False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 04 No 05 - 1995 may

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated May 2, 1995, is primarily dedicated to critiquing the recovered memory therapy movement and related phenomena. The newsletter presents a strong stance against the validity and ethical implications of recovered memory claims, often framing them as a threat to mental health treatment and public well-being.

Key Articles and Content

Editorial and Introduction

The newsletter opens with a quote from Cathy Young of the Detroit News, highlighting the timing of Ofra Bikel's documentary 'Divided Memories' coinciding with the overturning of the George Franklin Sr. conviction, which was based on recovered memory testimony. The editorial section addresses the public's growing skepticism towards recovered memory therapy, noting the 'absurdities and logical inconsistencies' of the movement and the agreement among five professional organizations that external corroboration is necessary to verify memories. It questions why professional organizations continue to defend the movement, citing the American Psychological Association's (APA) allocation of funds to monitor 'backlash' against therapists rather than to study the effectiveness of recovered memory therapy.

'Divided Memories' Documentary Review

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to reviews and commentary on Ofra Bikel and Karen O'Connor's four-hour PBS documentary, 'Divided Memories.' The newsletter collected approximately 30 reviews, noting that most found the program to be even-handed, allowing both sides to present their cases. Reviewers are quoted as stating that the film allowed viewers to judge for themselves and that proponents of recovered memory therapy, in their own words, appeared to 'self-destruct.' The documentary is praised for its critical examination of the 'recovery movement' and its exposure of the 'irresponsible, unethical and mercenary behavior of some therapists.' The newsletter highlights the documentary's focus on the therapists' notion of 'truth,' questioning their stance that corroboration is irrelevant while simultaneously validating patients' memories.

Legal Cases and Developments

The newsletter reports on several legal cases related to recovered memory and child abuse allegations:

• George Franklin Sr. Case: The overturning of the 1990 conviction, based on his daughter Eileen Franklin-Lipsker's recovered memory, is detailed. The defense argued that the prosecution's expert, Dr. Lenore Terr, whose theories had faced criticism, should not have been the sole basis for conviction.
• McMartin Case Aftermath: A jury awarded $7.3 million in general damages to four individuals arrested 11 years prior on charges of sexual molestation. The original charges were later dismissed after children admitted to fabricating the accusations, highlighting the emotional impact and potential for false accusations.
• Paul Isely Lawsuit: A $2 million lawsuit against priests who allegedly abused Paul Isely was rejected by a federal jury in Detroit. The jury was unconvinced that Isely had repressed memories for 20 years, and the defense argued the claim was an attempt to circumvent the statute of limitations.
• Edward Gerald Dorsey Case: Criminal charges were dismissed against Edward Gerald Dorsey, whose daughter claimed to have recovered memories of abuse. The court ruled that evidence of memories retrieved through hypnosis and expert testimony on repressed memories would not be admitted, and corroboration was lacking.
• Utah Supreme Court Ruling: The court upheld a lower court's dismissal of a lawsuit recalling teen rape, ruling that a law extending statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse cases was not retroactive.
• New York Rulings: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court affirmed lower court rulings dismissing suits seeking to extend deadlines on abuse claims due to purported memory repression.
• Eugene Keidel Murder Conviction: Jurors convicted Eugene Keidel of his wife's murder, convinced by the testimony of his daughter who recounted her memory 29 years later, without hypnosis or psychoanalysis.

Professional Publications and Opinions

The newsletter includes commentary from various professional publications and individuals:

• Alice Phillips, M.D.: Referred to FMSF as 'the falsies' in the March 1995 issue of Clinical Psychiatry News.
• Katy Butler: In 'Family Therapy Networker,' she noted that other therapists reported fathers admitting to and apologizing for things their daughters recalled.
• Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.: In a review of 'Divided Memories,' he described determining truth from patient stories as akin to reading a novel, focusing on the internal coherence of the narrative rather than objective accuracy.
• Judith Herman, M.D.: Stated that a therapist's job is not to be a detective or fact-finder, but to help patients make sense of their lives and cope with symptoms.
• Charles A. Weaver, III: In an article titled 'THE SEARCH FOR "SPECIAL MECHANISMS" IN MEMORY: FLASHBULBS, FLASHBACKS, AND OTHER NOT-SO-BRIGHT IDEAS,' he discusses the similarities between flashbulb memories and repressed memories, concluding that scientific investigation has not supported the idea of special mechanisms for either, and that repressed memories are not necessarily accurate.
• Alfred Ells: A therapist who agreed to a one-year probation after relatives complained that Samaritan Counseling Services convinced their children they had been abused.
• Alice Miller: The newsletter notes a shift in her position, suggesting that if someone doesn't want to know about their past, it may be better not to force it, and that a good therapist helps organize a healthy life in the present.

Satanic Panic in Ontario

An article titled "Satanic Panic is Sweeping through Ontario" details the occurrence of several satanic ritual abuse (SRA) conferences and workshops funded by Ontario government agencies. The author, 'a Parent from Ontario,' criticizes this funding, citing studies that refute the existence of organized intergenerational satanic cults and suggesting that alleged survivors may suffer from false memories. The article notes that local Masonic lodges were examining conference materials as 'hate literature.'

Personal Accounts and Letters

One letter from a 'Confused Patient' expresses distress and anger over the book 'Victims of Memory' by Mark Pendergrast, which they felt unfairly attacked their therapist, Dr. Q. The patient felt unsafe and resentful, believing the doctors who reviewed the book had misled them.

