I’m in the process of changing where I confess but face-to-face is the default where I go now, though screened confessionals are available for those who prefer them. I’ve grown used to it over the years, but the first time I confessed there was my first ever face-to-face and it was quite unnerving. I had not been to confession in 25 years and had a lot to unload from my soul.
I am a tactile person, and I like having the possibility of physical contact during confession. Once when confessing, I broke down in tears. I closed my eyes and attempted to regain control of myself; while my eyes were closed, I felt the priest put his hand over mine. It was comforting, and that helped a lot. (I imagine some people would freak out at this, but I welcomed it.)
I also like the possibility of eye contact with my confessor. It makes me more honest, and I get more out of whatever guidance he provides. There is much that can be communicated without uttering a word.
It’s probably worth noting that the confessionals where I go are made of glass, so everyone outside can see what’s going on inside and there are always lots of people around, even during the week. This is far from ideal for other reasons, but it does virtually eliminate the possibility of inappropriate behavior on either the part of the priest or that of the penitent. (The screened confessionals are made of wood and thus are private.)
