False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 03 No 08 - 1994 sept

Magazine Overview

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: September 1, 1994
Volume: 3, No. 8
Publisher: FMS Foundation

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves deeply into the controversial topic of recovered memory therapy (RMT) and its implications, particularly concerning allegations of child abuse. The publication aims to provide a platform for discussion, critique, and the dissemination of research that challenges the prevailing narratives surrounding repressed memories.

Editorial Stance and Key Themes

The newsletter adopts a critical stance towards recovered memory therapy, often referring to it as a "pseudo science." It highlights the concerns of accused families and professionals who believe that RMT can lead to the creation of false memories, causing significant harm to individuals and families. The core themes explored include:

• The Unreliability of Recovered Memories: The newsletter questions the scientific basis for the widespread belief that traumatic memories are commonly repressed and later accurately recalled.
• Critique of Therapeutic Practices: It scrutinizes the methods and assumptions of therapists who employ RMT, suggesting that their techniques may inadvertently create or implant memories.
• False Allegations and Misconduct: The publication addresses the issue of false accusations of abuse, often stemming from RMT, and the potential for therapists to engage in misconduct.
• The Role of Media and Popular Culture: The influence of media sensationalism and popular books in shaping public perception of recovered memories is examined.
• Advocacy for Accused Families: The FMS Foundation provides support and a voice for families who have been accused of abuse, often based on recovered memories.

Content Breakdown

"I've been accused of abusing my children"

The issue opens with a poignant anecdote about a scientist falsely accused of child abuse, underscoring the newsletter's concern about the ease with which accusations can be made and the potential for such claims to undermine genuine efforts to address child abuse.

The "Run-Away Phenomenon" of False Memory Syndrome

The editorial board discusses the "run-away phenomenon" of false memory syndrome, attributing it to a complex mix of factors including good intentions, lack of knowledge about memory, panic about child abuse, overgeneralization of recovery techniques, media sensationalism, and societal anxieties. They note a shift towards greater willingness from accused families to speak out and increased understanding in media coverage.

Academic Community's Growing Concern

A significant change noted is the increase in scholarly papers addressing False Memory Syndrome (FMS). The tone and depth of these papers suggest that the academic community is increasingly concerned about the consequences of RMT and is willing to question its scientific foundation.

Special Issue of Applied Cognitive Psychology

The August issue of *Applied Cognitive Psychology* is highlighted for its special focus on "Recovery of Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse." A key article by Stephen Lindsay and J.D. Read, "Psychotherapy and Memories of Childhood Abuse," is discussed, along with responses from critics and the authors' own defense.

#### Base Rate of Total Amnesia

The article by Lindsay and Read challenges the assumption that children commonly repress or have amnesia for sexual abuse. They cite research indicating a lack of agreement on what constitutes amnesia and modest support for the claim that many adult survivors are totally amnesic for abuse. The studies used are noted as having non-representative samples, and their findings are questioned.

New Books Exposing RMT

The newsletter announces the upcoming release of several books that aim to expose the "cruelty and the pseudo-science of recovered memory therapy." Two specific titles are mentioned: *The Myth of Repressed Memories* by Elizabeth Loftus and Katherine Ketcham, and *Making Monsters: False Memory, Psychotherapy and Sexual Hysteria* by Richard Ofshe and Ethan Watters.

Conference: Memory and Reality: Reconciliation

Plans for the "Memory and Reality: Reconciliation" conference in December 1994 are detailed. This event is positioned as a defining conference on False Memory Syndrome, intended to bring together professionals, retractors, and families to foster solutions.

The Professional Advocacy Network (PAN)

The newsletter addresses the criticism that FMSF is formed by accused families by pointing to organizations like PAN, formed by accused therapists. PAN's concerns about regulatory boards and complaint procedures are noted as mirroring those of accused families.

Critique of "The Courage to Heal"

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to a critique of the book *The Courage to Heal*, a widely recommended self-help book for abuse survivors. The newsletter presents a "parody" of sections from the book, substituting terms to highlight potentially disturbing messages and the book's tone.

Anger and Healing

An article titled "ANGER—THE BACKBONE OF HEALING" explores the role of anger in the healing process for ex-patients. It discusses denying and twisting anger, getting in touch with anger, and the desire for revenge, while also suggesting nonviolent means of retribution.

Disclosures and Confrontations

This section advises on confronting therapists and discusses the importance of disclosure, noting that silence has often served the interests of therapists rather than patients. It also touches on the desire for financial reparations and warning others about potential risks.

The Confrontation and Forgiveness

Strategies for confronting therapists are outlined, including direct confrontation and making one's experiences public. The section also addresses the concept of forgiveness, stating that it is not a required part of the healing process and can be insulting to suggest to ex-patients.

