It's different. I was an Episcopalian before, and they have general (communal) confession. The first time I went to auricular confession, I knew I was in the presence of God. It is an awe-inspiring experience.
Repeated or besetting sins are handled differently by an astute confessor. And with grace and faith even they can be overcome.
Not saying it's easy -- but it's easier than trying to go it alone.
The best thing I've found for overcoming is "Noah the Patriarch" Armenian brandy, XXX- 30 years old, at $45 a bottle. One 750ml bottle could suffice for 4-5 overcomings, and with the unsurpassed grace on the palate. It is truly uplifting, ad coelum levavit, as Michelangelo used to say [but he was more into Trebbiano].