Hi! I'm Tammy

I’m an IEA accredited and certified Enneagram teacher and clinical psychotherapist. I’m known for my affirming presence, personal vulnerability, and embodied approach to Enneagram learning.

My Enneagram journey started in childhood, introduced by my mother who was a teacher with Oscar Ichazo's Arica School in the 80s and 90s. Over the past 25 years, I've also studied under Enneagram leaders like A. H. Almaas, Sandra Maitri, Helen Palmer, and others. I'm certified by the Enneagram Embodiment Tradition® and accredited by the International Enneagram Association (IEA).

My professional work began after obtaining my MSW and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I spent a decade at the Veterans Administration, where I led teams and developed innovative programs. In 2008, I transitioned into private practice, focusing on integrative and holistic psychotherapy.

Over the years, my clinical practice has increasingly embraced a somatic approach, grounded in psychosomatic modalities studied with Fran Booth, Dan Siegel, and Peter Levine, alongside spiritual embodiment practices learned under Sally Kempton.

For the past decade, I have run accredited Enneagram training programs, integrating the Enneagram's mystical theories with modern somatic psychology and neuroscience into a model I call "Essence Embodiment."

    • Enneagram: 3-Year Certification with the Enneagram Embodiment Tradition

    • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: PhD Studies at the Institute for Clinical Social Work

    • Masters in Clinical Social Work at Florida State University

    • Somatics and Internal Family Systems: Level 3 Certification with Fran Booth in Integrative Somatic Parts Work

    • Somatic Experiencing®: Online workshops and advanced trainings with Peter Levine through The Embody Lab

    • Neuroscience and Mindfulness: Workshops with Dan Siegel at the IEA Global Conference and the Enneagram Global Summit

    • Energies for Transformation: Training with Sally Kempton, focusing on the integration of spirituality and embodiment practices

    • Hypnosis and Guided Imagery: Training with the Michael Newton Institute

    • Jungian and Post-Jungian Clinical Concepts: Certificate with the Centre for Applied Jungian Studies

  • Certified by the Enneagram Embodiment Tradition® and accredited by the International Enneagram Association (IEA), I have developed a uniquely accessible modality called “Essence Embodiment.”

    This approach blends the Enneagram's timeless mystical theories with today's practical, actionable somatic psychology and neuroscience.

    During my initial decade of learning the Enneagram, I was passionate about understanding the intricate details and differential analysis between the types. As I matured within my primary type and embraced the wholeness of my three centers, my curiosity shifted toward exploring how deeply we can heal, awaken, grow, and evolve with Enneagram work.

    This journey has led me to prioritize the essence of the types.

  • My professional experience and training is extensive and diverse.

    During my decade at the Veterans Administration, I built and led teams, transforming innovative ideas into successful, grant-funded programs that elevated standards in team collaboration and effectiveness.

    Following this, I spent another decade leading accredited Enneagram training programs, refining my curriculum, and gaining recognition as both an expert and practitioner.

    Training

    • Enneagram: Personality, Energetics and Embodiment Certification (3 year training) with the Enneagram Embodiment Tradition

    • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Institute for Clinical Social Work Doctoral Studies

    • Somatics: Integrative Somatic Practitioner Certificate with Integrative Wellness Academy

    • Internal Family Systems: IFS Certificate with Integrative Somatic Parts Work with Fran Booth

    • Hypnosis and Guided Imagery: Training with the Michael Newton Institute

    • Mindfulness and Meditation: The Art of Meditation Course with Adyashanti

    • Tantric Embodiment: Energies for Transformation Course with Sally Kempton

    • Jungian: Jungian and Post-Jungian Clinical Concepts Certificate with Centre for Applied Jungian Studies

  • I am an experienced presenter at international conferences and a respected teacher within the Enneagram community. I'll add more to this soon.

  • For many years, I worked in trauma-focused settings and I have 15 years of private practice experience.

    My initial PhD training was in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which provided a deep and rich foundation for analyzing and understanding how our past experiences create patterns in our subconscious. However, after a decade of practice, I found myself seeking more.

    I became passionate about somatic work, driven by a desire to make this deep analytical work feel more real in the body. I wanted to heal not just through understanding but to reach the nervous system, creating a physical and somatic sense of freedom.

    This journey led me to integrate contemporary research in somatic psychology and neuroscience into my practice, offering a more holistic approach to therapy. This has allowed my clients to experience healing on a deeper, more embodied level, transforming their lives in profound ways.

  • As a primary Type 6 with an intimate subtype, I offer particular strengths. My natural ability to build trust, foster security, and create strong, supportive relationships helps clients feel safe and understood.

    This foundation allows for deeper exploration and transformative growth. My rich curiosity and deep passion for truth have guided me to push the boundaries of what is possible with the Enneagram, leading to innovative and effective practices.

    I am highly skilled at noticing the nuances and layers of personality structure, particularly the influences of subtypes, wings, lines of movement, and levels of maturity.

  • I am a mother, gardener, and lover of fresh air and sitting cross-legged. When I'm not talking about the Enneagram, I'm simply living in the mountains of Asheville, NC, on beloved land that keeps me and my family busy and happy.

My Enneagram Story

In this clip from my IEA workshop, I share the story of my lifelong journey with the Enneagram, starting from my childhood. I discuss how this journey has shaped my understanding of the Enneagram, not just as a tool for personal insight, but as a powerful model for embracing wholeness throughout life.

"To embody essence is to live from the core of our being, where the deepest truths reside. It is a practice of aligning our outer actions with our inner wisdom, allowing us to navigate life with authenticity, grace, and profound connection."

— Sally Kempton