
Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar, PhD (Counseling)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering virtual therapy to adult clients in 19 U.S. states
Working with people who are questioning, deconstructing, or leaving high-control religions, groups, or cults
Confession Reflex
An automatic urge to self-disclose, self-blame, or confess wrongdoing in moments of stress or conflict.
You feel compelled to explain yourself excessively even when not asked.
You apologize quickly to relieve internal discomfort.
You assume you are at fault before understanding the full situation.
Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)
This reflex can lead to over-apologizing, over-explaining, or chronic self-blame during stress or conflict.
Feelings of exposure or shame may appear even in safe relationships.
Healing includes learning that safety does not require constant self-disclosure.