False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 02 No 05 - 1993 may

Magazine Overview

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, Volume 2, Number 5, dated May 3, 1993, is a 10-page publication focused on the phenomenon of False Memory Syndrome (FMS) and the 'Memory and Reality: Emerging Crisis' conference held at Valley Forge. The newsletter details the conference's attendance, the diverse backgrounds of its participants, and the topics discussed, including historical trends in psychiatric thinking, clinical issues, survivor logic, legal aspects, and Satanic Conspiracy Stories.

Conference Highlights and Keynote Address

The 'Memory and Reality: Emerging Crisis' conference attracted over 600 attendees, including professionals, families, and members of the press. The talks covered a range of topics, with panels addressing psychiatric thinking and clinical issues related to FMS diagnosis and treatment. A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to an excerpt from Ulric Neisser's keynote address, "Memory with a Grain of Salt." Neisser emphasized that memories are reconstructed and reinterpreted, and that misremembering is the norm, not the exception. He cautioned against accepting claims of perfect memory preserved through decades of repression without critical evaluation.

Scientific and Clinical Discussions

Several speakers and discussions focused on the scientific underpinnings of memory. Elizabeth Loftus presented research on the implantation of false memories, while Dinges and Orne discussed how hypnosis might lead to inaccurate memories. Perry highlighted the potential for suggestion in therapist-client relationships. The newsletter also mentions that papers presented at the conference will be compiled into a book, with editors including McHugh, Orne, Wakefield, and Freyd.

The Calof Criteria and Diagnostic Procedures

The newsletter introduces the 'Calof Criteria,' a list of sixteen traits often used by incestuous families to maintain their unit's integrity. This list is presented as a potential tool for therapists to identify false memory syndrome. Additionally, Paul R. McHugh, M.D., outlined diagnostic procedures for recovered memory cases, emphasizing a careful, multi-step approach involving examination of the accuser, marital pair, physicians, hospitals, and school reports, potentially followed by a polygraph.

Reader Contributions and Personal Experiences

Several sections feature personal accounts from readers. One reader, 'An Aunt,' recounts a situation where her nephew's recovered memory of incest turned out to be a false memory, with the actual perpetrator being her other son. 'A Mother' describes a devastating meeting with her daughter's therapist, who accused her of being a 'great denier.' Another reader, 'A Survivor,' shares her experience of remembering abuse without therapy, contrasting it with women in a support group who had no memories after years of therapy. 'Accused Mom' writes about her experience as an alleged perpetrator, expressing frustration with what she perceives as a feminist narrative that casts all men as perpetrators and women as victims.

'A Father' shares his story of reconciliation with his son after a period of separation, attributing it to a non-confrontational approach, mutual forgiveness, and the son's separation from his therapist and support group.

FMS Foundation Operations and Outreach

The newsletter provides an 'Important Organizational Notice,' detailing the FMS Foundation's efforts to coordinate activities as the number of contacted families approaches 4,000. It stresses the importance of a unified voice and advises groups to seek Foundation consent before taking public action. A meeting for state representatives is planned for September/October 1993 to clarify organizational plans. The newsletter also includes a table listing the number of families contacted by state and country, and provides an update on the Foundation's outreach efforts, including a new phone system and liaison activities.

Research Reports and Resources

Two research reports are highlighted: "Recollections of childhood: A study of the retrospective method" by Yarrow, Campbell, Burton, and R. (1970), which studied retrospective memories in families, and "Assessment of truthfulness in accusations of child molestation" by Richard I. Lanyon (1993), which discusses advances in understanding false accusations. The newsletter also offers an order form for audio and video materials from the 'Memory and Reality: Emerging Crisis' conference, including talks by various speakers and roundtable summaries.

Data on Accusations

Page 9 presents statistical data related to accusations, including the demographics of accusers (predominantly female, middle children), the age range at which memories are claimed, the types of accusations (vague, molesting, rape, sodomy, SRA, oral sex), the age of the accuser when first accusing, the duration of repressed memory, and the history of psychiatric or psychological treatment. It also details who is accused (primarily fathers, followed by grandparents and others) and the socioeconomic status of parents when the accusing child was growing up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently addresses the complexities and controversies surrounding recovered memories and false memory syndrome. It highlights the scientific debate, the impact on families, and the legal implications. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence and caution against unsubstantiated claims, while also acknowledging the distress experienced by individuals and families affected by these issues. There is a clear effort to present research, expert opinions, and personal narratives to foster a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated May 3, 1993, addresses the complex and often controversial topic of false memories of abuse, particularly within the context of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID, formerly MPD) and Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) allegations. The newsletter aims to provide support and information to families and professionals dealing with these issues, while also critiquing certain therapeutic practices and legal interpretations.

Picking Up the Pieces: Retractions and Reconciliations

The lead article, "Picking up the pieces," details several cases of 'retractions' where individuals have come to believe their memories of abuse were false. It highlights that more than a dozen families have reported reestablished contact with their accusing child, often with no discussion of the accusations themselves, suggesting this is a common pattern. Five of these retractors were women who had determined their memories were false before ever hearing of FMSF, often after being hospitalized with a diagnosis of MPD and having memories of SRA. The article questions what causes these 'retractions,' suggesting insurance may play a role, and notes that some women are pursuing legal action against those involved in implanting these memories.

One woman, in her 30s, who had been hospitalized, wanted to meet her parents, who were initially unwilling. The FMSF provided information to the parents, explaining that their daughter's experience was not unique, leading to a family get-together. Another case, the sixth retraction, involved a father who had been in contact with FMSF. His daughter sent him a letter expressing deep remorse for her accusations, stating she had made a grave mistake and finally realized how deceiving her mind could be. She took full responsibility, acknowledging her confusion and turmoil, and expressed sorrow for the pain she caused her family. This letter is presented as a step towards humility and honesty, with the daughter recognizing her father's innocence.

