Evenings Out in The Theatre of Life:
Exploring Reaction Formation Amongst the 9 Types
- This program cancelled -
- Wednesday May 17th 7pm-8:30pm online
- Thursday May 18th 7pm PCC Theatre w classmates (optional and there are other performance dates available )
- Wednesday May 31st 7pm-8:30pm online
Join us as we explore what is true (in some version) for all Nine Types ...
Dale Rhodes (sx4) and Maren Symonds (so9) are excited to facilitate together new explorations on reaction formation, one of the primary defense mechanisms that hold all our type structures in place.
Reaction formation glues your personality structure together by helping you oppose “bad” or "unacceptable" urges or behaviors. It moves against baser instincts in favor of alignment with social standards instilled by parents and teachers. In making the case for a self-image you wish to uphold, reaction formation places you in direct opposition to a standard or desire you have not fully integrated in yourself and often demonize in others.
To explore this theme in great literature and theatre, class members will read Robert Louis Stevenson’s *very short* novel masterpiece prior to the first class and receive some self-reflection questions for preparation.
Key components of this short course include a critical look at ourselves through the lens of type, a critical look at a theatre performance, and a willingness to explore how to integrate more of ourselves. All types and student levels are encouraged to attend.
Dale Rhodes (sx4) and Maren Symonds (so9) are excited to facilitate together new explorations on reaction formation, one of the primary defense mechanisms that hold all our type structures in place.
Reaction formation glues your personality structure together by helping you oppose “bad” or "unacceptable" urges or behaviors. It moves against baser instincts in favor of alignment with social standards instilled by parents and teachers. In making the case for a self-image you wish to uphold, reaction formation places you in direct opposition to a standard or desire you have not fully integrated in yourself and often demonize in others.
To explore this theme in great literature and theatre, class members will read Robert Louis Stevenson’s *very short* novel masterpiece prior to the first class and receive some self-reflection questions for preparation.
Key components of this short course include a critical look at ourselves through the lens of type, a critical look at a theatre performance, and a willingness to explore how to integrate more of ourselves. All types and student levels are encouraged to attend.

Maren Symonds is a professional writer and blogger whose principal focus is evidence-based research on healthy lifestyles, positive attitudes, and warm social relationships. Her prior professional interests include sales, marketing, product development, and IT positions in start-up and multinational enterprises as well as consulting experience in a premier management consulting firm and two customer contact practices. She has also served as a partner in two social venture initiatives and provided management consulting, marketing, and web development services to several non-profits.
Maren has a BA from UC San Diego, an MBA from Stanford University, and an MDiv from Duke University. She studied the enneagram with Dale Rhodes, completed Jerome Wagner’s Enneagram Spectrum Training and Certification Program, and devoured several books on the subject from a variety of authors.
Maren has a BA from UC San Diego, an MBA from Stanford University, and an MDiv from Duke University. She studied the enneagram with Dale Rhodes, completed Jerome Wagner’s Enneagram Spectrum Training and Certification Program, and devoured several books on the subject from a variety of authors.
* Enjoy the fun option to attend PCC’s play in-person with the class Th May 18th 7pm with a talk-back afterwards, or go to any performance that week. Tickets are only $5 Seniors /$10 General. Visit the PCC Theatre website here. Students from outside the Portland area will be prepared for sessions just by reading the novella.