False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 03 No 09 - 1994 oct

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated October 1, 1994, is Volume 3, Number 9. It is published by the FMS Foundation and focuses on the complex and controversial topic of false memory syndrome and recovered memory therapy (RMT).

Editorial and Correspondence

The newsletter opens with a letter from the Executive Director addressing a quote from 'Silent No Longer' in the September issue of 'Sojourner: The Forum for Women.' The quote suggested 'storming' the FMSF headquarters. The Foundation clarifies its position, inviting dialogue and emphasizing its concern for victims of incest and child abuse, stating that the issues raised by 'Silent No Longer' are an exception to the generally positive feedback the FMSF receives regarding its contribution to improving mental health awareness and the understanding of memory fallibility.

The newsletter also includes a statement from the American Medical Association noting the problems with recovered memories and an invitation to a conference on 'Memory and Reality: Reconciliation.'

American Psychological Association Report on Validated Treatments

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to a report from the American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures. This report, adopted in October 1993, outlines 'Well Established Treatments' and 'Probably Efficacious Treatments' for various mental health conditions. The purpose of this report is to educate psychologists, payers, and the public about effective psychotherapies. Examples include cognitive therapy for depression, behavior modification for various issues, and interpersonal therapy for bulimia and depression. The report also provides contact information for obtaining a copy.

Clinical Guidelines for Using Hypnosis in Uncovering Memories of Sexual Abuse

This section features commentary by Peter B. Bloom, M.D., on clinical guidelines for using hypnosis in uncovering memories of sexual abuse. The guidelines, largely drawn from the work of M.D. Yapko, emphasize the principle of 'Primum non nocere' (first, do no harm). Key points include:

• Informed Consent: Thoroughly explain the process, potential benefits, and risks of specialized techniques like hypnosis.
• Competence: Therapists must be competent in specialized techniques and continuously upgrade their skills.
• No Assumptions: Do not assume that hypnotic recall reflects literal reality or that lack of memory indicates repressed abuse.
• Avoid Suggestion: Do not directly or indirectly suggest abuse, and avoid jumping to conclusions.
• Maintain Objectivity: Tolerate ambiguity and seek corroborating evidence rather than accepting all patient narratives as factual.
• Distinguish Truths: Understand the difference between historical truth (requiring evidence) and narrative truth (useful for personal growth but not for accusing others).
• Responsibility: Therapists must maintain responsibility for diagnosis and treatment planning, avoiding solely responding to a patient's request for memory recovery.

The commentary highlights the complexity of memory and the potential for contamination or degradation of memories through therapeutic interventions.

Case Background: "Joan"

A case background of a patient named "Joan" is presented. Joan sought therapy to uncover repressed memories of alleged sexual abuse, believing it would help her control dissociative episodes and express anger. She initially stated she would only pursue legal action if true abuse was confirmed.

Update on Facilitated Communication

An update on Facilitated Communication (FC) notes that the APA governing board unanimously approved a statement deeming FC an unproven technique lacking scientific demonstration of effectiveness.

Repressed Memories Guidelines & Direction by Thomas F. Nagy, Ph.D.

Dr. Nagy's guidelines offer further insights into the potential pitfalls of repressed memory therapy. He discusses how therapists' beliefs can influence patients' memories and the power differential that can exist in therapy dyads. He emphasizes that insight alone is not sufficient for change and that therapists must be cautious about suggesting that clients cut off communication with their families or adopting a 'no pain, no gain' philosophy.

"Is It Worth the Risk?" by J. Alexander Bodkin, M.D.

Dr. Bodkin critically examines the concept of "false memory syndrome" and recovered memory therapy. He argues that the effectiveness of insight-oriented psychotherapies is independent of theoretical frameworks and relies more on the therapist's personal attributes. He highlights the enormous personal responsibility of therapists and the potential for harm to third parties through accusations of improper behavior based solely on recovered memories. A case is presented where a man was convicted of sexual abuse based on recovered memories, with no other evidence, illustrating the devastating consequences.

From Our Readers

This section features updates on activities by members and supporters of the FMS Foundation. These include garage sales, letter-writing campaigns, organizing local groups, and efforts to ensure balanced presentations on repressed memory at conferences. The section encourages readers to share their ideas and submit relevant clippings.

An Open Letter to FMSF Parents

This letter is from an individual who is in the process of retracting her story of abuse. She sympathizes with parents facing accusations and discusses her own experience with mental illness, diagnosis changes (schizophrenia to Multiple Personality Disorder), and the pressure to develop memories of abuse, including ritual abuse, to receive treatment and eventual release. She expresses regret for her past accusations and the pain caused.

"Rare Bird" - An Accused Mother and Psychotherapist

This anonymous contributor, a psychotherapist and an accused mother, discusses the complexity of the false memory phenomenon. She argues against the term 'Recovered Memory Therapy' (RMT) as a distinct submodality, stating that most therapists, at some point, work to recover memories. She fears that coining the term RMT will further polarize therapists and hinder cooperation. She emphasizes the need for understanding, openness, education, and cooperation, and warns against a 'witch-hunt' mentality.

A Professional and A Mom

This contributor shares her experience of being accused of abuse by her daughter, who later retracted the accusations. She describes the overwhelming pressure from a psychologist and a sexual offenders group, which she likens to brainwashing. She expresses rage and a desire for accountability from those responsible for her experience.

