Student Work from The Avicenna Institute: A Temperament Solution

Student: Anonymous student (To protect identity of client) of Naturopathic Doctorate Course

Course Assignment: The Temperaments

“…After listening and discussing Rachel’s predicament with the anonymous feedback at work, she interpreted how others may perceive her expressive nature, and was ready to consider the best course of action to move through the misunderstandings at work. We began “typing” those closest to her in the office. After some analysis of the four temperaments and using their elemental qualities to help paint a picture to understand their interactions, (for example, earth’s rigidity will subdue the choleric fire but support the phlegmatic water. Sanguine’s enthusiastic wind may feel indifferent to earth’s stillness, but it may disturb loose bits of earth’s dust) Rachel was able to better understand the reasons why some may perceive some of her behavior in a negative light. This conversation opened the door, but we worked out an emotional/ relationship coaching plan together. As a sanguine, Rachel is intuitive and perceptive, but her inability to self-regulate often leads her to request the attention and support of others to maintain her balance. She would do the same for others, so it was difficult for her to envision a sense of “self” where she is able to understand her temperament to the point of self-mastery to gain some emotional independence…”