Mcminn Argumentative Analysis

Introduction Mark McMinn begins the chapter on confession in the therapy session by explaining or suggesting that maybe one of the reasons that therapy works so well for some people is that during therapy they are able to confess or reveal things that they have neve told anyone else. According to McMinn, there are some therapist that believe that it is beneficial for therapy to have a confessional aspect to it. However, some therapists have forgotten their place as a therapist and try to be more of a priest or pastor to the clients. Theses therapists have emphasized repentance and behavioral change without understanding the relational nature of counseling or the spiritual need for humility. Yet, there are counselors that push against confession …show more content…
This find had lead some psychologist to believe that there is a psychological benefit to confession. McMinn also says that other studies show that clients that are more open and forthcoming in therapy are less likely to have psychosomatic aliments.
Confessional Nature of Psychotherapy In the section of the chapter, McMinn say that confession is a natural part of psychology. Therapist hear as many confessions as a priest. However, McMinn warns there is a difference between confession for religion and confession in therapy. Priest are looking for moral problems, while the therapist is focusing on psychological context. The priest and the therapist both hear confession, but thy approach confession from different views and with different concerns in mind.
Guilt: A Concept Related to Confession In this section, McMinn discusses the question of whether guilt should be encouraged or discouraged. Guilty can be seen as harmful, or it can be seen as an expression of empathy. According to McMinn, current research shows that there might be a place for a healthy amount of guilt. Research also showed that guilt does not lead to depression and that guilt does not lead to psychological maladjustments in the same way that shame