Caption: Person-woman-girl-model
Confession of “sins” has long been a
tradition in various religious faiths for centuries, but many modern
institutions, religious or secular, also acknowledge the therapeutic value in
disclosing one’s guilt in a safe environment (Young, 2017). Moisio &
Beruchashvili (2009) identified several ways in which confession was found
therapeutic for members of Weight Watchers support groups: members felt that
they were not alone in their struggle, that the group held them accountable,
and that the group helped resolve feelings of guilt without dismissing the
behavior. “I think that’s what helped me, sharing my problems out loud. I feel
better once I’ve confessed because I can put it behind me and move on” (Moisio
& Beruchashvili, 2009). Members also felt that their successes were more
celebrated because they were honest about the extent of the problem (Mosio
& Beruchashvili, 2009).
Sweezy (2011) shares about an adult client who
suffered from shame related to childhood sexual abuse. In the course of
therapy, the therapists discovered a key in the client’s recovery was
addressing the guilt she felt in contributing to her younger brother’s sexual
abuse (Sweezy, 2011). Through the confession, the therapist and client were
able to navigate the differences between unresolved guilt and shame (Sweezy,
2011). The client wrote a letter to her (by then deceased) brother asking for
forgiveness, and thus opening the door to emotional healing (Sweezy, 2011).
An
ancient king considered by some to be among the wisest men on earth said,
“whoever conceals their sin does not prosper, but the one who confesses them
and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28: 13, New International Standard
Version). As a professional counselor in training, I find intriguing that the
ancient tradition of confession seems to have such freeing power.
References
Moisio, R., & Beruchashvili, M. (2009). Questing
for well-being at Weight Watchers: The role of the spiritual-therapeutic model
in a support group. Journal of Consumer
Research, Inc., 36, 857-875. doi: 10.1086/605590
Sweezy, M. (2011). The teenager’s confession:
Regulating shame in Internal Family Systems Therapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 65(2), 179-188.
Young, M. (2017). Learning the Art of Helping: Building Blocks
and Techniques (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
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