality Types

But wait, there’s more! MBTI isn’t just for career stuff – it’s also a game-changer for your personal life.

 •   Better Understanding of Others: Knowing the types of your friends, family, and colleagues can help you understand why they do what they do. It’s like having a cheat sheet for harmonious relationships.
 •   Enhanced Team Dynamics: Understanding your team’s types can lead to better collaboration and productivity at work. Imagine everyone playing to their strengths!
 •   Improved Conflict Resolution: Personality insights can help you address issues with empathy and understanding when conflicts arise. Knowing if someone prefers direct communication or values harmony can make all the difference.
 •   Strengthening Personal Connections: Understanding personality types can deepen your bonds with loved ones. Appreciate their unique traits and watch your relationships blossom.

Jungian Roots and Practical Applications

         Here’s where it gets even cooler. The MBTI is like Jungian psychology’s fun, approachable cousin. Jung believed in understanding our deeper selves, balancing different parts of our psyche, and connecting with universal archetypes. The MBTI helps make these lofty ideas accessible and practical.

 •   Individuation Process: Jung talked about individuation – becoming the person you were always meant to be. Understanding your MBTI type is a step on this journey of self-discovery.
 •   Archetypes and Collective Unconscious: Jung’s archetypes are universal symbols. Your MBTI type can reveal which archetypes resonate with you, offering deeper self-insight.
 •   Therapeutic Application: Knowing a client’s MBTI type can tailor interventions to their personality, making the therapeutic process more effective and personalized.

Using Briggs-Myers in My Practice

         In my practice, I use the Briggs-Myers personality type as one of many tools, concepts, theories, and frameworks to help my clients navigate career changes and relationships. By understanding their personality types, my clients gain clarity on their strengths and preferences, which aids in career decisions and enhances their interactions with others.

MBTI in Popular Culture

         If you think the MBTI is just for career coaches and therapists, think again! A quick web search for personality types will yield hundreds of results, including fun and interesting articles. Ever wondered how to plan your wedding based on your personality type? Or maybe how does your running style align with your MBTI profile? And for the Harry Potter fans out there, there’s plenty of content on how your Hogwarts house matches your personality type. The MBTI has woven its way into popular culture, making it a serious tool for self-discovery and a playful way to explore different aspects of your life.

Conclusion

The Briggs-Myers personality types are like a Swiss Army knife for life – versatile and incredibly useful. Understanding your MBTI type can provide valuable insights, whether navigating a career change or looking to improve your relationships. Embrace your personality type and let it guide you to a more fulfilling, harmonious life. And don’t forget to have fun with it along the way – you never know what new aspects of yourself you might discover!

Find your type

For a full descriptions of the personality types and the assessment, visit: www.16personalities.com

References

Jung, C. G. (1921). Psychological Types. Zurich: Rascher Verlag. (Translated by H.G. Baynes in 1923).

By Ari Leal, Therapist

Book with Ari here: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/AriLeal

Trusting the Process: The Right Mindset for Therapy

What happens when you come into therapy, the first session has ended, and perhaps things don’t feel any better? It can be hard to walk through the process of therapy when we don’t know what to expect or how to cope with the moments that feel hard. What we anticipate from therapy shapes how we perceive and interpret our sessions. Our beliefs about therapy, our therapist, and the effectiveness of the process have a big impact on our experience of it. 

I hope this article brings you reassurance, empowers you to fully engage in therapy, and inspires hope as you navigate your own unique journey. Therapy holds immense value and can indeed serve as the catalyst for the change you seek. I believe these three shifts in perspective can help you develop a mindset that will enable you to get the most out of therapy.

1.     Embrace the Power of Expression

Often, we underestimate the profound impact of having a dedicated space to express ourselves freely, without fear of judgment. While our loved ones may offer support, they might not always possess the necessary tools required to fully understand our experiences. Your therapist is trained to fully immerse themselves in your perspective, offering a safe haven for you to share openly. This commitment is unique because, often, people may not know how to create the supportive environment you deeply desire. It's empowering to acknowledge that you have this sanctuary and someone who is adept at empathy, validation, and impartiality. Simply having a safe space to express can be incredibly therapeutic—it allows us to release pent-up emotions, process our thoughts, and receive the support we crave.