The newsletter also touches upon the broader impact of these accusations on families, noting that it's likely impossible to undo the countless divorces and estrangements caused by unvalidated accusations. It suggests that while extended family situations might be patched up, the core family disruption is profound.

The Role of Therapists and the Spread of the Phenomenon

The newsletter raises critical questions about the role of therapists in the 'recovered memories' phenomenon. It asks if therapists are also victims and examines course outlines and seminar descriptions, finding that therapists are often given a clear 'map' of what to do. The authors express concern about 'dumping on' social workers and counselors who, in good faith, attend continuing education programs. They question the appropriateness of teaching techniques like handwriting analysis for trauma detection and express concern about the unregulated and unmonitored growth of the mental health field over the past decade.

The FMS phenomenon, the newsletter argues, necessitates a critical reexamination of fundamental assumptions and practices within mental health professions, stating that such reflection has never harmed any people or fields.

Personal Testimonies and Reflections

Two poignant personal testimonies are included:

• A family that has reconciled: This quote emphasizes patience, noting that one never knows when something or someone will cause a change in loved ones, leading to the end of personal tragedy.
• A Mom: This testimony expresses liberation after admitting the truth about her daughter's 'recovered memories of abuse' to friends, despite the shock it caused. She states that pretending it didn't happen would be 'in denial.'
• A Dad: A short poem reflects on the loss of a child, with a vacant place in the home that can never be filled.

Professional Support and Criticisms

The "Professional Support" section notes that much of the mail received is supportive, with professionals making strong statements about the current situation. One quote from a professional describes the 'recovered memories' industry as a 'new cottage industry' spawned by attorneys, therapists, and expensive inpatient units, financed by alleged perpetrators' employers. This professional expresses embarrassment to their field due to the proliferation, similarity, and consistent involvement of certain therapists and attorneys in these cases.

Our Critics: If There's Smoke, Is There Fire?

This section addresses the perception that an accusation is equivalent to guilt. It states that if an accused person confesses, they are guilty, and if they protest innocence, they are considered 'in denial' and thus also guilty. Even improbable claims, like remembering abuse at six months old, are met with suspicion. A quote from the Philadelphia Inquirer's report on the 'Memory and Reality: Emerging Crisis' conference labels groups like the FMS Foundation as 'Perpetrators Anonymous,' suggesting that the man is usually the perpetrator seeking support.

Liability for Spouse's Abuse

An article discusses a report in the ABA Journal about mothers being held liable for failing to protect their children from sexually abusive spouses. In cases where abuse is not in dispute, parents without assets have faced multimillion-dollar judgments. Homeowners' insurance policies, while excluding intentional wrongdoing, may cover negligence claims. Lawyers for victims believe these awards indicate increased public awareness and intolerance of those who cover up child sexual abuse.

News from the States: Washington and Texas

Washington: The newsletter discusses the Victims' Compensation Fund. An investigation into the Washington State Institute for Public Policy's 'Community Protection Research Project' revealed that figures for compensation have decreased. The process for victims to report crimes is noted as traumatic, with a push for a year-long reporting window and the inclusion of 'repressed memory' as a real phenomenon. The author expresses dismay at the lack of information and suggests that the bill was passed in the aftermath of a murder and a child sexual mutilation case.

Texas: A ruling states that therapists' mental health records are open to subpoena in child welfare cases. This means attorneys can examine these records and question therapists about anything that could impact their testimony or opinions. Texas therapists have been informed that their psychological and psychiatric records may be subpoenaed, and they may have to bear attorney fees for protective orders, with personal information potentially explored in court.

Utah Parents and Investigations

Utah parents may have their complaints considered by the state licensing board. The purpose of licensing is to protect the public from unprofessional conduct. The division is to administer the chapter, and any person governed by the laws and rules is subject to investigation. While there's no express restriction to complaints from patients or clients, it's implied that malpractice can injure many others. The director of the division decides whether to investigate, with recourse to the board, county attorney, attorney general, and governor if the director declines.

Meetings and Support Groups

The newsletter lists upcoming meetings and support groups across various locations, including Arizona, California, Cleveland (Ohio), Colorado, Kansas City (Missouri/Kansas), Michigan, New England, New York (upstate), and Philadelphia/South Jersey. It also mentions a support group for adult children of dysfunctional affluent families, formed by psychotherapist Jessie O'Neill.

FMS Foundation Operations and Membership

Pages 14 and 15 detail the FMS Foundation's operations. The FMSF Newsletter is published 10 times a year, with subscriptions included in membership fees. Subscription rates for 1993 are provided: USA $20/year, Student $10, Canada $25, Foreign $35, single issue $3. The Foundation's address in Philadelphia, PA, and contact information are listed. The Scientific and Professional Advisory Board is detailed, listing numerous prominent academics and professionals in psychology and related fields. Membership dues for March 1, 1993 - Feb 28, 1994, are $100 for family and $125 for professional members, which support the Foundation's services, research, and educational efforts. Special contributions are also solicited to increase support for families, research, and conferences. The newsletter also includes a form for membership and subscription renewals, as well as a notice that this is the last complimentary newsletter for non-members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the controversial nature of 'recovered memories,' the impact of false accusations on families, the role and ethics of mental health professionals, and the legal and financial ramifications of these issues. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories, advocating for a more critical examination of therapeutic practices and a balanced approach that acknowledges the possibility of memory implantation. The Foundation positions itself as a source of support and information for those affected by these phenomena, particularly families seeking reconciliation and individuals questioning their memories.