Recommended Reading

The newsletter provides a list of recommended reading materials on topics such as the admissibility of hypnotic evidence, memory experts in child sexual abuse cases, repressed memories and statutes of limitations, and the psychopathology of childhood sexual abuse.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for skepticism regarding recovered memory claims, emphasizing the lack of scientific corroboration and the potential for iatrogenic harm. The FMS Foundation Newsletter positions itself as a voice of reason against what it perceives as a 'moral panic' and a threat to legitimate mental health practices. The editorial stance is critical of professional organizations that appear to defend the recovered memory movement without sufficient scientific evidence or concern for potential negative consequences. The newsletter consistently highlights legal cases and expert opinions that question the validity of repressed memories and the methods used to retrieve them, advocating for a science-based approach to memory and trauma. The issue also touches upon the broader concept of memory, contrasting the popular understanding of 'flashbulb memories' with scientific findings, suggesting that even seemingly perfect memories may not be as special or accurate as commonly believed.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated May 1995, delves into the complex and often controversial topic of False Memory Syndrome (FMS). The publication aims to educate its readers, including families, retractors, and professionals, about the phenomenon and its impact.

Key Articles and Themes

The Relationship between Flashbulb Memories and Repressed (and recovered) Memories

The lead article by Daniel L. Schacter, reviewed from Scientific American, explores the similarities between flashbulb memories (vivid recollections of extraordinary events) and repressed/recovered memories. It challenges the notion that flashbulb memories are 'photograph-like' or unique, stating they are vivid but normal memories of memorable events, subject to the same reconstructive processes as other memories. The article posits that the nearly-identical circumstances surrounding the formation of both types of memories, the public's acceptance of them as 'true,' and the idea of a 'special mechanism' for their production are key points of comparison. However, it argues against the need for special mechanisms, emphasizing that 'folk beliefs' about memory often lead to misconceptions.

The Role of Folk Beliefs in Memory

This section highlights how common understandings of memory, often likened to a videotape, influence public perception. It points out that most people, including many psychologists, underestimate the role of therapists, hypnosis, and group interactions in creating or modifying memories. The article stresses that memory is a reconstructive process, not a reproductive one, where details are often 'filled in.' It critiques the common assumptions that memories are accurate, detailed, unchanging, and that confidence directly correlates with accuracy.

The Need for Special Mechanisms in Memory

The newsletter questions the necessity of postulating special memory mechanisms for phenomena like flashbulb memories, arguing that normal memory mechanisms are sufficient to explain these events. It suggests that the claims for flashbulb memories, as originally formulated, have not been supported and that repressed memory theories are even more difficult to test due to the challenge of independently verifying the truthfulness of such memories.

Conclusions on Memory and Abuse

The issue acknowledges the reality of childhood abuse and its long-term effects but argues that questioning the accuracy of recovered memories does not mean denying the problem of abuse. It emphasizes that while psychodynamic aspects of memory are essential to therapy, assumptions about memories being accurate, permanent, and immune to forgetting are not supported by current memory theory. Source amnesia, where a person forgets the origin of a memory, is identified as a factor that can render people vulnerable to memory distortions.

Personal Accounts and Coping Strategies

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to personal stories from families affected by FMS. These accounts detail the devastating impact of accusations, the pain of being labeled 'Accused Parents,' and the process of reconciliation and recovery. Several sections offer advice and 'Dos and Don'ts' for families dealing with accusing children, emphasizing the need for understanding, support, and avoiding confrontational approaches.

One family's story highlights how their daughter, influenced by therapy, developed memories of childhood sexual abuse that were later retracted. They share their journey of fighting against False Memory Syndrome and their efforts to help others. Another account details a daughter's experience of developing 'memories' after Christian counseling, leading to a nervous breakdown and subsequent realization that the theory of repressed memories is not Biblically based.

The 'Coping' sections provide practical advice for individuals and families, including seeking professional help, building support networks, and nurturing oneself. The newsletter also features a 'Make a Difference' column, encouraging readers to share their stories and advocate against FMS.

Research and Resources

The newsletter includes information on a documentary video titled 'Making Memories: The Recovered Memory Movement,' which analyzes the story of Laura Pasley and the dangers of certain therapy practices. It also recommends an article by Pope & Hudson in Psychological Medicine concerning the repression of childhood sexual abuse memories. A request is made for help with a research project to capture the general climate of therapeutic practices in 1995 by collecting advertisements for counseling and hypnosis services.

Legal and Legislative Updates

There are mentions of legislative efforts related to mental health treatment, with concerns raised that some bills could render psychotherapy impotent and illegal. The newsletter reports on a hearing in Missouri regarding such legislation and the differing opinions presented by professionals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical examination of recovered memory claims, particularly those involving childhood sexual abuse. Its stance is that while abuse is real, the phenomenon of False Memory Syndrome, where memories may be inaccurate or fabricated due to therapeutic influences, is also a significant concern that needs to be addressed. The publication emphasizes the importance of scientific understanding of memory, the dangers of certain therapeutic practices, and the need for support for families affected by FMS. There is a strong undercurrent of challenging the prevailing therapeutic paradigms of the time regarding memory recovery, advocating for a more evidence-based and cautious approach.