I wonder how long it takes to feel comfortable enough to just let it all out. Or is it a gradual process that tests the waters with a few items first? I think perhaps the greatest fear is a lack of validation. I see a little child inside of me cowering in a corner, and I can't tell her secrets to someone who will not validate. Damn, I don't really know all of her secrets. Maybe my fear is what will come up if the kid gets the opporutnity to speak.

From someone who also has a little child still inside her as well, I can say that for me, it's been too long. I have been waiting forever to speak on what has happened to me throughout my childhood. It's so much bottled inside me that I'm ready to burst with the truth. That's why I've joined this site and I'm searching for others so I can talk about this and in hopes, find others who have experienced the same or similar. If I have a chance to speak with a therapist, I believe I'm going to let it all out. If you're still scared to speak, then it may take a little while longer but I honestly believe once you start talking, there's no stopping until you get it all out. And if your fear is what will come up, you shouldn't be afraid. That's what the therapist is there for. To be there for you and to help you through these times.

writingwithink,
Welcome to the forum!
For me, it was a journey of baby steps. First, you have to find a therapist that you trust enough to open up and reveal your wounds and scars. Once you have found someone you can trust, it is then a process of sharing how much you are comfortable with. Then, with each emotion or incident that you share, there will be a set of emotions to confront.

I recommend journaling as a means of going through the process. I also did some drawing. These things help in the processing of it all. Your fear of validation is a very normal thing. I believe most survivors of abuse deal with this fear on some level. We want to know that it was not our fault. We want to know that we are a person of value. Validation is a necessary tool in this process.

I do believe that as you go through the process you will begin to feel validated.

Again, welcome to the forum. There are so many supportive members here that really care.