FMS Foundation Newsletter

Magazine Overview

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: May 3, 1994
Volume: 3, No. 5
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves deeply into the controversial topic of recovered memories, false memories, and the legal and therapeutic ramifications for families and therapists. The cover story directly addresses frequent questions from reporters regarding the significance of the Ramona trial, the first third-party suit of its kind, and the potential for more lawsuits against therapists.

The Ramona Case and Therapist Responsibility

The newsletter highlights two key reasons for the Ramona case's significance. Firstly, it broadens the legal concept of 'duty of care' for therapists to include individuals who are not direct patients but are affected by the therapy's outcomes. Secondly, it scrutinizes the use of scientifically unfounded therapeutic techniques, such as sodium amytal, which can lead to confabulation and inaccurate memories. The article questions whether therapists are responsible for understanding and informing clients about the scientific basis and risks of their techniques, posing the question: 'Is therapy to be grounded in "belief" or "science"?'

False Memories and Legal Implications

Dr. Colin Ross, M.D., of the International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality & Dissociation (ISSMP&D), is featured, discussing the pressing issue of false memories and anticipated lawsuits against therapists. Ross suggests that while false memories are a normal aspect of human memory and not necessarily the therapist's fault, incompetent therapists should be sued. However, the newsletter critiques Ross's stance, arguing that therapists are negligent if they fail to inform clients about the difficulty of differentiating true from false memories and the potential for memory reconstruction. The article questions therapists who recommend books like 'Courage to Heal' without addressing the scientific validity of recovered memories or meeting with accused parents.

The 'Legal Corner' section details a significant Illinois case where parents sued their daughter's unlicensed therapist for malpractice, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and loss of society and companionship. The court considered whether a therapist owes a duty of care to a third party and the statute of limitations for such claims. The ruling indicated that a jury could find the therapist responsible for implanting false memories and causing the alienation of the daughter from her family.

Science vs. Belief in Therapy

A recurring theme is the conflict between 'science' and 'belief' in mental health. The newsletter questions whether courts will differentiate between testimony based on belief versus science. An interview with Morley Safer and Sue Blume touches upon the unreliability of memories and the prevalence of therapists with questionable credentials, noting that in many states, no license is required.

Critiques of Recovered Memory Therapy

Several articles and reviews critically examine the practices and theories surrounding recovered memory therapy. A review of Robin Dawes' book, 'House of Cards: Psychology and Psychotherapy Built on Myth,' emphasizes the importance of research and scientific evidence over intuition and personal bias in psychotherapy. The book challenges assumptions about self-esteem and early childhood as determinants of adult functioning.

Another article discusses the parallels between recovered memory therapy, treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and satanic ritual abuse (SRA) with cult-like practices. These include charismatic leaders, controlled environments, systematic consciousness-altering practices, and discouragement of critical thinking and communication with families. The article cautions against 'deprogramming' tactics and advises parents to maintain consistent communication with accusing children.

Personal Accounts and Recommendations

The newsletter includes a reprint from the Rocky Mountain News about Jane Brennan, who recanted her false accusations of incest against her father, attributing her experience to her therapist and considering a lawsuit. It also features a review of Michael I. Good's article on the reconstruction of early childhood trauma and a case where a patient's belief of having undergone a clitoridectomy was a fabrication.

Recommended reading includes articles from 'Discover,' 'Journal of Psychosocial Nursing,' and 'Journal of the American Psychological Association,' as well as FMSF newsletters and an audio tape by Janet Puhr.

FMS Foundation Activities and Finances

The FMS Foundation reports on its activities, including its efforts to educate the public and professionals about the 'FMS phenomenon.' It highlights the increasing number of calls from professionals seeking speakers and the growing interest in the topic. The foundation also discusses its financial situation, emphasizing its reliance on dues and contributions and its struggle to operate without a large public relations budget. The upcoming 'Memory and Reality: Reconciliation' conference in December is presented as a key event for focusing on reconciliation and constructive paths forward.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a science-based approach to psychotherapy, critically examining practices that lack empirical support. It highlights the potential harm caused by the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories and the legal and familial consequences that can arise. The foundation positions itself as a resource for families and professionals grappling with these issues, emphasizing the need for informed consent, scientific rigor, and a balanced perspective that considers the well-being of all parties involved, including accused parents and children.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: May 1994
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Document Type: Newsletter

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter focuses on the controversial topic of false memory syndrome and recovered memories, primarily concerning allegations of childhood sexual abuse. It features letters from readers and professionals, as well as an editorial, that express skepticism towards certain therapeutic practices and highlight the potential for damage caused by the creation or uncovering of false memories.

From Our Readers

The section "FROM OUR READERS" presents a letter from Douglas E. Mould, Ph.D., Director of Clinical Services for Preferred Mental Health Management, Inc. He asserts that false memory syndrome is real and that many patients are being harmed by therapists using inappropriate techniques, often focusing on abreaction and utilizing imagery, journaling, and body-memory techniques. He notes that clients often begin with general unhappiness and depression, and therapy suggests the possibility of sexual abuse, leading to vague images that become clearer over time. Mould points out that these clients frequently worsen, experiencing suicidal phases and requiring hospitalizations, which therapists often dismiss as a normal part of the healing process. He finds it common sense that a technique causing decompensation should not be employed. Mould also highlights the frequent co-occurrence of an Axis II diagnosis of borderline personality disorder among individuals who 'recover' memories, suggesting this is more parsimonious than attributing it to the abuse itself. He believes false memory syndrome is more widespread than recognized and that therapists using these techniques are at high risk for malpractice.

