False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 02 No 06 - 1993 june

Magazine Overview

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: June 3, 1993
Character: This newsletter from the FMS Foundation addresses the complex and often contentious issues surrounding "False Memory Syndrome" (FMS), repressed memories, and accusations of child abuse. It aims to provide a platform for discussion, present alternative viewpoints, and offer support to families affected by these phenomena. The publication appears to be critical of certain therapeutic practices and the "survivor movement" when they are perceived to be based on unsubstantiated claims or to cause undue harm to families.

Main Cover Story: Questions About the Phenomenon

The cover story, framed as a letter to "Dear Friends," directly confronts key questions the FMS Foundation receives: the number of people affected by the "phenomenon," the believability of stories, and whether the situation has changed. To illustrate the scale of impact, the newsletter uses the analogy of a Thanksgiving dinner, suggesting that each of the "more than 4,000 families" reported includes many people who would deeply feel the absence of an affected family member. Regarding believability, the newsletter states that while child abuse is an outrage and victims deserve compassion, they must also guard against "media hucksterism" and the pursuit of financial gain. They emphasize that while they cannot determine the truth of any story, they expect accusations to be investigated. Prudent investigation, they argue, should lead to the presumption of innocence for the accused, especially if accusations arise from suggestive therapeutic environments, lack of corroborating life patterns, or severed family contact.

The newsletter notes an increase in reports of people resuming contact with their families, often without mentioning the accusations, which they see as a positive trend. The growing number of articles about FMS reflects a "changing climate" with increased understanding of memory, influence, and "repression," and a recognition of the blurring lines between politics and science. The American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association have formed task forces to study the problem, indicating a shift in professional attention.

However, the newsletter expresses that this progress offers little comfort to those worried about family members who act like "cult members" when rewriting their past, refusing alternative explanations, or cutting off contact. The slow pace of the system is also a concern for older individuals wishing to see their families before they die.

Despite the challenges, the newsletter observes that events are moving "like lightning" compared to the usual pace. Professionals are seeking guidelines to distinguish truth from fantasy, and there is agreement that sexual abuse victims need support for healing, that greater care should be taken to avoid false accusations, and that memory is reconstructed and reinterpreted, not stored like a perfect recording. Yet, controversy persists.

American Psychiatric Association Convention: The Controversy

This section reports on a debate at the American Psychiatric Association Convention, pitting Briere and Herman against Guze and Loftus. The former argued for the reality of "massive repression," while the latter argued for the "fallibility of memory." An article in the San Francisco Examiner highlighted that the controversy is as much political and social as it is scientific. The debate is framed as being between clinicians and researchers, with researchers agreeing that memory is reconstructed and reinterpreted, and that misremembering is the norm. The newsletter critiques the claim that there are only three studies supporting "massive repression" (Herman and Schatzow, 1987; Briere and Conte, 1989; and Williams, 1992), stating that these studies do not provide evidence for massive repression and that their conclusions are not warranted. The newsletter argues that decades of studies show the fallibility of human memory, which supporters of massive repression discount.

How the British See Us

This brief section, referencing the Sunday Telegraph, humorously notes the trend of celebrities confessing on talk shows, particularly Oprah Winfrey, about being "victims" of child abuse, often without knowing they were victims until prompted. It touches on the idea that in America, being a "victim" can lead to social acceptance.

FMS Foundation Newsletter - Page 2: Critiques and Observations

Continuing the critique of the "massive repression" theory, the newsletter reiterates that the three cited studies do not provide evidence for it, despite claims that they suggest "something is going on there." The newsletter contrasts this with decades of research on memory fallibility. It also addresses criticisms that the FMS Foundation's concerns are being turned into a "political issue" by those who lack scientific evidence. The newsletter asserts that its critics are attempting to deflect issues by framing the FMS concerns as political rather than scientific. It quotes Dr. Judith Herman stating there is "no evidence that these memories are false, just that they are disputed," but then criticizes her for implying that "perpetrators are fighting back," which assumes the memories are true.

