The Confessional Community - a group therapy
In our fast-paced, often isolating world, many people are searching for deeper connection, healing, and a safe space to share their stories. Dr. Curt Thompson, a renowned psychiatrist and expert on the intersection of neuroscience and spirituality, has developed a unique approach to group therapy called Confessional Community. This model is designed to help individuals break through the walls of isolation, heal from past wounds, and experience transformation in the context of community. At The Dwelling Place, we are humbled to be able to offer this model of group therapy to our clients. Anne has had the honor of training with Dr. Thompson and his team at New Story Behavioral Health and the honor work working with the team to offer training to clinicians who are also hoping to integrate this model of therapy into their practices.
What is Confessional Community?
At its core, Confessional Community is a group therapy model grounded in the belief that confession and vulnerability are powerful tools for healing. In this context, “confession” is not about guilt or shame, but rather the practice of being fully seen and known by others in a compassionate and supportive environment. This model encourages participants to share their struggles, fears, and wounds—knowing they will be met with empathy, understanding, and grace. In allowing ourselves to be SEEN and KNOWN we often find just how much shame has kept us in isolation and that the story we tell ourselves about our story is in fact very incomplete.
Confessional Community is more than just a therapeutic space; it’s a relational experience where individuals can grow together as they open up about their experiences. We believe that humans are inherently relational beings and that healing occurs when we are able to share our stories in a trusted community, free from judgment. Through this model, participants are encouraged to embrace vulnerability, confront shame, and engage in the kind of deep connection that fosters growth and emotional healing.
Key Principles of Confessional Community
1. Vulnerability and Connection: At the heart of Confessional Community is the invitation to be vulnerable in a safe and supportive environment. This model emphasizes that healing happens when we allow ourselves to be truly seen by others. In the group setting, participants are encouraged to share their personal experiences and emotions openly, which fosters deeper connections with others. This process helps break down the walls of isolation that many people experience and creates space for authentic, life-changing relationships. Dr. Thompson often says, “We do not understand how beautiful we are until we gaze upon someone gazing upon our beauty.” Shame may have led us to believe our stories are disgraceful, but in community we come to understand how much beauty is emerging out of even the most broken places.
2. Healing Through Storytelling: Dr. Thompson often speaks about the power of storytelling in emotional and psychological healing. By sharing our stories—whether they are full of pain, joy, or complexity—we are able to process emotions, make sense of our experiences, and move toward healing. Confessional Community encourages individuals to tell their stories within the group, where they can be heard and validated without judgment. This process of narrative healing is both cathartic and empowering, as it helps participants reframe their experiences in a way that allows for growth and transformation.
3. Neuroscience and Emotional Regulation: Confessional Community integrates neuroscience into this therapy model, emphasizing how our brains respond to trauma, relationships, and emotional experiences. Dr. Thompson explains that when we are in a safe, supportive community, our brains are better able to regulate emotions and process difficult experiences. Confessional Community fosters an environment where the brain can “reset” through healthy connection and shared vulnerability. This emotional regulation can have a profound impact on participants’ mental health, helping them heal from past trauma and navigate life’s challenges with more resilience.
4. Shame Resilience: One of the most powerful aspects of Confessional Community is its focus on shame resilience. Shame often keeps us isolated, making us feel unworthy or unlovable. The Confessional Community model creates a space where participants can confront and process shame in a way that reduces its power. Through the practice of “confession” in a compassionate environment, participants are able to experience acceptance and grace, helping them release shame and embrace their true selves. This process of healing from shame is central to the transformation that occurs in Confessional Community.
5. Shared Journey: Confessional Community is not just about individual healing; it’s about the collective journey of the group. As participants share their experiences, they discover that they are not alone in their struggles. This shared journey fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity, where everyone is supporting one another in their healing process. Dr. Thompson emphasizes that transformation happens in the context of relationship, and the group setting allows for powerful moments of mutual encouragement and support.
How Confessional Community Works in Practice
Confessional Community groups typically consist of a small, close-knit group of individuals who meet regularly for guided therapeutic sessions. These sessions are led by a trained therapist or facilitator who helps create a safe, structured environment for sharing. While the exact format can vary, participants are encouraged to engage in honest conversations about their personal experiences and emotions. At The Dwelling Place, Confessional Community Groups are time-limited groups that meet weekly, for 12 weeks.
The process often involves:
• Sharing Vulnerably: Group members take turns sharing their stories, emotions, or struggles. This is done with an emphasis on honesty, vulnerability, and empathy, with the goal of building trust and connection among participants. We follow the “Storytelling Liturgy” a speaker, responder method that allows time and space for our stories to emerge more fully.
• Active Listening and Support: Group members listen to each other with compassion and without judgment. This creates a space where everyone feels safe to share openly and receive support.
• Reflecting on the Healing Process: Throughout the sessions, participants reflect on their experiences and the healing that is taking place. They explore how the group’s support is helping them move forward and overcome emotional challenges. There is an emphasis on what is happening in the “here and now” - also knows as “process.”
• Spiritual Integration (if applicable): For those who wish to integrate their faith into the process, Confessional Community can also include spiritual reflections, prayer, and discussions around the role of God in the healing journey. We acknowledge the importance of spiritual dimensions in healing and create space for faith to be woven into the group experience.
Why Consider Confessional Community?
If you are struggling with feelings of isolation, shame, or emotional pain, Confessional Community can provide a powerful opportunity for healing. Whether you are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking a deeper sense of connection, this group therapy model offers a safe and supportive environment to process your emotions and share your story.
In addition, the group dynamic fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, which can be incredibly healing for those who feel disconnected or alone in their struggles. Confessional Community’s emphasis on vulnerability, shared experiences, and emotional regulation provides a unique approach to therapy that is deeply impactful.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Power of Confessional Community
Healing is rarely a solitary journey—it often requires connection, understanding, and support from others. Dr. Curt Thompson’s model of Confessional Community invites individuals to embrace the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and shared healing in a safe and supportive group environment. If you are looking for a therapy model that goes beyond traditional counseling and offers the chance to heal within a compassionate, relational community, Confessional Community may be the perfect fit for you.
By embracing vulnerability and sharing your story with others, you may just find the transformation and healing you have been seeking—both in your heart and in your relationships.
