False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 04 No 02 - 1995 feb

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated February 1, 1995, Volume 4, Number 2, addresses the growing societal distrust of psychotherapy and focuses heavily on the controversial topic of recovered memories, particularly in relation to childhood sexual abuse (CSA).

The False Memory Epidemic and Societal Distrust

The newsletter opens with a letter from "Dear Friends" acknowledging the public's growing distrust of psychotherapy. It suggests this distrust may stem from people behaving as more responsible consumers, demanding quality care and questioning practices that could lead to the creation of false memories. An executive summary from the British Psychological Society report highlights the risk of therapists creating false memories of childhood sexual abuse and suggests guidelines to minimize this danger. The analogy of Thalidomide is used to illustrate how society reacts to harmful practices, implying that the slow pace of corrective action in psychotherapy contributes to distrust.

The "Cycle of Crazes" and False Memory Syndrome

Paul R. McHugh, M.D., in "The False Memory Craze," discusses the phenomenon of false memory epidemics as a human phenomenon of crowd behavior, comparing it to witch trials and lynch mobs. He outlines L.S. Penrose's five stages of crazes: Latent, Explosive, Saturation, Immunity, and Stagnant. McHugh believes the repressed memory craze is currently in the Saturation or Immunity phase, with resistance growing as the implications are studied. He expresses optimism that the scientific view of memory will prevail, leading to an institutionalization of accurate understanding, though acknowledging that the idea of repressed memories will persist for some.

The British Psychological Society Report and Guidelines

An executive summary of the British Psychological Society's report on "Recovered Memories" is presented. The report concludes that while complete or partial memory loss can follow trauma, memories can be recovered with or without therapy, and experienced therapists are aware of suggestion dangers. It notes that memories, even if clear, can contain errors, and recovered memories may have similar properties. The report warns that sustained pressure can lead to the retrieval or elaboration of non-existent events and that the possibility of therapists creating false memories of sexual abuse warrants consideration, though evidence for this being widespread in the UK is lacking. The report also states that while there is evidence for incorrect memories, less evidence exists for the creation of false memories. Hypnosis is noted as making memory more confident but less reliable. The report's guidelines for therapists emphasize openness to memory emergence, alertness to suggestion, tolerance of uncertainty, avoiding imposing conclusions, and restricting methods to enhance reliability in forensic contexts. It also cautions against diagnosing CSA solely on presenting symptoms due to potential false positives.

Critiques of Memory Recovery Therapies and APA Publication

D. Stephen Lindsay, Ph.D., in "Stop Child Sex Abuse AND Memory Recovery Therapy," argues that concern for victims of abuse and concern about risky memory recovery therapies are not contradictory. He criticizes the APA's publication, "Abused Women and Survivor Therapy," by Lenore E.A. Walker, Ph.D., for suggesting hypnosis to recover memories and for misrepresenting findings from studies like Linda Meyer Williams's. Lindsay points out errors in Walker's description of the Williams study and criticizes the endorsement of symptom checklists, like Blume's, for diagnosing "postincest survivor syndrome" without evidence of reliability or validation.

The Baltimore Meeting and Inter-Organizational Dynamics

Colin A. Ross, M.D., reports on the Johns Hopkins/False Memory Syndrome Foundation Meeting in Baltimore. He observes similarities to previous meetings on multiple personality disorder, noting a mix of survivors, paraprofessionals, and clinicians, with a strong emphasis on belief over empiricism. Ross suggests that the key variable of mutual interest should be impaired professionals and bad therapies, rather than solely focusing on MPD/DID or false memories. He advocates for dialogue between the FMSF and the International Society for the Study of Dissociation (ISSD), likening their relationship to "alters" within a larger system that need to communicate.

Research Note on Williams Study and Statistical Reporting

Evan Harrington provides a "Research Note" on Dr. Linda Meyer Williams's paper, highlighting its importance and the debate surrounding its findings. He points out potential issues with the statistical reporting in Table 2, including the use of one-tailed t-tests without clear justification or reporting of actual t-values, which could lead to misinterpretation of the results regarding the relationship between force and recall. He also notes that the data do not support the hypothesis that increased force leads to decreased recall, as predicted by repression theory.

Memory Recovery Therapy: A Subculture of Therapy Cults

John Hochman, M.D., explores "Memory Recovery Therapy: A Subculture of Therapy Cults." He defines cults by their use of miracle, mystery, and authority, and suggests that many groups promoting belief in satanic ritual abuse (SRA) function similarly to cults, despite lacking empirical evidence for SRA acts. He criticizes the Ontario government's funding of such groups and highlights a conference titled "Fighting the False Memory Backlash." Hochman notes that while some individuals may have experienced trauma, the methods used in these "therapy cults" can be harmful.

