Can we openly talk about their sins? What about psychologist?

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First of all, I apologize for any grammar mistakes, as English is not my native language.

I’ve recently made mistakes that affected people, and that involved sin. I have that sort of guilt that makes me want to talk about it. I have talked about it with a few close friends, which included an atheist and two protestants, and also my parents.

I feel that I also need to talk to a psychologist about my usual behaviors, and that would probably expose sins.

I am in doubt if talking about sins with friends and professionals is allowed.

God bless you!
 
You can certainly talk about your own sins with whoever you please.
 
camper said:
First of all, I apologize for any grammar mistakes, as English is not my native language.

I’ve recently made mistakes that affected people, and that involved sin. I have that sort of guilt that makes me want to talk about it. I have talked about it with a few close friends, which included an atheist and two protestants, and also my parents.

I feel that I also need to talk to a psychologist about my usual behaviors, and that would probably expose sins.

I am in doubt if talking about sins with friends and professionals is allowed.

God bless you!
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You may talk about your sins all you wish.

However, I’d recommend sticking to professionals over friends. When it comes to the complexities of how sin psycologically affects a person, people often will get overwhelmed when dealing things as a friend.
 
Three friends, 2 relatives, 1 professional. Do you really think this is how these people (other than the psychologist, he gets paid) want to spend their time with you?

Why not just go to sacrament of reconciliation and be done with it? Weekly if necessary.
 
Thanks, my friends.

@michaelArc
I sent an email to the archdiocese in my city so I could get a recommendation on a good one.

@Crocus
You are right, I don’t think that’s their wish. I just felt so depressed that even after God’s forgiveness, I think I would still fell guilt and need some advice from people that know me.
 
Yes, you can but BE CAREFUL. Some people will use your weaknesses against you. Some people will use your admission of a sin as a way to feel much better about themselves.
It is safest to only discuss your personal sins with a psychologist or a priest.
Maybe think of revealing sin based on a “needs to know” basis.
 
camper said:
You are right, I don’t think that’s their wish. I just felt so depressed that even after God’s forgiveness, I think I would still fell guilt and need some advice from people that know me.
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I’m glad you took it kindly, I was afraid I might have appeared too harsh.

Guilt often indicates need for healing — also available from the sacrament, you can bring it up with the priest.
 
@Crocus

Don’t worry. I must admit that at first I thought you were, but after that I concluded that you were right. I guess sometimes good advices have to be that way, and come to think of it, some of the most useful advices I got had to be realistic like that. I apreciate your advice!
 
Reconciliation doesn’t necessarily result in closure at all levels, especially the psychological.

There is still much to be learnt about why we do the things we do that injure others whether we are culpable or not. We all have some unfreedoms in our sinning and learning ways of regaining some freedom in these areas is a worthwhile pursuit. It is not primarily what confession is for though - hence the need for professional assistance of another type.
 
My own experience is that few Catholic priests have the professional training or common sense to effectively assist mature people with more intractable issues.

On the otherhand Christians trained in clinical psychology (often Protestant ministers) have much more to offer in this area. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect either.
Its always buyer beware.
 
BlackFriar said:
Reconciliation doesn’t necessarily result in closure at all levels, especially the psychological.
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For sure. Each person must take responsibility for getting appropriate help in resolving his particular issues.
BlackFriar said:
My own experience is that few Catholic priests have the professional training or common sense to effectively assist mature people with more intractable issues.
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Truly, I was under the impression it was part of their formation, I could be wrong.

At present in my rural area I have access to two priests who (again — I am told), (you’re giving me doubts now) are trained counselors. Regrettably that may not be the case elsewhere.

Another factor could be the relationship one has been able to develop with a priest as a spiritual director.
 
Crocus said:
Truly, I was under the impression it was part of their formation, I could be wrong.

At present in my rural area I have access to two priests who (again — I am told), (you’re giving me doubts now) are trained counselors. Regrettably that may not be the case elsewhere.

Another factor could be the relationship one has been able to develop with a priest as a spiritual director.
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Priests are allowed to follow their interests. They only get the most cursory Psyc 101 in their standard training. Most DO choose to learn more, and a good number have a BA in Psyc/councelling before becoming a seminarian. But adequate knowledge to really council a person is few and far between.
 
Xanthippe_Voorhees said:
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Crocus:
Truly, I was under the impression it was part of their formation, I could be wrong.

At present in my rural area I have access to two priests who (again — I am told), (you’re giving me doubts now) are trained counselors. Regrettably that may not be the case elsewhere.

Another factor could be the relationship one has been able to develop with a priest as a spiritual director.
Click to expand...
Priests are allowed to follow their interests. They only get the most cursory Psyc 101 in their standard training. Most DO choose to learn more, and a good number have a BA in Psyc/councelling before becoming a seminarian. But adequate knowledge to really council a person is few and far between.
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Right. Proper training in counseling requires a Masters Degree and thousands of supervised clinical hours.
 
Crocus said:
Three friends, 2 relatives, 1 professional. Do you really think this is how these people (other than the psychologist, he gets paid) want to spend their time with you?
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Why wouldn’t it be? The Scriptures tell us to live in the light, not to hide in darkness. If you read the book of Acts, this is clearly not merely a matter of going to confession.
 
Hi Crocus,

Whenever I felt that I needed help, I would go and talk to my Pastor.

If he felt that he was unable to help me, he would refer me outside of the parish.

For the most part, he would be able to talk to me and help me, because most of what I was dealing with at the time, were spiritual issues.
 
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