The newsletter emphasizes that the FMS Foundation's concerns are not political but scientific, related to whether "massive repression" exists, whether people have been abducted by aliens, or if satanic abuse cults are real. They argue that their critics, by refusing to investigate, are contributing to a "witch hunt" atmosphere.

Minnesota Psychological Association Meeting

Observations from this meeting highlight two sessions focused on false memories and repressed memories. One discussant, Erickson, suggested that the issue is political, not scientific, and that memories are reconstructed and reinterpreted. Another session, chaired by Dr. Renee Frederickson, presented studies by Herman & Schatzow, Briere & Conte, and L. Williams as evidence for "massive repression," but no questions were permitted afterward. The FMS Foundation sent questions to Dr. Frederickson regarding fears that prevented others from chairing the session, the lack of questions, and the methodological critiques of the cited studies.

Facilitated Communication and Clever Hans

This section explains "facilitated communication" (FC), a technique to help autistic and retarded individuals communicate, which has gained attention when used to elicit stories of sexual abuse. The newsletter notes that FC has been used in cases leading to accusations of abuse against parents. It draws a parallel to "Clever Hans," a horse believed to be intelligent but which was actually responding to subtle cues from its owner. The newsletter argues that the burden of proof should be on those using FC and "memory enhancement" techniques to demonstrate they have not induced memories.

Who is Monitoring?

Referencing a US News & World Report article, this section discusses the lack of monitoring of psychotherapists after they are licensed. It highlights that therapists have historically resisted proving the value of their work, relying on "individual clinical judgment." The FMS Foundation notes that many professionals are concerned about the lack of monitoring of continuing education for therapists, citing a program that includes workshops on age regression and satanic abuse.

FMS Foundation Newsletter - Page 4: Critiques and Our Critics

The newsletter continues its critique of therapy techniques, noting that therapists are not always monitored, and citing examples of therapists who, after initial questioning, were found to be diagnosing a high percentage of clients as incest survivors. The FMS Foundation has received thousands of complaints from families, but their experiences have often been frustrating due to confidentiality laws. The newsletter questions who will examine the more than 4,000 cases and assure parents of appropriate treatment.

Our Critics: Alien Abduction

This section addresses criticism that the FMS Foundation has taken a "flippant" attitude towards alien abductions. It acknowledges that many people believe in alien abductions and satanic ritual conspiracies. The newsletter quotes David Gotlib, M.D., who suggests that the concerns raised by the FMS Foundation regarding false memories of child abuse are relevant to abduction research and therapy. Gotlib notes the parallel between the symptoms checklist for sexual abuse survivors and the abduction field, and the admonition to "validate" all memories. He argues that the backlash against UFOlogy might be part of a broader movement against therapies based on uncovering repressed memories, especially those tied to fringe theories. Gotlib suggests that the FMS Foundation's debate can shift the focus in abduction circles from the phenomenon itself to the scientific and social responsibility of researchers and therapists.

Our Critics: Their Semantics

The newsletter criticizes its opponents for their "peculiar way with words," particularly their use of "victim" and "perpetrator" and their alleged dismissal of the possibility that perpetrators might be falsely accused. It suggests that critics are blinded by their theories and unwilling to consider that repressed memories might be false.

FMS Foundation Newsletter - Page 5: Abuse Excuse and Data

This section presents a table detailing the geographical distribution of "4042 Families" as of June 1, 1993, showing a significant concentration in California, followed by other states and some international locations. It then discusses the "Abuse Excuse," presenting newspaper reports of incidents where false accusations of rape or abuse occurred. One case involved a rape hoax at a department store, and another described a woman who, after hypnosis, developed a belief of satanic cult abuse, leading to a fatal accident. A third case involved a psychotherapist convicted of sexual misconduct.

The newsletter reflects on a comment from an older woman active in the Women's Movement who questioned the focus on portraying women as victims. It also notes that critics of the FMS Foundation often use "victim" and "perpetrator" terminology, implying that the foundation's concern about false accusations is a way to protect perpetrators.

