Understanding the INFJ: A Deep Dive into the "Counselor" Personality Type

Written by: Michael Smith

If you're anything like me, you've always had a fascination for understanding why people do what they do. I've always believed that people never set out intentionally to be "bad" - it's just that the circumstances of life sometimes lead them down that path. It was this quest for understanding that led me to discover the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test.

I first came across the MBTI when I was looking for ways to better understand myself. As I looked through the different personality types, I found myself identifying with the characteristics listed under the INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) type. I was intrigued, so I did some more research on the INFJ and I was hooked.

The INFJ is a unique personality type, making up just 1-2% of the population. They are often referred to as "Counselors" because of their strong empathetic abilities and their drive to help others. INFJs are known for their introverted nature, their intuition, and their strong sense of morality. They are also known for their perfectionism and their need for organization.

Being an INFJ type has provided me with insight on my personality and behavior. My introverted nature and tendency to feel exhausted after social interactions are characteristics commonly associated with INFJs. Additionally, my reliance on intuition and strong moral compass align with the traits of an INFJ. Overall, understanding my INFJ identity has given me a deeper understanding of myself

But despite all these positive traits, the INFJ is often misunderstood. We are often seen as standoffish or boring when in reality, we are just a bit more reserved and introverted than other personality types. And because we are so empathetic, we often take on the emotions of others, which can make us appear distant or aloof.

So, if you're an INFJ like me, or if you know someone who is, I encourage you to do some more research on this unique personality type. And for those of you who may not understand the INFJ, I hope this article has helped to shed some light on what makes us tick. Remember, just because we may seem reserved or introverted on the surface, it doesn't mean we don't have a lot to offer. We're deeply empathetic, compassionate, and understanding individuals who are always striving to make the world a better place. So, next time you come across an INFJ, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. We might just surprise you with our depth and complexity.

If you're interested in doing more research on the INFJ personality type, there are a few websites that I highly recommend checking out. The Myers & Briggs Foundation (http://www.myersbriggs.org/) offers a wealth of information on the 16 different personality types, including detailed descriptions of each one. Another great resource is PersonalityPage (http://www.personalitypage.com/INFJ.html), which provides a ton of information on INFJs specifically, including career suggestions and relationship advice. Additionally, you can check out the INFJ subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/infj/) where you can connect with other INFJs and discuss your experiences with the personality type. These websites will give you an in-depth understanding of the INFJ personality type and will help you to understand yourself and others better.