The Apostolic Penitentiary distinguishes confession from psychotherapy

Monsignor Krzysztof Józef Nykiel, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, stated that the sacrament of confession must not be confused with psychotherapy. Speaking at the conclusion of the fifth training seminar at the Apostolic Palace, Nykiel noted that Christian contrition should not be reduced to psychological analysis or paralyzing guilt.

Nykiel explained that authentic contrition comes from looking toward divine mercy rather than from self-contempt or a list of faults. He described the priest's role as a servant of reconstruction who accompanies the penitent toward the experience of forgiveness, rather than acting as a judicial judge. The seminar addressed the sacrament through biblical, existential, and pastoral perspectives.