FMS Foundation Newsletter - Page 6: From Our Readers and News

From Our Readers

Two reader submissions are included. "How to locate the therapist" describes a situation where a daughter accused her father and brother of abuse, and the mother sought the therapist's name. "Death from a Broken Heart?" is a poignant account from a mother whose husband died of a ruptured aneurysm shortly after their daughter accused him of molestation. Another reader, "A Dad," expresses frustration with the "trendy fad of blaming parents" and describes "therapy cults" that promote unquestioning acceptance of outlandish tenets. He likens it to a missionary zeal and a "fuzzy emotional, convoluted thinking."

How to explain to neighbors and friends

A mother shares her strategy of explaining her daughter's situation as joining a "therapy-cult obsessed with sexual abuse," finding that people understand the concept of cults.

How do your feel about having contact with your daughter, but not ever talking about the accusations?

A joint response from "Mom and Dad" expresses mixed emotions, acknowledging that circumstances change and trauma affects lives. They believe their daughter was the primary victim of FMS and, while seeking an explanation, are willing to forgive and forget, accepting that their daughter may not discuss the accusations.

News from Western Canada

This section reports on a case in British Columbia where a man named Lorenz was found not guilty of indecently assaulting his daughter 40 years prior. The judge noted the possibility of "false memory" planted by the therapist, and the defense argued that the Crown had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that repressed memory exists and is always accurate. The newsletter also mentions that in British Columbia, an Ombudsman will examine complaints about therapists using radical treatments that encourage severing family connections for conditions children do not have.

FMS Foundation Newsletter - Page 7: Kelly Michaels Case and Personal Stories

Overheard at a Minneapolis FMSF Meeting

Two brief, anecdotal quotes are presented: "As we look forward to retirement, this is sort of a strange hobby," and "We used to go to confession and blame ourselves. Now we go to therapists and blame others."

A Friend's Marriage

This account describes a marriage deteriorating due to a wife's "decade-delayed" memories of childhood sexual abuse, which she attributes to a psychologist, a counselor without credentials, and "support groups." The husband expresses concern about the wife's conclusions being reached with input from these sources.

A Dad's Story

A father recounts his daughter's transformation after entering a women's therapy group. She divulged a repressed memory of sexual assault by an unidentified man, which her therapist helped her "remember." The father initially tried to counsel his daughter to move past the trauma, but his daughter reacted with hostility, accusing him of not believing her and not protecting her. He was later told he had abused his daughter, a claim he denies and finds impossible to understand. He describes the situation as "False Memory Syndrome" being compared to "witch-hunting," characterized by secrecy and an unwillingness to tolerate open inquiry. He expresses frustration at being unable to confront accusers or even know the specifics of the accusations, and feels he is being blackmailed by the therapist regarding visitation rights with his grandson.

FMS Foundation Newsletter - Page 8: Memory Enhancement and Research

MEMORY ENHANCEMENT

This section critically examines the use of hypnosis and sodium amytal for memory enhancement, particularly in the context of the "survivor movement." It cites a passage from the "Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry IV" by Kaplan and Sadock, which states that hypnosis does not increase accurate memory but increases the willingness to report uncertain memories, leading to confabulation and distortion. The text emphasizes that major medical and psychiatric associations have not endorsed hypnosis for memory recall in legal or victim contexts, and that it is not a reliable means of enhancing memory or obtaining historical truth. The risks of false-positive detections, especially concerning child abuse allegations, are highlighted, with consequences such as losing parents being considered.

Another paper by M. Orne and E. Ome is cited, which discusses how "hetero-hypnotic context" can facilitate "directed pseudo-memories" and the filling of memory gaps through various techniques, including guided imagery and support groups. The belief of the therapist and patient in the historical accuracy of elicited memories is seen as critical.

Psychology Task Force

This part introduces the American Psychological Association's Task Force on FMS and presents quotes from two of its members: Robert Ornstein, Ph.D. (a researcher) and Christine Courtois, Ph.D. (a clinician).

Robert Ornstein's quotes emphasize that memory is influenced by subsequent events and is not a fixed recording of the past. He states that we "make up" memories on the fly and are unaware of this process. He uses the analogy of muscles not remembering a marathon to illustrate that our minds do not store events like exact recordings.

