“This is unorthodox.”
I assure you this has been true for 2000 years in the East.
Regardless of the length of time it has been practiced, Christ gave the abilities to forgive and retain sin to the apostles, the first priests and bishops.
I can’t see why anyone would be drawn to such practices.
Now if the women and unordained (including deacons) want to advertise this as merely a counseling session — I could accept this. But it is NOT the Sacrament of PENANCE!