Reviews of Books Critical of RMT

Several books are reviewed, all of which are critical of recovered memory therapy:

• *The Myth of Repressed Memories: False Memories and Allegations of Sexual Abuse* by Elizabeth Loftus and Katherine Ketcham: This book is praised for its scientific arguments against repressed memories and its detailed accounts of actual situations, integrating scientific understanding with personal narratives.
• *Making Monsters: False Memory, Psychotherapy and Sexual Hysteria* by Richard Ofshe and Ethan Watters: This book is described as a comprehensive analysis of RMT, exposing its potential for harm and critiquing its pseudoscientific dimensions. It is noted for its integration of therapists' accounts with scientific knowledge and its focus on the devastating impact of RMT on families.

Scientific Truth vs. Ideology

Elizabeth Loftus's involvement in the debate about repressed memories is highlighted, emphasizing her commitment to scientific proof despite ideological and economic pressures. Her stance is presented as a scientist facing potential conflicts from those who might otherwise be allies.

McMartin Preschool Tunnel Claims: Evidence of a Hoax

An article by Debbie Nathan investigates the claims of tunnels found at the McMartin Preschool, presenting evidence that suggests these claims may be a hoax. It details the involvement of key figures like Jackie McGauley and Ted Gunderson and questions the authenticity of the artifacts presented.

News Notes and Case Samplings

This section provides a roundup of recent news and cases related to memory and abuse allegations. It includes brief mentions of legal cases involving accusations against priests and therapists, and reports on studies questioning the validity of recovered memories.

Studies Presented at APA Meeting

Two studies presented at the American Psychological Association meeting are discussed:

• A study by Kate Hays and Sheila Stanley linking fear of dentists to childhood abuse.
• A study by Henry Roediger from Rice University demonstrating the ease with which false memories can be introduced.

The newsletter argues that the burden of proof lies with those who claim sexual trauma memory is fundamentally different from other memories.

Random Thoughts

This section features letters from FMS Foundation members, including a couple from Washington State seeking details about "recanters" and parents from California who found journaling helpful. It also includes advice from a reader in Vermont on how parents should interact with therapists and their accusing children.

Bridging the Gap: False Memory vs. Abuse Survivorship

A psychiatric nurse's letter highlights the different "languages" spoken by the false-memory camp and the abuse-survivorship camp, urging for a calm and studied discussion between representatives of both sides.

Research and Studies Cited

The newsletter lists and briefly comments on numerous studies and articles that challenge the tenets of recovered memory therapy and related concepts, including research on sexual abuse, psychological adjustment, dissociation, and the impact of parental murder witness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical view of recovered memory therapy, emphasizing the potential for iatrogenic harm and the creation of false memories. It champions scientific evidence and critical analysis over what it perceives as ideological or unverified claims within the therapeutic community. The publication serves as an advocate for families accused of abuse based on recovered memories, providing them with information, support, and a platform to share their experiences. The overarching stance is one of caution, demanding rigorous evidence and accountability from therapists and the field of psychology concerning memory and abuse allegations.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated September 1994, features a critical review of Lenore Terr's book "Unchained Memories: True Stories of Traumatic Memories, Lost and Found." The newsletter focuses on the controversial topic of recovered memories and their implications.

Review of "Unchained Memories" by Lenore Terr

The review, authored by Holida Wakefield, Harry MacLean, and Ralph Underwager, scrutinizes Lenore Terr's advocacy for repression and dissociation of trauma, and her assertion that retrieved memories are generally detailed and accurate. The review highlights the infamous Eileen Franklin case, where Franklin's recovered memory of her father murdering her best friend led to his conviction. Terr believes repressed memories, once retrieved, are highly detailed and accurate, with minor mistakes possible. She distinguishes between repression (unconscious defense against remembering) and dissociation (setting memories aside), noting that dissociated memories are often fuzzy and rarely return clear and complete.

Terr posits two types of trauma: Type I (single, unanticipated event) resulting in clear memories, and Type II (long-standing or repeated exposure) leading to dissociation or repression. The review questions the scientific basis for these theories, noting that Terr's own case examples do not consistently support her claims, particularly regarding complete amnesia in children over three.

The review cites concerns from the College of Psychologists of British Columbia, warning practitioners about the potential consequences of pressuring clients to believe they have repressed memories of abuse, referencing lawsuits against therapists and scientific doubt about the nature of repressed memories.

Terr suggests that even completely repressed memories leave signs reflected in a person's symptoms, such as writers and artists reenacting trauma in their work. She believes that even early childhood memories, once repressed, can be retrieved with appropriate cues.

However, the reviewers find Terr's corroboration of repressed memories unconvincing, citing significant factual mistakes in her account of the Eileen Franklin case, as detailed by Harry MacLean. MacLean criticizes Terr for twisting facts, omitting others, and accepting disputed accounts as true, calling it "horrible journalism, as well as bad science."

