False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 01 No 09 - 1992 oct

Magazine Overview

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated October 5, 1992, is a publication from the FMS Foundation, based in Philadelphia, PA. The newsletter addresses the growing phenomenon of False Memory Syndrome (FMS), detailing its increasing prevalence and the challenges faced by families.

The Growing Phenomenon of FMS

The newsletter opens with a reflection on the rapid increase in awareness of FMS. A year prior, the Foundation was aware of fourteen families dealing with children who had become obsessed with being victims, trapped in childhood, or who had accused relatives of unspeakable acts. By October 1992, this number had grown to over 1,400 families, a statistic described as "astounding."

Significant changes are noted in the Foundation's reach and resources. A year ago, the concept of "recanters" (individuals who give up false memories) was unknown; now, over thirty recanters are aware, with two families reporting daughters apologizing for their false memories. The Foundation has expanded its network to include liaisons in forty-four US states and three Canadian provinces. It has established a library of articles and legal information, received its first private foundation grant for a national conference, and hosted professional visitors. The most significant change, however, is in the press coverage, which has moved from non-existent to "many well-documented professional and popular articles."

Three new articles are highlighted for members: (1) "Inadvertent hypnosis during interrogation: False confessions due to dissociative state; mis-identified multiple personality and the satanic cult hypothesis" by Richard Ofshe, Ph.D., which discusses how hypnosis can lead to false confessions. (2) "Psychiatric Misadventures" by Paul McHugh, M.D., questioning the concept of Multiple Personality Disorder as a psychiatric artifact. (3) "Call me Mom" by Andrew Meacham, challenging the therapeutic notion of "reparenting."

Recent news articles from the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Rocky Mountain News are also mentioned, focusing on "Repressed memories of childhood abuse: real or delusions?" and "Skeptics question memories of incest; Incompetent therapists turn patients' fantasies into repressed reality."

The newsletter emphasizes that the Foundation is not the cause of this change, but rather the individuals and families involved. It stresses that there are "no magic wands" and that a happy ending depends on collective effort.

Public Awareness and Action

The FMS Foundation believes that public awareness is crucial to changing the situation, especially given the "cult-like cutting off" by children and their therapists. Readers are encouraged to continue their efforts in writing letters, contacting politicians, filing complaints, appearing in public, writing journal articles, and picketing. The Foundation pledges to do its part from the office, but stresses that the "ending depends on you."

Notice to Siblings

Siblings are invited to send their stories for a book titled "Confabulations," which will offer a perspective on False Memory Syndrome through the eyes of sisters and brothers.

Our Critics

The newsletter addresses criticism from organizations like the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, which headlined an article "The Backlash Has Begun." The article attributes invented beliefs and motivations to the Foundation, claiming it "denounces and attempts to discredit those who were victimized as children and the service providers who treat and support them." The FMS Foundation reiterates its stance that child abuse exists and is an "unconscionable crime."

Therapist Bias and Media Influence

Page 2 discusses criticisms of FMS from therapists like Susan Asher, who believes FMS is a "massive denial and justification" movement by perpetrators of child sexual abuse. The newsletter dismisses this as "silly" and questions Asher's understanding of psychology.

Rene Fredrickson, Ph.D., is quoted questioning why we believe "recanters," implying that being accused of incest makes one guilty. The newsletter asks about the media's role in spreading FMS, noting that people have used media stories and myths to explain their experiences, leading to validation of memories through television and newspapers.

"300 YEARS AGO" - The Salem Witch Trials Analogy

A section titled "300 YEARS AGO" draws a parallel between the Salem witch trials of 1692 and modern "witch hunts," including the "community hysteria over purported sex abuse in preschools." It suggests that "clinical hysteria" and "fear" can drive such phenomena, where "fear spawned witches." The analogy highlights how prejudice and fear can override reason, and how evidence has little chance to surface under such conditions.

Therapist Bias

The newsletter explores "Therapist bias," suggesting that a therapist's preconceived notion that sexual abuse causes a vast array of symptoms can lead them to find incest where it may not exist. This is termed "attentional bias," where therapists fail to look for evidence against their initial possibility or consider alternative hypotheses. Examples are provided of therapists making statements that suggest an automatic suspicion of sexual abuse based on a person's presentation or body language.

