To The Type A Personality Avoiding Therapy
About a month ago, I was speaking with someone about the therapeutic work I do with leaders and offered my services and support to his collective. He paused, laughed, and said “the people in this building all have Type A personalities, there’s no way they’re coming to you for therapy.” Now I’ll admit, it definitely felt like a jab but instead of feeling dismissed, I chose to do what I do best, find a solution. It sparked the thought in my head “how can I help Type A personalities learn that they can benefit from therapy?” Now this doesn’t mean that I don’t work with clients who fit this mold already, but for the ones who are resistant for the same reason why they actually need to be in therapy, it’ll be good for them to gain the helpful insight.
Since the popular theory of personality Types A and B (later evolving to types C and D) was created in the 1950s, so many other theories have emerged and have become a staple and guide towards self-discovery, including Meyers-Briggs and Enneagram, just to name a few. While there are many personality theories that have gained popularity and are commonly referenced today, I’m choosing to focus on the theory of personality Types A and B because it’s a theory that more seasoned leaders, who indeed are more reluctant to attend therapy, tend to connect with and reference.
According to your personality type, here’s how therapy can be beneficial to you. I’ve also added Types B, C, and D as bonus references.
Type A: The Overachiever
Individuals with Type A personalities are high performers. They have no problem stepping outside of their comfort zone and pushing boundaries to achieve their goals. Type A personalities often come off as aggressive, even if unintended, because of their high ambition and competitive nature. These traits often influence one to be independent with the mentality that struggles are a sign of weakness. Type A personalities often have a low tolerance for people who are in the way of their perceived goals and slow them down as they are primarily focused on their influence and the overall bigger picture.
Problem: While Type A personalities often hit their target and are very good at what they do, it tends to come with a significant cost. Not only do Type A’s tend to struggle with health problems associated with lack of sleep, hypertension, and stress, their tunnel vision tends to keep them in their own lane. This ultimately affects how they connect with others and their ability to effectively communicate and show empathy.
Yikes. That sounds and feels really heavy. Type A’s…with how goal oriented you are, is the toll of stress really an expense that you are willing to pay? Attending therapy allows you to lighten your load by better organizing your thoughts and the motivation behind your actions. It also opens the door to other perspectives that allow you to strengthen your connection not only with others, but with yourself. While you already bring so many amazing things to the table, let therapy help you revive the quality of your life instead of the quantities that come with it.
Type B: The Relaxed One
Individuals with Type B personalities are known to be cool, calm and collected, often taking a casual approach to things. While still producing great work and giving their all, they don’t approach things with as much pressure and competition. This allows Type B’s to view disappointments from a different perspective that better helps them handle the situation and grow from the lesson. When it comes to engagement with others Type B personalities are gregarious and people typically feel comfortable around them.
Problem: Type B personalities are often so cool that they lack discipline in getting things done within a timely manner. Yep, you guessed it, they’re procrastinators. While most of their time is relaxed and carefree, that small window closer to deadlines can be incredibly stressful for them. Their laid back demeanor also influences Type B’s to be less organized and lacking strong leadership qualities.
Type C: The Perfectionist
Individuals with Type C personalities are well calculated and are high performers like Type A. Their inquisitive nature allows them to handle matters from a critical perspective that very is detailed oriented and structured. Many of their decisions and actions are based upon what they find and their ability to back it up. Type C’s handle matters this way because of their desire to maintain a stable, non-disruptive lifestyle and minimize any variances. To sum it up, they don’t like drama.
Problem: Often strong in logic, Type C’s communication with others can be awkward. Because their primary focus is on maintaining a sense of personal balance, Type C’s tend to project their rigid and introverted-like nature, making it challenging at times for them to collaborate with others. It can also be difficult for them to come out of their shell and express their feelings, even when they mean well.
Type D: The Tip of the Iceberg
Those with Type D personalities are warm and peaceful in nature. They connect well with others and enjoy being of service and help. Type D’s are resilient and take on a perspective that can be considered realistic and within the moment. Because they are great with shaping these realities, they carry a sense of wisdom and knowledge that are meaningful to others.
Problem: While Type D’s do a great job with showing their warmer side, there is more to them that meets the eye. Internally, they are very sensitive to other people’s feelings and have a tendency of personalizing them as their own and feeling as if they are being targeted. Unfortunately, the majority of the time, Type D’s are distressed, feel lonely, and isolated, even if that is not the actual case externally.
Now what?
Each of these personality types have amazing skill sets and qualities that are necessary for the collective functioning of society. With each strength and weakness, the one thing that everyone has in common is the fact that we all experience challenging times; that’s part of being human. The great thing is that there are people who get it, and have your back. If you ever need support with managing your stress, know that there therapists who are capable of helping you effectively reduce and manage it. The biggest step is to just get out of your own way.
Be well,
The Consulting Firm