How do I proceed confessing after mortal sin?

[Dakota]

My question is this. I committed a series of mortal sins. I have confessed every aspect of the sin, am devestated by my weakness and am determined never to committ them again. I caused a lot of hurt, both know and unknown, and am willing to do whatever to restore my relationship with God. Where I am confused is in this. Is it enough to recongnize my sin as a weakness of myself, or should I go to a Catholic therapist to figure out how I got into it in the first place. I feel I know some of the reasons for my sins, but am not sure why those reasons are there. I really don’t want to spend six months rehashing this situation only to become more agonized or confused about it. But likewise, I do not want to ever get myself involved with something like this again. Every Christian material I’ve read makes it sound like months or years of counseling is required to understand any underlying issues in order to move forward.
Thank you

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear D,

Psychology can be a great help and perhaps you will eventually need to supplement your prayer life with such help. But first give prayer a chance.
Turn you attention to the Lord. Your mortal sin, like all mortal sins, was a complete betrayal of Him. That is what makes a mortal sin so deadly. In sinning is such a way, we put something in place of Him as our highest value. Your greatest defense against sinning in such a way again, is your appreciation of His love and your determination to be faithful to Him. Spend time before a crucifix each day, reflecting on all He endured for you, and……thank……Him!

Let this take up more and more of your attention throughout the day. He loves you THAT much. Get to the point that even at the onslaught of the strongest temptation, you simply cannot betray Him. This is what you need to do. His grace can work miracles. You are in our prayers. Write again if you need to.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.