Couples Therapy and Myers-Briggs: How Personality Types Affect Relationships

Couples therapy is an art form, but can be informed by various assessments that support a more holistic understanding of how two people understand the world.  The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types based on their preferences for certain behaviors and attitudes. Each of the 16 types is made up of four dichotomies, each representing a preference for one end of a spectrum over the other:

1. Extraversion (E) - Introversion (I)

2. Sensing (S) - Intuition (N)

3. Thinking (T) - Feeling (F)

4. Judging (J) - Perceiving (P)

Here's a brief overview of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types:

1. ISTJ - The Inspector

2. ISFJ - The Protector

3. INFJ - The Counselor

4. INTJ - The Mastermind

5. ISTP - The Craftsman

6. ISFP - The Composer

7. INFP - The Healer

8. INTP - The Architect

9. ESTP - The Dynamo

10. ESFP - The Performer

11. ENFP - The Champion

12. ENTP - The Visionary

13. ESTJ - The Supervisor

14. ESFJ - The Provider

15. ENFJ - The Teacher

16. ENTJ - The Commander

The MBTI personality types can affect relationships in a number of ways, and can be brought into effective couples therapy. For example:

1. Communication: People with different personality types may have different communication styles and preferences. Understanding these differences can help improve communication and reduce misunderstandings.

2. Conflict resolution: People with different personality types may approach conflict differently, which can affect how conflicts are resolved. Understanding these differences can help people find more effective ways to resolve conflicts.

3. Compatibility: People with certain personality types may be more compatible with others based on their preferences and behaviors. Understanding these preferences can help people find compatible partners and build stronger relationships.

4. Strengths and weaknesses: People with different personality types have different strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help people leverage their strengths and work on their weaknesses to improve their relationships.

It's important to note, however, that while the MBTI can provide insights into personality types, it's not a comprehensive measure of personality and should be used with caution. Other factors, such as life experiences and personal values, also play a role in shaping individual behavior and attitudes. 

Please contact Kairos Wellness Collective if you would like Myers-Briggs informed couples therapy.