A letter from "Mom" is included, addressed to her "Daughter." It states that the "father died today taking your accusations to his grave," asserting that the daughter was never molested by her father, who loved her. The letter expresses regret that the daughter cannot reunite with her father, realizing her recovered memories were not real. This letter appears to be a response to a daughter who developed recovered memories of abuse.

Another section features a letter from a "Professional" who is terminating the employment of a young woman who began remembering sexual abuse after being in therapy for divorce adjustment issues. The professional notes that the woman's performance deteriorated significantly, she became hostile, and accused the professional of mental abuse, believing she could no longer perform her job due to the professional. The writer expresses uncertainty about the reality of the memories but seeks to understand the phenomenon.

A "Professional, A Mom" writes about her experience with her son, who accused her of infant molestation based on recovered memories discovered in therapy. She recounts being shocked and speechless, and the situation escalated to an eighteen-month nightmare involving attorneys. They settled out of court for $100,000, as proving innocence was deemed too costly. She was prescribed antidepressants due to severe depression and has lost health, family, and trust. She hopes to contribute to changing a system she believes has made extortion legal.

Another "Loving Daughter" writes about being reunited with her parents after three years of being involved with a "bad" counselor and learning about false memory syndrome. She expresses gratitude to the FMSF for support and encouragement. She is considering legal action against her former therapist, who she believes "ripped away three years of our lives." She prays for guidance and wishes for her therapist to be stopped to prevent others from enduring similar experiences.

Special Issue of Skeptic Magazine on False Memory Syndrome

This section highlights a special issue of Skeptic Magazine focusing on False Memory Syndrome. It lists articles by Dr. John Hochman on "The Problem of Recovered Memory Therapy," Dr. Gina Green on "Facilitated Communication," and Dr. Carol Tavris on "The Illusion of Science in Psychiatry." It also mentions a skeptical analysis of psychiatry by Dr. Thomas Szaz and an article by Dr. Michael Shermer on the similarity of FMS to the Witch Crases. Information is provided on how to order these materials.

Talk with A Retractor

This section details a conversation with a "retractor" – someone who has come to believe their recovered memories were false. The retractor initially felt fear due to her parents' alleged threats but later experienced pain and guilt over the distress she caused them. She questioned why she believed the false memories and expressed anger at her therapists. She sought ways to stop this phenomenon and deal with her addiction to medication prescribed by her psychiatrist. The retractor found relief in talking to someone who validated her experience and expressed determination not to be controlled by others' beliefs.

The author of this section, identified as "A Mom," reflects on the conversation, emphasizing the pain and anguish inflicted by this type of therapy, which can be more excruciating for children than for parents. She stresses the importance of parental patience and understanding, and the need to educate oneself about the "cruelty" in the mental health field to hold those responsible accountable.

Editorial

The editorial, attributed to the Boston Globe on April 17, 1994, suggests that therapists should interview family members and review medical and school records before assigning blame. It advises patients not to rush into lawsuits or public confessions if there is doubt, and that therapy should focus on building a future rather than obsessing over the past.

FMSF Meetings

The newsletter includes a comprehensive list of FMSF (False Memory Syndrome Foundation) meetings across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, providing contact information for organizers and meeting times.

Why I am a Board Member of FMSF

Robyn Dawes, University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, explains her reasons for being a board member of FMSF. She outlines key principles in psychology and psychiatry that are supported by evidence and subjected to skeptical examination, including memory (reconstructive nature), inference, and group influence. Dawes argues that these principles are relevant to the context of "recovered repressed memories." She contrasts this with the idea that individuals with special status "just know" reality based on experience, which she believes can lead to wrong conclusions. Dawes emphasizes the need for education regarding these principles for courts, the public, and psychotherapists. She uses the analogy of an airplane built without regard to physics and engineering crashing, to illustrate that expertise in psychology and psychiatry that ignores general principles leads to "human wreckage."

FMS Foundation Information

Details about the FMS Foundation are provided, including its address, phone number, Executive Director (Pamela Freyd, Ph.D.), and the Scientific and Professional Advisory Board. The board lists numerous professionals with expertise in psychology, psychiatry, and related fields. Subscription information for the FMSF Newsletter is also included, with rates for USA, Canada, and foreign subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of "recovered memory" therapy and the concept of false memory syndrome. The FMS Foundation Newsletter adopts a skeptical stance, highlighting potential harms, malpractice, and the creation of false memories. The editorial stance is one of caution, advocating for evidence-based practices, thorough investigation, and a focus on the future rather than solely on past trauma, particularly when allegations of abuse are based on recovered memories. The newsletter aims to educate the public and professionals about the complexities and potential dangers associated with this therapeutic approach.