BAE 1.1

Magazine Overview

Title: Ratchet Patrol
Issue: Volume 1, Number 1
Date: January 1990
Type: Monthly Networking Newsletter about Experienced Anomalous Trauma for Interested Scientists

Content Summary

This inaugural issue of "Ratchet Patrol" establishes its purpose as a networking newsletter for scientists interested in anomalous trauma, particularly focusing on the UFO abduction phenomenon. The editor, David Gotlib, M.D., introduces the newsletter's philosophy and operational structure.

Forum 1: Ratchet Patrol: A Philosophy

David Gotlib explains the origin of the newsletter's name, "Ratchet Patrol," which stems from an article in "The Skeptical Enquirer." The "Ratchet Effect" is described as a psychological mechanism where beliefs are reinforced, making it difficult to change them even with negative evidence. The newsletter aims to approach the abduction issue in a "ratchet-free" way. It also posits a principle of information theory: the importance of information is directly proportional to its improbability. The original name considered for the newsletter was "Fair Witness," but it was changed due to prior use by Bill Moore.

Forum 2: Forums: How They Work

This section details the operational structure of "Ratchet Patrol." It functions as a medium for regular communication and information exchange on the abduction issue, similar to a chain letter or computer bulletin board. The newsletter consists of "FORUMS," which are series of comments, proposals, rebuttals, and observations on specific topics. New forums can be initiated by readers. Contributions should be concise, ideally no more than one typewritten page per forum, with a maximum of two pages published per contribution. The editor acts as a moderator, organizing contributions for monthly distribution without editing them. The newsletter also offers to distribute additional information, such as notices of meetings, free of charge to members for the time being. A membership list will be published.

Forum 3: Membership Criteria

"Ratchet Patrol" is intended for mental health professionals, UFOlogists, scientists, and legislators. The emphasis is on the quality of discussion, with membership size being secondary. The editor proposes criteria for membership and a mechanism for administration, suggesting a membership board composed of a mental health professional (the editor), a UFO research community representative (Richard Hall), and an additional member. Requests for membership and subscriptions are to be sent to the editor. A contribution of $1 is requested for a sample issue, and $20 for a one-year subscription to cover postage and reproduction costs.

Forum 4: Networking

This forum encourages members to submit short biographical sketches (maximum one page) detailing their background, training, current work, and personal views. This aims to enhance networking potential and a sense of community among participants from diverse disciplines. The newsletter acknowledges that some participants may prefer anonymity, which is acceptable if they identify themselves to the board. A membership list will be included in subsequent issues unless members opt out. Biographical sketches of Maralyn Teare, David A. Gotlib, Robert N. Sollod, and R. Leo Sprinkle are provided.

• Maralyn Teare, M.S., M.F.C.C.: A licensed marriage, family, and child counselor in private practice in California, specializing in anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. She is recognized internationally for her contributions to treatment and science, including membership in the New York Academy of Sciences and the Society for Scientific Exploration. She has participated in Soviet-American conferences and received numerous honors.
• David A. Gotlib, B.Sc., M.D.: The editor, an M.D. working as a GP psychotherapist specializing in depression and anxiety disorders, using psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and hypnotherapy. He has a background in computer science and network design.
• Robert N. Sollod, Ph.D.: Associate Professor of Psychology at Cleveland State University, with interests in psychotherapy integration, transpersonal psychology, and anomalous experiences. He focuses on the phenomenology and experiential meaning of such processes.
• R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D.: Professor of Counseling Services at the University of Wyoming-Laramie, who witnessed UFOs in 1949 and 1952. He has studied UFO abductees and provided hypnotic sessions for individuals claiming UFO abduction encounters. He offers tentative viewpoints on UFOs, including belief in their existence, the frustration of research, the helpfulness of psychotherapeutic services, and the necessary attributes for therapists working with UFO Experiencers.

Forum 5: What Are The Questions?

This forum addresses the need for more focused data collection and the formulation of key questions regarding the phenomenon. The author suggests that enough cases have been amassed to demonstrate the existence of an unexplained phenomenon, but simply collecting more of the same information may not be useful. Key areas for investigation include prevalence, incidence, and risk factors (e.g., religion, urban/rural background, intelligence). The forum also highlights the potential relevance of electromagnetic fields and distortions in the earth's field and personal fields, asking what should be measured and what equipment should be used. It prompts readers to identify their own big questions and areas of focus or neglect.

Forum 6: Psychotherapy of Abductees

This section delves into the complexities of treating patients who report abduction experiences. It raises questions about the issues involved when the true nature of the experience is in doubt, the endpoint of treatment, and how to differentiate between a "wannabe" and a "legitimate" abductee. The editor's philosophy is to help patients integrate their experiences through talk therapy and hypnotic regression, reassuring them that their experiences are shared and not indicative of psychosis or fabrication. A case is presented where a patient, "K," was referred for therapy after a negative encounter with an amateur "support group" who dismissed her experiences. The editor emphasizes that unprofessional groups can be the first contact for abductees and may cause harm. The section also discusses the therapist's role in relation to UFO investigation, suggesting referral to competent investigators and the importance of ensuring their competence.

Forum 7: Ethical Issues

This forum is listed on the cover but not detailed in the provided pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of anomalous experiences, particularly UFO abductions, and the importance of professional networking and communication among interested scientists and professionals. The editorial stance, as articulated by David Gotlib, is to approach the subject in a "ratchet-free" manner, emphasizing objective data collection, critical thinking, and a supportive yet scientifically rigorous approach to understanding and treating individuals who report anomalous experiences. There is a clear emphasis on the need for professionalism and ethical conduct in both research and therapeutic interventions related to the abduction phenomenon.