MacLean points out that Terr presents only one of Eileen Franklin's five versions of how she recovered the memory, failing to mention that Eileen also attributed it to a dream or her brother's therapy. Terr's assertion that Eileen had no knowledge of repression is disputed, as Eileen testified to being in therapy.

Further criticisms include Terr adding details not testified to by Franklin, such as "white child-size underwear," and misrepresenting Eileen's state of well-being during her divorce proceedings. MacLean also notes Terr's misrepresentation of the timeline of events and factual errors regarding the Franklin case, including incorrect names and descriptions of legal proceedings.

MacLean also critiques Terr's interpretation of Eileen's supposed habit of pulling her hair, which she uses as proof of recovered memory. Eileen's mother and sister deny this habit and the existence of a "bloody bald spot."

The review concludes that Terr's recitation of events resembles a fable more than fact, with little corroboration in her other examples. The review suggests that Terr's theories are not supported by scientific evidence and that her book fails to support the assumptions of recovered memory therapists.

Reader Contributions

The newsletter includes several reader submissions, offering personal perspectives on the recovered memory phenomenon:

• "From Our Readers": A reader expresses feelings of betrayal and rage, lamenting the impact of accusations on families and questioning the professions that embrace these beliefs.
• "Confrontation": A father recounts being accused by a psychiatrist of sexually abusing his daughter, with the only evidence being the patient's recovered memories. His suggestion of a lie detector test was dismissed.
• "Cease and Desist": A reader calls for an end to experiments with patients' minds and memories through repressed memory retrieval efforts.
• "Reconciled": A parent shares that their daughter no longer accuses them of molestation and has reconciled, expressing love and allowing grandchildren to visit.
• "In Denial": A parent believes accusations were made to destroy their family, with their daughter being in denial about a wholesome upbringing.
• "Case Dismissed": A family recounts a costly legal battle of 3.5 years that ended with the dismissal of outlandish accusations created by sodium amytal and hypnosis.
• "Case Dropped": A father received an apology from his daughter's lawyer after spending over $150,000 on defense against absurd charges, and intends to sue.
• "Responsible": A reader reflects on the responsibility of accusers, questioning the righteousness of falsely accused parents and expressing anger and resentment.
• "Name Calling": A "retractor" shares their experience of suffering pain and attacks for questioning false memory claims, describing their therapy treatment as a lie and expressing freedom after leaving it.
• "A Retractor": This individual emphasizes their freedom to think for themselves and take responsibility for their life, stating their father has suffered enough for a crime he did not commit.
• "A Retractor": This contributor discusses the accuser's responsibility for their actions, regardless of the therapist's culpability. They recount ending communication with their sister due to her viciousness and refusal to allow questions, citing the sister's belief, "I'm the victim, so whatever I do is acceptable."

Cost of Repressed Memories

This section presents data from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, indicating that repressed memory claims cost significantly more than other types of claims for Crime Victims Compensation in Washington State. The table shows average amounts paid per claim in 1993, with repressed memories (category 3) having the highest average cost.

Legal Corner: Bird v. W.C.W.

This section discusses a Texas Supreme Court case, Bird v. W.C.W., which addressed third-party standing in cases of alleged child abuse. The case involved a therapist's affidavit accusing a father of sexual abuse, which was used in a custody battle and criminal proceedings. Both the father's experts and a court-appointed expert concluded the abuse did not occur, and the criminal charges were dropped. The father sued the therapist for negligent diagnosis. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that a mental health professional does not owe a duty to a third party regarding negligent misdiagnosis of sexual abuse, citing the need for professionals to exercise judgment without fear of repercussions. The court also affirmed a privilege for communications made in judicial proceedings.

New Books of Interest

A list of recently published books related to psychotherapy, trauma, and memory is provided, including titles such as "Beware the Talking Cure," "The Myth of Repressed Memory," and "Victims of Memory."

Additional Articles Available from FMSF

A list of articles available for purchase from FMSF is included, covering topics like partial recall, interviews with experts, and evidence of unjustified diagnoses of multiple personality disorder.

FMSF Information

Information on how to access FMSF via e-mail is provided. The newsletter also includes details about the FMS Foundation's structure, its mission, and membership information, including subscription rates for the newsletter. A section titled "What IF?" poses rhetorical questions about the potential consequences if the FMS Foundation ceased to exist, urging readers to support the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of recovered memory therapy, its scientific validity, and its legal and personal ramifications. The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently adopts a skeptical stance towards the claims of repressed memory, highlighting potential for false accusations, therapist malpractice, and the significant emotional and financial toll on families. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories, advocating for rigorous scientific assessment and caution in therapeutic practices. The newsletter aims to inform its readers about the controversies and legal aspects surrounding false memory syndrome and to provide a platform for those who have experienced negative consequences from such therapies.