"The reality of dealing with your priest 
in person and getting counseling and penance from a real human who is 
called to that office of reconciliation...I think that is important 
and powerful.

Brian+"

I agree. I usually, like Fr. Mark, have a little time before the actual confession with the person. Face to face; mostly instructive about what confession is and what it isn't (like pastoral counseling) and what I can and can't do (like never bring it up to anyone including the penitent. And then we move into the confession itself with them at the prayer desk. 

On the other hand I wonder if booths would increase the frequency and number of confessions?
gms+