Yes.. talking is the key..my mother was extremely abusive verbally.. and I guess in a way she was physically too because she liked to pull me around by my long hair. even picking me up off the floor with it..

It does something to a childs spirit when they are beaten down with cruel words and hands that are supposed to comfort and soothe... it gives us wrong perceptions of ourselves and the world around us..and for me, it caused alot of confusion in my head....

Talking about it allows you to release those feelings of anger.. and pain.. and disappoinment.. and even grief.. I grieved for the childhood I didn't have...

The most important thing to remember through it all... is that in no way did it ever have anything to do with you or your brother.. it was all her... it was her problem.. her behavior.. she owns all of it..don't allow yourself to ever think you were just not lovable.. or you couldn't do things good enough.. none of that... it was her..

Good Luck.. I'm here for ya!!