Twelve Steps and Yiddishkeit

A recovering person writes:

Whereas in Judaism, the concept of Teshuva is very much guilt based- with guilt being the stepping stone for rectifying ones wrongs, it seems that this element is lacking in the program. Step nine, ‘making direct amends wherever possible...’ is the teshuvah process, but without the guilt. Similarly with the concept of taking moral inventory- similar to the Jewish concept of making a Cheshbon Hanefesh, yet again the guilt is lacking.

Rabbi Twerski Responds:

There are 2 types of guilt, healthy and unhealthy.
Healthy guilt is a painful feeling, like touching a red-hot stove. It discourages one from repeating the wrongful act. If a person does not feel pain when touching a hot stove, he should consult a neurologist, because there is something wrong with his nervous system.

A sociopath is without conscience and does not feel guilt. If one does not feel guilt on doing wrong, there is something wrong with him. Healthy guilt is what motivates a person to make amends and do teshuva.

Unhealthy guilt is when one feels guilty even though one has not done anything to warrant feeling guilty. Pathologic guilt requires psychotherapy.