FMS Foundation Newsletter - Page 9: More on Memory and Legal Issues

Robert Ornstein, Ph.D. (Continued)

Ornstein's quotes further elaborate on the reconstructive nature of memory, stating that "there are no real memories as we know them." He explains that we reinterpret past events throughout our lives, adapting and adjusting based on experiences.

Christine Courtois, Ph.D.

Courtois's work, "Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy," is discussed. Her book is cited for the concept of "massive repression" as a defensive operation in children and the suggestion that therapists can "gently probe" to explore potential abuse histories, even without conscious validation or memory from the client. The newsletter notes that hypnosis is mentioned as a technique for multiple personality disorder and for recapturing lost memories, and that participation in incest therapy groups can stimulate memory recovery through shared experiences. "Flashbacks, nightmares, and frightening images" are described as common mechanisms for the return of repressed material.

Flashbacks

Paul McHugh's comments on "flashbacks" are presented, distinguishing them from a replication of an event to a "worst-fear imagination." McHugh suggests that "flashbacks" may represent a "post traumatic state induced by therapy" rather than by abuse itself.

Office News

This brief update mentions the birth of a baby boy to Mika and thanks her for her help. It also notes the increased demand on the office due to the growing number of families seeking assistance, leading to plans to add two new positions.

Grandparents Rights - National Office

The address for the Grandparents Rights - National Office is provided, noting its formation in response to the loss of visitation for grandparents in divorce and custody cases.

Articles/Books of interest

Two articles are summarized:

1. "Does Psychotherapy Work?" (U.S. News & World Report, May 24, 1993): This article reviews data suggesting that psychotherapy impacts clients linearly, with significant improvement often seen by the eighth session. However, it notes that more severe conditions, like personality disorders, can take a full year or more to respond. The FMS Foundation highlights that people with recovered memories of abuse are often in therapy for many years, questioning why this therapy takes so long.
2. "The Use of Psychiatric Diagnoses in the Legal Process" (Bulletin American Academy of Psychiatry and Law, Vol 20 No. 4, 1992): This report discusses instances where psychiatrists testify that symptoms of PTSD are powerful evidence of abusive events like rape or child molestation. The article cautions that using a DSM-III-R diagnosis to conclude criminally actionable conduct is a "misuse of psychiatric expertise" in the absence of a scientific foundation for attributing behavior to a single past event.

FMS Foundation Newsletter - Page 10: Resources and Meetings

Books and Articles

Several publications are recommended:

• Gayle Hanson's "Total recall versus tricks of the mind" (Insight Magazine, May 24, 1993) is called an "outstanding presentation."
• Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D.'s "The reality of repressed memories" (American Psychologist, May 1993) is identified as the published version of a landmark talk.
• Claire Safran's "Dangerous obsession: The truth about repressed memories" (McCalls, June, 1993) is noted for reaching a mass audience with alternative explanations.
• Nancy Wartik's "A Question of Abuse" (American Health Magazine, May 1993) is described as an "excellent presentation."
• Lawrence Wright's "Remembering Satan - Part I and Part II" (New Yorker, May 17 and May 24, 1993) is praised as a "profound analysis" of thinking patterns related to satanic ritual abuse, focusing on the Ingram case.

Books for Sale

• "True Stories of False Memories" by Eleanor Goldstein and Kevin Farmer is announced as forthcoming.
• "Satanic Panic: The Creation of A Contemporary Legend" by Jeffrey S. Victor is described as an "absorbing scholarly work."

Notice

Video tapes of the Memory and Reality Conference are available for loan.

Research Request

Michael G. Kenny is seeking individuals who believe they had a false or problematical diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) for his research on the social-historical understanding and application of the concept.