"REMEMBERING INCEST AND CHILDHOOD ABUSE IS THE FIRST STEP TO HEALING" Ad

An advertisement from United Airline Magazine is presented, listing numerous symptoms associated with "recovered memories" and offering a hotline for help. The ad lists symptoms such as mood swings, panic disorder, substance abuse, rage, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, paranoia, low self-esteem, relapse, relationship problems, sexual fear, sexual compulsion, self mutilation, borderline personality, irritable bowel, migraine, P.M.S., post traumatic stress, bulimia, anorexia, A.C.O.A., obesity, multiple personality, hallucinations, religious addiction, parenting problems, and suicidal feelings.

What Do We Know About Therapists?

The FMS Foundation expresses deep appreciation for the majority of mental health professionals but notes that a subset exhibits disturbing behavior. The organization aims to hold accountable those therapists who have "cruelly alienated children and grandchildren from their families and who have ruthlessly ruined the reputations and lives of thousands of people."

According to a report by Daniel Goleman, "Surprising Portrait of Psychotherapists as Abuse Victims," some therapists may have experienced abuse themselves, which could influence their approach. The newsletter also touches on the idea that therapists might be trying to "cure their parents" by entering the field. It questions whether therapists view themselves as abuse victims and how this impacts their understanding of FMS.

The newsletter cites research that suggests therapists who ignore evidence and perpetuate myths, such as those in "The Courage to Heal," are problematic. It presents three references challenging the link between childhood sexual abuse and conditions like bulimia nervosa, post-sexual abuse syndrome, and multiple personality disorder, as well as the relationship between early abusive trauma and adult functioning.

Preliminary Survey Data on Therapists

Page 3 presents preliminary survey data from 150 initial surveys, compiled by Holly Wakefield and Pam Freyd. This data indicates that 70 out of 122 therapists surveyed were known to the families. Qualifications included Psychiatrist (7), Psychologist (23), Social Worker (18), and Counselors (21). The majority of therapists were female (62) compared to male (23). The age distribution showed most therapists were between 30-39 (19 female, 4 male) and 40-49 (15 female, 10 male). The results suggest that most therapists involved are female, aged 30 to 50.

What Can Families Do?

Families express frustration and urgency, with children worsening and grandparents being denied access. The newsletter offers guidance on how families can take action, including:

• Contacting other families: To share information and explore legal actions together.
• Filing complaints: Families are encouraged to file complaints with government and professional organizations. A warning is given to have complaints checked by a lawyer, as wording can be important for future legal action.
• Obtaining therapist information: If the therapist is unknown, reputable therapists should provide a resume. Information can also be obtained from state licensing boards. Private investigators are mentioned as an option.
• Meeting with the therapist: Guidelines are available for families preparing to meet with their child's therapist, though most such meetings are reported as "disastrous."

FMS Foundation Conference

Details for a spring conference are announced, focusing on academic papers related to False Memory Syndrome. The committee aims to invite speakers representing differing views, including skeptical perspectives, to ensure a balanced and public discussion. The Foundation states it has "nothing to hide" and supports an open, balanced conference.

Meetings and Liaisons

The newsletter urges recipients to contact state liaisons for information on local meetings. It acknowledges the frustration of not sharing names of callers but aims to improve communication for meetings. Suggestions include planning regular meeting schedules and providing advance notice for newsletter announcements.

• Regional meetings are listed for:
• New England Area (November 1, 1992)
• Southwest Region (November 7, 1992)
• Ohio Area (November 15, 1992)
• Florida (November 14, 1992)

Groups are encouraged to form as informal "Professionals and Parents in Support of the FMS Foundation."

FMS Foundation Ad

An advertisement is provided for placing an ad announcing the 800 number for the False Memory Syndrome Foundation, asking people who have been falsely accused by an adult on the basis of "recovered memories" to call and help document the extent of the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical examination of False Memory Syndrome, challenging the automatic acceptance of recovered memories. It highlights concerns about therapist bias, the potential for iatrogenic harm (harm caused by medical treatment), and the influence of media narratives. The Foundation's stance is one of seeking truth and balance, encouraging public awareness, and supporting families affected by these accusations. It emphasizes the need for rigorous research and evidence-based approaches, while acknowledging the distress experienced by all parties involved. The newsletter aims to empower families with information and resources to navigate these complex and often devastating situations.