This issue of 'Forum' from Ratchet Patrol, titled 'Ethical Issues', is dated January 1990 and focuses on establishing a code of ethics for the investigation and treatment of individuals who report 'Experienced Anomalous Trauma'. The document is presented as a draft produced by an Ethics Committee for discussion and debate.

Scope of the Report

The report aims to provide ethical guidelines for research and treatment related to 'Experienced Anomalous Trauma'. It clarifies that while the principles are primarily for therapeutic or research settings, they also hold relevance for social situations involving such experiences. A key distinction is made between 'therapeutic' and 'social' situations, with the latter encouraged to utilize available resources.

Roles of Investigator and Therapist

The paper defines an 'investigator' as someone collecting and analyzing data about the experience, and a 'therapist' as someone concerned with diagnosis and treatment of physical and emotional disorders. It acknowledges that these roles are often intertwined in practice, with investigators providing emotional support and therapists potentially gathering more data. The core attributes sought in those involved are competence and the wisdom to recognize when to seek external help.

Importance of a Code of Ethics

The necessity of a formalized code of ethics for abductee investigation and treatment is addressed. While acknowledging that many UFO investigative organizations have operated without such rules, the paper posits that a structured approach is beneficial. It frames the abductee experience from the perspective of the UFOlogist, where the abductee has encountered phenomena with broad implications.

Human Factor and Abductee Rights

Significant attention is given to the 'human factor', posing questions about the rights and needs of abductees, whether they require treatment, the best form of treatment, and the protections they have. It also considers how an investigation might benefit or harm them.

Core Ethical Issues

The ethics of abductee work are presented as revolving around two central issues: the scientific pursuit of understanding the phenomenon and the practical need to assist abductees. The paper emphasizes that without a clear understanding of what is happening, diagnosis and treatment planning remain incomplete. It stresses that basic rights and freedoms must be respected, and caregivers must act professionally and ethically, being responsible to patients, regulatory bodies, and themselves.

Risks Associated with Abductee Work

The document outlines several potential risks, including:

1. Social Milieu: The client's reaction to potential rejection or alienation from family and friends if their experiences become known, and the need to keep it secret.
2. Boundary Challenges: How clients react when their realities are challenged, and whether caregivers are prepared to help them forge new boundaries, potentially leading to involvement in fringe belief systems or suffering anxiety/depression.
3. Underlying Psychopathology: The risk of undiagnosed or untreated psychopathology that is masked by or coexists with the abductee scenario.
4. Exacerbation of Psychopathology: The possibility that the investigation process, particularly hypnosis, could worsen existing conditions like schizophrenia or depression.
5. Inappropriate Hypnosis: Using hypnotic regression solely for retrieving 'abduction material' without a clinical reason is deemed inappropriate.

The primary responsibility of therapists is to 'do no harm', respecting the potential for harm to the patient and accepting responsibility for avoidable harm.

Competence and Training (Hypnosis)

Hypnosis Training: The lack of standardization in hypnosis training is highlighted as a major problem. It notes that only a few US states have legislation regulating hypnosis practice, with variations in Canada. Australia and Israel have national regulations. A minimum requirement of a 'basic' hypnosis course (e.g., 20 hours from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis) is suggested for those practicing hypnosis with abductees. Practitioners must be mindful of potential emotionally charged abreactions.

Other Qualifications: Hypnotists lacking basic psychological and psychopathological knowledge may struggle to recognize and cope with distress signals, potentially leading to spontaneous abreactions, acute anxiety, long hypnotic trances, or decompensation of latent psychotic states. Clinicians using hypnosis need concrete psychological training to assess psychopathological profiles and reactions. They should also stay within their area of expertise. A complete assessment to rule out contraindications for hypnosis is mandatory before any procedure, acknowledging potential bias in study results.

Non-Hypnotic Interventions: Counselling, psychotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures should be conducted or supervised by individuals with appropriate mental health training, who can also identify when a participant needs help beyond their capacity.

Informed Consent

Prospective subjects must receive comprehensive information in understandable language to make an informed decision about participation. This includes the reasons for the study, research techniques (like randomization), why they are invited, anticipated benefits and consequences for themselves and society, foreseeable risks, details on confidentiality, time commitment, future follow-up studies, data retention, rules for stopping the study, the right to withdraw without penalty, and the nature of hypnosis, particularly that hypnotic recall is not necessarily more accurate than non-hypnotic recall.

Continuing Care and Confidentiality

A referral process must be in place for participants needing counselling or therapy. Dissemination of information from therapists to the study database requires written patient authorization, with identifying data erased. Client anonymity must be respected.

Fees

Ethical guidelines for fee structures suggest that proper treatment can be time-consuming. While professional skills are how therapists earn a living, fee reduction or waiver in cases of need is acceptable at the therapist's discretion. Therapists have an onus to provide follow-up if complications arise.

Licensed Professionals

Professionals governed by licensing bodies should consult those bodies regarding their work in this area. Some jurisdictions legally prohibit referring patients to unlicensed practitioners, and clinical responsibility cannot be transferred to an unlicensed practitioner, even if they represent a valuable resource.

Community Engagement

The issue concludes with an invitation for reader feedback, comments, questions, and suggestions for the magazine's name, with a deadline for the next issue's contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical need for ethical frameworks in the study and treatment of anomalous experiences, particularly abductions. The editorial stance is one of advocating for professional responsibility, thorough training, patient welfare ('do no harm'), informed consent, and transparency. It emphasizes a cautious and scientifically grounded approach, balancing the pursuit of knowledge with the protection of individuals undergoing potentially traumatic experiences.