Meetings/Notices

This section lists upcoming meetings and networking events for professionals and parents across various locations in the US and Canada, including Arizona, California, Cleveland (Ohio), Colorado, Florida, and Georgia. These meetings often feature guest speakers and provide opportunities for networking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical examination of "False Memory Syndrome" and the "recovered memory" movement. Its editorial stance is characterized by skepticism towards claims of massive repression and the therapeutic techniques used to elicit memories, such as hypnosis and facilitated communication. The newsletter emphasizes the fallibility of human memory and the potential for iatrogenic (therapist-induced) memories. It champions the importance of scientific investigation, due process, and the presumption of innocence for those accused. The publication also highlights the distress and damage caused to families by accusations, particularly when they are perceived as unsubstantiated or politically motivated. While acknowledging the reality of child abuse, the newsletter's primary focus is on the potential for false accusations and the need for careful, evidence-based approaches to memory recovery and therapeutic interventions. The newsletter also touches upon related topics such as alien abduction beliefs and the lack of oversight in the mental health field.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated June 3, 1993, is published by the False Memory Syndrome Foundation and focuses on issues related to false memories, recovered memories, and their impact on individuals and families. The newsletter serves as a platform for sharing information, support group updates, and critical analysis of therapeutic practices.

FMSF Survey Results

Page 11 presents the 'More FMSF Survey Results,' detailing responses from 290 families who were asked to check items that generally applied to their child while growing up. The survey lists various descriptions such as 'rebellious,' 'highly suggestible,' 'liked to shock family and friends,' 'seemed meek,' 'eating difficulties,' 'experimented with drugs,' 'excelled in school,' 'problems in school,' 'generally healthy,' 'frequently headaches,' 'given tranquilizers as child,' 'involved in protest movements,' 'involved in 'New Age' activities,' 'ambitious,' 'afraid of many things,' 'bold,' 'daring,' 'rude,' 'honest,' 'kind,' 'helpful,' 'happy,' and 'sad.' The results are presented with the number of 'yes' responses for each item.

Additionally, page 11 provides contact information for the Surgeon General and the Secretary of Health & Human Services, indicating that families are seeking to inform these officials about the 'problem.'

Support Group Meetings and Affiliated Groups

The newsletter lists various regional support group meetings and affiliated groups across the United States and internationally. These include:

• Kansans and Missourians: Meetings every second Sunday of the month in Kansas City. Contact Pat or Jan for details.
• Michigan: The Michigan Information Newsletter is published by P.O. Box 15044, Ann Arbor, MI. Contact is available via phone.
• New England Area: A meeting on Sunday, June 13, 1993, at 1:00 PM in Chelmsford, MA. Contact Jean.
• New Mexico: A meeting on September 16, 1993, with Guest Speaker Eleanor Goldstein. Contact Barbara.
• New York - upstate: Information about meetings is available by contacting the FMSF office.
• Iowa: A meeting on Saturday, July 10, 1993, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM in West Des Moines. Contact Gayle or Betty.
• Oregon: A meeting on Sunday, July 18, 1993, from 12 noon to 4 PM in Salem. Contact Rosemary.
• Philadelphia/South Jersey: Meetings on the second Saturday of each month at 1:00 PM. Contact is available via phone.
• United Kingdom Affiliated Group: For parents with relatives in the UK, contact Roger Scotford at ACAP.
• Wisconsin: An initiative to start a telephone tree. Contact Katie/Leo.

'Trauma Hunt' Perils Therapy Article

Page 13 features an article titled "'Trauma Hunt' Perils Therapy" by Joseph deRivera, reprinted with permission from Scripps Howard News Service. The article critically examines a type of psychotherapy termed 'trauma search' therapy, which allegedly helps people deal with childhood trauma but is accused of leading many people to 'discover' sexual traumas that may not have happened. The False Memory Syndrome Foundation has collected 3,700 cases of parents falsely accused based on 'memories' recovered during therapy.

The article distinguishes between legitimate therapy for actual traumatic events and 'trauma-search' therapy. In the latter, the therapist searches for a traumatic event to explain the patient's problems (e.g., bulimia, depression, sexual inhibition). The therapist may use leading questions, hypnosis, or suggest reading material about sexual abuse. DeRivera argues that patients in distress are vulnerable to suggestion, and while most victims remember real events, some people believe trauma is repressed, leading misguided therapists to encourage imagination to 'remember.' Hypnosis is noted as particularly problematic, as it can make imagined events seem real.