2.     Communicate If Something's Not Working

At times, there might be thoughts lingering in your mind that feel challenging to share with your therapist. If something isn't working or doesn't feel helpful, don't hesitate to discuss it openly. Sharing these concerns can help your therapist better understand your needs and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. Bring forth your fears, worries, and genuine emotions to your therapist—they are equipped to handle it and can provide the support you require. Whether it's frustration over the perceived slow progress or other difficulties, sharing these emotions with your therapist can offer them the opportunity to guide you through them. Occasionally, we may encounter less-than-ideal experiences in therapy where we don't feel properly cared for. This can be deeply disheartening and shake our confidence in the therapy process. However, I encourage you to give therapy another chance. Not every therapist will be the right fit for you, and that's perfectly okay. But remember, this doesn't reflect negatively on therapy as a whole. Therapy can be effective and transformative if you're committed to it. So, consider this your reminder to persevere, even when the journey feels challenging or doesn't meet your expectations. It's also okay to take a break from therapy and return when you're ready. I like to think of each therapy session as planting a seed. While we may not witness immediate growth, with time and nurturing, we can observe positive changes blossoming in our lives.

3.     Give Therapy the Time It Deserves

Therapy isn't a quick fix; it's a gradual process that unfolds over time, sometimes more time than we'd prefer. It's essential to remember that your therapist is human—they can't read your mind or predict your experiences. Making assumptions based on past experiences, whether theirs or others, can be harmful. Each individual is unique, with distinct needs and layers that require exploration. Your therapist needs time to understand who you are and what you're going through fully. They must carefully process and conceptualize your experiences to offer effective support. So, if progress seems slow, remember it's a sign that your therapist is approaching your care with diligence and consideration. Rest assured that even if issues aren't resolved immediately or the first strategies provided don't seem effective, change takes time. There's hope and power in the therapeutic process—real transformation occurs when we deeply understand and connect with the insights gained. Your therapist's role isn't to overwhelm you with information but to guide you toward self-discovery and growth collaboratively. Trust in the process, and with patience, positive change will unfold.

Written by Chelsea Reeves, MFT-I 

Book a session with me using the link below:

https://southtampatherapybookappt.as.me/ChelseaR

Counseling for College Students in Tampa

At South Tampa Therapy with Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney, specialized Counseling for College Students addresses academic-social balance, roommate conflicts, and post-college concerns. Entering college signifies independence, yet struggles with fitting in, missing family or hometown, and uncertainty about the future are common experiences.

Feeling alone amidst the apparent ease of others' adjustments can exacerbate these transitions, causing anxiety, depression, and isolation. Recognize that these feelings, while normal, can impact your daily life significantly.

Symptoms like persistent emptiness, loss of interest in activities, academic setbacks, self-esteem issues, pessimism about the future, and physical stress signs may indicate depression or anxiety.

Counseling offers proven help for college students dealing with mental health challenges. While campus resources might be limited, seeking support in a comfortable and private environment can make a difference. Our team at South Tampa Therapy comprises qualified professionals passionate about helping students navigate these challenges.

We prioritize understanding each individual's needs, fostering a judgment-free, compassionate space for growth. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, we actively engage with the college community, building relationships with faculty and staff to ensure comprehensive support.

Remote counseling services via HIPAA-compliant video platforms offer flexibility, ensuring support regardless of your location. Face-to-face sessions are optimal, but remote sessions serve as a valuable resource in emergencies or when away from home.

Whether you're local or distant, our team is dedicated to providing the care and support you need during your college journey. Contact us anytime for assistance.

Book an initial Intake to start making positive changes! 

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Counseling and Therapy for Individuals, Teens, Couples, and Families in South Tampa

I understand it takes bravery to seek help from someone new, but rest assured, I aim to quickly bridge that gap. A client recently offered a touching compliment that deeply resonated with me:

"I've been in counseling for years. You stand out as the best counselor I've known. Why? Because I sense your sincerity."

I offer counseling and therapy for individuals, teens, couples, and families. As a South Tampa Counselor, I've assisted countless clients through various approaches, including individual counseling, marriage counseling, relationship counseling, affair recovery and grief therapy… and much more!

Being a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), I don't use a standard approach; I tailor my methods to suit your distinct needs. My toolkit includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, Family Systems, Person-Centered, and Strength-Based approaches, ensuring adaptability for your benefit.

Clients appreciate my hands-on approach at my South Tampa office. As your counselor, I take an active stance in assisting you to reach your objectives, steering clear of merely asking, "How does that make you feel?"

Are you seeking life's purpose or feeling stuck? Let me equip you to harness your thoughts. Together, we can strengthen your confidence and unearth your potential through psychotherapy.

Want to deepen your connection with your partner? Relationships define our joy when they're in harmony. I can steer you toward love, understanding, and healing through marriage counseling and couples therapy.

Whether you're an individual grappling with anxiety, depression, grief, or self-esteem, or a couple seeking intimacy, I'm dedicated to aiding you in building a happier, more fulfilling life.

Book an initial Intake to start making positive changes! 

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