New Books and Institutionalizing SRA

The newsletter reviews two new books: "Safe Passage to Healing: a Guide for Survivors of Ritual Abuse" by Chrystine Oksana, which is criticized for its advice to "work only with a therapist who believes that ritual abuse exists," and "Treating Survivors of Satanic Abuse" edited by Valeri Simson, which includes a chapter by Phil Mollon discussing flashbacks and suicidal urges in ritually abused patients. The section "Institutionalizing SRA" details funding for women-only conferences in Ontario that promote belief in satanic ritual abuse and Masonic ritual torture, despite a lack of evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the dangers of memory recovery therapies, the potential for iatrogenic harm (harm caused by medical treatment), the societal distrust of psychotherapy, and the need for scientific rigor and empirical evidence in understanding memory and trauma. The FMS Foundation Newsletter appears to advocate for a cautious approach to recovered memories, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between genuine memories and potentially false ones created through therapeutic suggestion or other influences. The editorial stance is critical of therapeutic practices that lack empirical support and may lead to harm, while also acknowledging the reality of childhood sexual abuse and the need to support genuine victims.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated February 1995, focuses on the complex and often controversial topic of false memory syndrome and its implications. The publication delves into the nature of cults, the practices of Memory Recovery Therapy (MRT), and the legal and psychological ramifications for individuals and families.

Cults and Memory Recovery Therapy (MRT)

The newsletter draws parallels between cults and MRT, suggesting that MRT operates as a social movement or subculture. It posits that while traditional cults have identifiable leaders, MRT is indirectly led by 'culture heroes' through their writings and lectures. The therapy promises a form of psychological salvation, offering simple answers to complex problems by attributing all personal issues to childhood molestation and offering a community of 'survivors.' The article critiques MRT's approach, noting how it can invert traditional family values, portraying the family as a source of perpetrators rather than safety, and shifting the focus from love to 'empowerment.'

Thought Reform: Miracle, Mystery, and Authority

The newsletter explains thought reform as a hyper-efficient indoctrination process that impairs the awareness of those undergoing it, often without their full informed consent. It identifies three key elements: 'Miracle' (creating an atmosphere of awe), 'Mystery' (secrecy about beliefs and practices), and 'Authority' (demands on members' time, talents, and property). MRT is described as using 'unfailing theories' where patient worsening is attributed to deeper repressed memories rather than flaws in the theory itself. The newsletter also notes the introduction of 'proven' methods to counteract perceived 'brainwashing' from nonexistent Satanic Ritual Abuse.

The Role of Authority and Deception in MRT

Authority in MRT is maintained by therapists and 'dissociative disorder units' in psychiatric hospitals. These professionals allegedly abandon therapeutic neutrality, encouraging conformity to the MRT subculture. By undermining relationships with relatives, patients become dependent on therapists, increasing their perceived authority. Some retractors report therapists becoming increasingly 'maniacal,' and survivor groups exert social pressure to prevent questioning of group assumptions.

Future Trends and Criticisms

Advocates of MRT are increasingly defensive, with some turning to personal attacks against critics, a tactic also common in cults. The newsletter anticipates a 'cascade effect' of retractors and a potential increase in bizarre practices and even suicide attempts among MRT therapists.

Legal Cases and Repressed Memories

The issue highlights several legal cases involving repressed memory claims. In New Hampshire, a case involving Joel Hungerford and John Morahan requires the state to prove the existence and accuracy of 'repressed memories' before testimony can be admitted. In Michigan, a woman claiming repressed memories of sexual abuse by her father and aunt is involved in a lawsuit where the statute of limitations issue was reversed by the Court of Appeals. Another case involves a woman suing her father for abuse that allegedly occurred over 40 years ago, with the court stating that repressed memory could suspend the statute of limitations.

Two significant lawsuits were dismissed: an $8 million suit by daughters alleging sexual abuse by their father, and a $3.75 million suit by a nun alleging abuse by her mother superior. In the latter case, a New York court noted that state law does not recognize psychological trauma or repression as justification for avoiding the statute of limitations.

Personal Accounts and Advocacy

The 'Retractors' Corner' features personal accounts of individuals who have experienced repressed memory therapy and its aftermath. One retractor expresses an obligation to share her experiences to help others understand the process and its potential harms. She emphasizes that not all therapy is bad and that some ethical professionals helped her regain independence. However, she warns against blindly trusting therapists and encourages individuals to set their own agendas and boundaries.

Another section, 'Jean's Story,' details a personal experience with repressed memory therapy that led to false memories of paternal abuse, causing significant family distress. Jean is suing the hospital, her ex-therapist, and ex-psychiatrist for damages.

The 'From Our Readers' section highlights FMSF's growth and encourages members to support the organization by raising awareness in local libraries and through advocacy. It also mentions upcoming FMSF events and displays.

Mental Health Bill of Rights

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the 'Mental Health Bill of Rights,' outlining patients' rights within mental health care systems, particularly in California and Delaware. These rights include the right to an individualized treatment plan, informed consent regarding treatments and their potential adverse effects, freedom from experimentation without consent, and the right to revoke consent. The newsletter emphasizes that while these rights are mandated in facilities, they may not always be provided or understood by patients in outpatient settings.

FMSF Activities and Support

The newsletter provides a comprehensive list of FMSF meetings across the United States and Canada for February 1995, encouraging families, retractors, and professionals to connect. It also includes contact information for the FMS Foundation in Philadelphia and details on how to subscribe to the newsletter and support the organization. The 'What IF?' section underscores the critical role of the FMS Foundation in providing information and support to those affected by false memory syndrome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the dangers of recovered memory therapy and its potential to create false memories, the manipulative tactics employed by cults and some therapeutic practices, and the importance of legal and psychological advocacy for individuals affected by these issues. The FMS Foundation clearly positions itself as a resource and advocate against what it perceives as harmful therapeutic practices and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through the 'recovery movement.' The editorial stance is one of caution, critical inquiry, and support for those who have experienced negative outcomes from memory retrieval therapies.