The sacrament of confession is strongly encouraged for practicing Orthodox Christians throughout our life in the Church. And yet it is rare that a layperson’s perspective on this practice is sought or offered. In the course of my life in the Church I have observed three types of confession: formal, controlling and responsible. While the first two approaches are widespread, the third requires a significant amount of work, self-awareness, and mutual respect from both the penitent and the confessor priest.