So, we hear that we should tap into our emotions and that we should bring forth painful experiences from the past in order to acknowledge them, learn from them and then move past them.

But, where is the point in which spewing and venting and talking about the past become more detrimental than helpful? Is there not a danger that those grooves in the brain which hold the pain will solidify and be made deeper and therefore the odds of moving past the painful experiences become slimmer and slimmer?

To become aware is good. To dwell is not. How much 'processing' is necessary? Anyways, what is processing?