Release from Tyranny

A mother writes about being freed from the 'tyranny' of trying to understand her daughter's behavior and the self-imposed belief system that dictated her role as a mother. She realized that her interpretation of motherhood led her to endure cruelty and disrespect.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently advocates for a cautious and evidence-based approach to memory recovery in psychotherapy. It emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of therapists, the potential for iatrogenic harm (harm caused by treatment), and the importance of distinguishing between historical and narrative truth. The FMS Foundation positions itself as a resource for understanding the complexities of memory, the fallibility of recall, and the potential for false accusations, while acknowledging the reality of abuse and the need for appropriate therapeutic interventions. The overall stance is one of critical inquiry into the methods and claims surrounding recovered memory therapy, urging caution and a focus on patient well-being and the integrity of the therapeutic process.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: October 1994
Volume: 11
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 1069-0484

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter provides a critical examination of the recovered memory movement, its impact on individuals and families, and the legal frameworks surrounding such claims. It features book reviews, legal commentary, and updates on the Foundation's activities.

Book Reviews

BEDLAM: Greed, Profiteering and Fraud in a Mental Health System Gone Crazy

Reviewed by John Hochman, M.D., this book by Joe Sharkey is described as a fast-paced journalistic account of how private psychiatric hospitals profited greatly in the 1980s. It details how corporate hospital chains built empires, often targeting areas with good insurance coverage, including military families. The review highlights the book's exposé of illegal detentions of minors and exploitation of state crime victim funds. Sharkey's work is noted for its attempt to convey the human element behind the industry, including figures like a marketing whiz who teamed up with a patient and PR specialists. The review points out that the book may disappoint readers seeking specifics on mind-bending therapies, as it focuses more on the industry's structure. A particularly striking story involves a psychiatrist who denounced hospitals and was subsequently deemed mentally ill. The review also notes the author's attempt to ridicule psychiatry itself, which Hochman finds off-base, particularly regarding the use of medication. The author argues that without psychiatric medications, hospitals would be overwhelmed with severely ill patients, and the temptation to fill beds with less ill individuals would be reduced.

VICTIMS OF MEMORY: INCEST ACCUSATIONS AND SHATTERED LIVES

Reviewed by J. Alexander Bodkin, M.D., this book by Mark Pendergrast is presented as a significant contribution to the critical literature on the recovered memory movement. Pendergrast, who is himself affected by the movement through his daughter's accusations, embarked on a personal quest to understand the phenomenon. The book is lauded for its comprehensive, scholarly, and readable analysis, grouping the recovered memory movement with historical hysterias like the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism. It critically examines the 'scientific' foundations of recovered memory therapy, contrasting them with established knowledge of human memory. The review highlights chapters on how patients are persuaded of victimhood, the use of hypnosis in therapy, and how diverse psychiatric symptoms are interpreted as evidence of past abuse. The book also explores the diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder and the recent focus on satanic ritual abuse. Pendergrast's interviews with therapists, survivors, and retractors are noted for allowing the 'True Believers' to speak for themselves, revealing how memories are often instilled rather than recovered. The review emphasizes the book's personal and emotional power, stemming from Pendergrast's attempt to help his daughters understand their family's tragic history.

Legal Corner

Incest Authors Dropped from Suit

This section reports on a lawsuit filed against the authors of "The Courage to Heal" by Deborah David and her family. A Sacramento Superior Court judge dismissed the part of the lawsuit concerning the book, which was published by HarperCollins and sold over 800,000 copies. A similar lawsuit is still pending.

Commentary: Blaming a Book

Professor Ralph Slovenko discusses lawsuits filed against Laura Davis and Ellen Bass, authors of "The Courage to Heal" and its companion workbook. The lawsuits alleged that the book falsely induced plaintiffs to believe they had been sexually molested by their fathers. Slovenko examines the legal question of whether authors and publishers can be held legally responsible for the content of their books, particularly self-help books that encourage readers to act on the advice given. He references Alan Dershowitz's argument that the First Amendment protects writers from liability for how readers interpret or act on their books, comparing it to the protection afforded to writings like Karl Marx's works or the Bible. Slovenko also touches on the concept of 'product liability' and how it might apply to books, noting that courts have generally distinguished between the physical book and its intellectual content. He cites cases like "Herceg v. Hustler Magazine" and "Norwood v. Soldier of Fortune Magazine" to illustrate the limits of First Amendment protection when publications incite dangerous acts. The commentary concludes that the practical politics of tort law, rather than the First Amendment itself, often determine liability, and that authors are generally not held to a duty of care to the public at large in the same way therapists are.

FMSF Comment on Legal Issues

This section addresses the high emotions surrounding "The Courage to Heal" and free speech issues. The FMS Foundation states it is not involved in any lawsuits but is providing information on legal defense funds and articles concerning legal issues. The commentary notes that while the FMS Foundation's focus is not legal, understanding the legal framework is important. It highlights the challenge to First Amendment protection posed by actions involving "The Courage to Heal" and its workbook, particularly concerning negligent misrepresentation and publications intended to prompt action.

FMSF Meetings

The newsletter lists numerous regional and national meetings for FMSF members, including families, retractors, and professionals. These meetings are scheduled across various states in the USA and in Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands, with specific dates, times, and contact information provided.

Rate Increase and Membership Information

An announcement details a rate increase for the FMSF Newsletter subscriptions effective November 1, 1994, with new rates for USA, Canada, and foreign subscriptions. Information on yearly FMSF membership, including professional and family levels, is also provided, along with instructions for additional contributions and payment methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly critiques the recovered memory movement, portraying it as a social phenomenon with questionable scientific underpinnings that can lead to severe personal and familial destruction. The FMS Foundation positions itself as a source of critical information and support for those affected by or questioning this movement. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, legal protections for free speech, and the potential for harm caused by certain therapeutic and self-help practices. The Foundation advocates for its continued existence and encourages support to maintain its operations and informational services.