INTRODUCTION

Welcome to another episode of Beyond Personality Types. Today, hosts Olivier Caudron and Linda Berens take us on a deep dive into the concept of "InterStrength"—a unique blend of inner and interpersonal strengths that goes far beyond simply knowing your MBTI type. Drawing from Linda’s personal journey as an INTP, this episode explores how understanding your core psychological needs can help you reclaim your authentic self, navigate stress, and foster more meaningful connections with those around you.

You’ll hear how Linda’s experience with personality patterns, temperament theory, and frameworks like Myers-Briggs, DISC, and her own Essential Motivators model shaped her growth—and how anyone can use these tools to develop both personal awareness and empathy for others. Olivier and Linda share practical tips on identifying your core needs, embracing multiple perspectives, and daring to try on different “shoes” to reveal your own InterStrength.

Whether you’re a type practitioner, enthusiast, or simply seeking new ways to nurture personal evolution, this episode offers real stories and actionable insights to help you go beyond the labels—and step into your full potential.

TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW

00:00 Cultivating Inner Strength Methodology

05:07 "Embracing Unconventional Womanhood"

10:03 Embracing Personality Type for Growth

11:30 Core Psychological Needs Overview

16:49 "Essential Motivators Model Explained"

20:32 Enhancing Interpersonal Understanding

22:15 Cultivating Inner Strength and Empathy

KEY TOPICS AND BULLETS

1. Introduction to InterStrengths

• Definition and exploration of "InterStrengths"

• Rationale for going beyond traditional personality type frameworks

• Difference between “inner strength” and “interpersonal strength”

• Explanation of why “inter strength” is not just in the dictionary sense

2. The Concept of InterStrengths

• Origins of the term (credited to Nikki Joe Varner)

• Integration of internal (psychological) and interpersonal strengths

• The role of understanding self and others in building strength

• How internal strength is influenced by environment, upbringing, and current context

• Taking action based on understanding core psychological needs and drives

3. Linda Berens’ Personal Journey

• Discovery of personality type and its impact (through Myers-Briggs)

• Influence of David Keirsey and temperament theory

• Navigating societal and familial expectations

• The transformative moment of self-recognition and acceptance

4. Application: Inner vs Interpersonal Strengths

Inner Strength

• Gaining personal insight through self-discovery

• Reclaiming strength after feeling constrained by roles or expectations

• Using knowledge of type to address unmet needs and stressors

Interpersonal Strength

• Realizing the importance of differences within family dynamics

• Learning to appreciate and make space for those with different perspectives

• Moving from self-orientation toward openness to other people's experiences

• Frameworks and methods to support perspective-taking

5. Development of Perspective-Taking Skills

• The challenge and process of learning to attend to others’ needs

• Influence of Linda’s training in counseling and therapy

• Methods for perspective taking and shifting

• The importance of frameworks for those who may not be naturally empathetic

6. The Role of Temperament Theory

• Overview of Keirsey’s four temperaments (Artisan, Guardian, Idealist, Rational)

• Connections to Myers-Briggs and Jungian psychology

• How temperament and type theory provided Linda with clarity and direction

7. Discovering and Integrating Core Psychological Needs

• How core needs differ according to personality patterns

• The impact of meeting vs. not meeting these core needs

• Awareness of the interplay between striving for mastery, meaning, belonging, or freedom

8. Career Impact and Continuing Education

• Influence of self-awareness on Linda’s academic and professional pursuits

• Ongoing pursuit of expertise and knowledge sharing

• Expanding the framework: including DISC, social styles, cultural learning, online modalities

9. The Value of Multiple Models and Perspectives

• The importance of using multiple assessments and lenses (MBTI, Temperament, DISC, etc.)

• The analogy of “shades of white” to explain the complexity of human personality

• Measurement accuracy improved by triangulating with different models

10. Introduction of the Third Strength: Physical/Embodiment

• Discussion about the “third data point” – physical or embodied strength

• The role of courage, bodily presence, and “gut” feelings in personal development

• Embodiment as integral for wholeness beyond cognition and relationship

11. Recommendations for Listeners: Uncovering InterStrengths

• Find an InterStrengths practitioner for facilitated self-discovery

• Utilize workbooks and resources on the InterStrengths website

• Experiment with different “patterns” or “lenses” like trying on different shoes or ice cream flavors

12. Embracing Wholeness and Openness

• Not being defined by a single type result

• The value of experimenting with new perspectives

• The analogy of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes for empathy

• The importance of recognizing and acting from both your own and others’ worldviews

13. Practical Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

• Developing inner and interpersonal strengths for growth and healthier relationships

• The process of self-discovery and action on core needs/stressors

• Embracing alternative perspectives for interpersonal effectiveness

• Involving an InterStrengths practitioner when possible for deeper exploration

• Resources at InterStrengths.org

KEYWORDS

Inter Strengths, inner strength, interpersonal strength, personality type, MBTI, Myers-Briggs, INTP, David Keirsey, temperament theory, Artisan temperament, Guardian temperament, Idealist temperament, Rational temperament, core psychological needs, personal growth, self discovery, perspective taking, perspective shifting, essential motivators model, interaction styles, Jungian type, 8 function model, DISC assessment, self development, empathy, difference between inner and interpersonal strengths, stress management, personal evolution, identity, mindset, adaptability, empathy in relationships