The Twelve Shadow Types
The Magician archetype is that part of ourselves which steps back to gain perspective and, from a distance, see the big picture. It is characterized by the quality of being Aware.
The DETACHER Shadow Type represents the side of us that remains separate from the intensity of life and can be observant as well as objective. Detachers tend to be knowledgeable, independent, and self-reliant—to the point of being cool, aloof and distant. Read more …
The OPTIONIZER Shadow Type represents the side of us that weighs various options and can appreciate different perspectives, which enables us to mediate between people and bring harmony. Optionizers generally like to keep all possibilities open—to the point where they can procrastinate and avoid making decisions, so as not to close out any other possibility. Read more …
The ALERTER Shadow Type represents the side of us that questions almost everything and is watchful for potential problems. Alerters often make good whistle blowers, Devil’s Advocates, and watchdogs because they want to protect people from possible dangers—to the point where they can be naysayers and cynical. Read more …
The Sovereign archetype is that part of ourselves which takes leadership in life, from being a world figure to being a parent or a team captain. It is characterized by the quality of being Positive.
The IDEALIZER Shadow Type represents the side of us that thinks big and is always coming up with a new, bigger and better vision of how things could be. Upbeat and optimistic, Idealizers typically see the sunny side of everything and love adventure, novelty, new people and places—to the point where they have a hard time committing to anything and following through with their promises. Read more …
The AFFECTER Shadow Type represents the side of us that appears confident, charismatic, and accomplished. Inspiring and cheerful, Affecters can motivate others and take the lead. Certain that they ace anything, they thrive on risks and, as a result, can crash at times. They usually can’t bear to be seen as a failure though; their image is vitally important to them, to the point where others may question is they are genuine or just ‘affected.’ Read more …
The FOSTERER Shadow Type represents the side of us that is drawn to supporting and caring for others. Fosterers have a kind of radar for spotting the needs of others and then responds by helping. They tend to be nurturing, supportive, and giving—sometimes to the point of where others can feel smothered, manipulated, guilty, or disempowered. Read more …
The Warrior archetype is that part of ourselves which takes action, sets our boundaries, and asserts our power in the world. It is characterized by the quality of being Real.
The UPHOLDER Shadow Type represents the side of us that cares deeply about what is right. Upholders will stand up for what is just and fair, even if that makes connections more difficult. Upholders believe it is their duty to be of service and often work tirelessly. They can become so focused that they can become obsessive or fanatical. Read more …
The CONTESTER Shadow Type represents the side of us that is courageous, grounded, and comfortable with power. Contesters generally meet challenges head on, relish the competition of a good battle, and easily take control—to the point where they can be aggressive and intimidating. Read more …
The ESTABLISHER Shadow Type strives to find its own, distinct identity. It would prefer to risk losing connection rather than to risk losing its individuality. This type is about distinguishing itself as unique and special. It is original and creative, but can also be self-centered and status seeking. Read more …
The Lover archetype is that part of ourselves which is expresses our childlike nature of being spontaneous, emotional, and vulnerable. It is characterized by the quality of being Open.
The RELYER Shadow Type represents the side of us that needs and depends on others. Relyers are usually the classic ‘people persons’ who live for a sense of belonging and connection with others—to the point where they can sacrifice their own boundaries and become dependent or subservient. Read more …
The YIELDER Shadow Type represents the side of us that endures the hard things in life instead of resisting. Yielders usually bond with others through shared suffering & will choose to maintain solidarity with their group rather than take opportunities for their own advancement, to the point where they can be passive & unmotivated about their life, as if resigned to their ‘fate.’ Read more …
The RELEASER Shadow Type represents the side of us that expresses their thoughts, feelings, and impulses spontaneously, without inhibition. Releasers generally seek free-flowing fun, emotional and physical intimacy, and intensity—to the point where they can be melodramatic and develop addictions. Read more …
When I took the Shadow Types training several years ago, my eyes were opened to a richer and more comprehensive understanding of people than I had come across in all my years as a psychology professor. As a result of this training, I have greater insight into the internal dynamics that form an individual’s personality as well as the person’s troublesome behavioral patterns. The training also provided me with pathways for helping people to deal with their issues and to function more effectively in their lives. All in all, I highly recommend this training both to professionals and to anyone who wants to understand people from an exciting, new angle of great depth.
I highly recommend taking the Shadow Types survey and attending a Shadow Types training. Learning about the Shadow Types gave me a whole new way to understand the hidden dynamics of human behaviour. I have not only used this insightful knowledge to improve the quality of my life and my relationships, it has also helped me to empower hundreds of my clients, from private individuals and couples, to organisational leaders and their teams.