The article states that when therapists presuppose trauma, they uncritically believe patients, encouraging them to 'remember' more about alleged traumas. This can provide temporary relief by offering an explanation for problems, but it does not lead to lasting change. Patients may become dependent 'survivors.' The language used by these patients often sounds similar, with phrases like 'You incested me' or 'I am a trauma survivor.'

The consequences for families are severe, with potential for estrangement and fragmentation. The article concludes that 'trauma-search' therapy confuses real and fantasized abuse and encourages the destruction of families, contrasting it with therapies that focus on understanding, behavior change, and forgiveness.

DeRivera is identified as a professor of psychology at Clark University and a consultant for FMSF.

How to Help and Subscriptions

Page 14 provides information on how readers can help the FMS Foundation. This includes clipping articles related to FMSF's concerns from local and international press for the foundation's archive, sending in personal stories to document the phenomenon, and writing to the press to commend fair and sensitive reporting or to critique inadequate coverage. Contributions can be mailed to FMS Foundation, 3401 Market Street, Suite 130, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3315.

The page also details subscription information for the FMSF Newsletter. Subscriptions are included in annual dues for Family and Professional Members. For non-members who received a complimentary subscription, a 1993 subscription (10 issues annually) can be purchased for the cost of printing and mailing. Rates for 1993 are: USA - $20 (1 year), $10 (Student); Canada - $25 (1 year); Foreign - $35 (1 year). Single issues cost $3. Back issues from March 1992 through December 1992 are available for $8.00.

Lost and Found

A brief 'Lost and Found' section asks for contact with the Foundation if anyone lost a pair of pink reading glasses at the April Conference.

Conference Paper Order Form

Page 15 contains a 'Memory & Reality: Emerging Crisis Conference Paper Order Form' for papers available in June 1993. It lists 'Speaker Papers' with titles such as 'FMSF Family Survey Results,' 'What Lawyers Need to Know,' 'Cognitive Bases of Clinicians' Overconfidence,' 'Reflections on Memory,' and 'The Problem with Hypnosis,' with prices ranging from $1.00 to $5.00. It also lists 'Roundtable Summary Sheets' and 'Also available' items like 'Making Monsters' and '1992 Newsletters March through December,' with prices ranging from $3.00 to $8.00. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, or Check/Money Order payable to FMS Foundation.

Publisher Information and Advisory Board

Page 12 provides the publisher's information: FMS Foundation, 3401 Market Street, Suite 130, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3315. The newsletter is published 10 times a year. Subscription rates are listed. Pamela Freyd, Ph.D., is the Executive Director. The FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board is listed with numerous members, including their affiliations and expertise, such as Terence W. Campbell, Ph.D., Robyn M. Dawes, Ph.D., David F. Dinges, Ph.D., Fred Frankel, M.B.Cb.B., D.P.M., George K. Ganaway, M.D., Martin Gardner, Henry Gleitman, Ph.D., Lila Gleitman, Ph.D., Richard Green, M.D., J.D., Ernest Hilgard, Ph.D., Philip S. Holzman, Ph.D., John Hochman, M.D., John Kihlstrom, Ph.D., Harold Lief, M.D., Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D., Paul McHugh, M.D., Harold Merskey, D.M., Ulric Neisser, Ph.D., Richard Ofshe, Ph.D., Martin Orne, M.D., Ph.D., Loren Pankratz, Ph.D., Campbell Perry, Ph.D., Harrison Pope, Jr., M.D., Donald Spence, Ph.D., Louise Shoemaker, M.S.W., Ph.D., Margaret Singer, Ph.D., Ralph Slovenko, J.D., Ph.D., Ralph Underwager, Ph.D., Jeffrey Victor, Ph.D., and Hollida Wakefield, MA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the controversial nature of recovered memories, particularly in the context of 'trauma search' therapy, and its potential to create false memories and damage family relationships. The FMSF Foundation's stance appears to be one of concern and opposition to therapeutic practices that may lead to the fabrication of traumatic experiences, advocating instead for approaches that distinguish between real and imagined abuse. The newsletter actively promotes support for families affected by these issues and encourages engagement with the press and public awareness campaigns. The editorial stance is critical of certain psychotherapy methods and supportive of families who believe they have been falsely accused due to recovered memories.