Spiritual Practices: Using Agency in Confession

Viewing and practicing service through a trauma-sensitive lens.

What is the purpose of the Spiritual Practice of Confession?

The purpose of confession is unburdening. It may be asking for forgiveness and reconciliation, or it can be the vulnerable sharing of a story in which none of the above are necessary. It can take place privately with God, with another person, or in a community.   

How can trauma impact the Spiritual Practice of Confession?

Overwhelming Responsibility for Sin: If confession of sin is promoted as the solution to inner turmoil, it can impede healing because you may take on responsibility for the sins committed against you. You may also see behavior patterns as sin and try to control them instead of creating new healthy patterns. Controlling is exhausting and often ineffective. This can lead to a cycle of asking for forgiveness again, and again.

Confessing in Unsafe Spaces: Healing can happen by telling another person your story. Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Confession in safe spaces provides this, but in unsafe spaces, it can but can have devastating consequences.

Over-sharing When Telling Your Story: As you begin to heal, you are in a vulnerable place. Suddenly, you realize you have a voice and want to use it! You may be angry about how you were harmed. When beginning to share you may feel like you shared too much or too publicly (maybe you did or didn’t). It is easy to be overwhelmed by what Brené Brown calls a “vulnerability hangover.” This is a phase everyone experiences! Be gentle with yourself and return to self-regulation skills!

How can using Agency make the Spiritual Practice of Confession accessible?