False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 06 No 05 - 1997 may

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated May 1997, Volume 6, Number 5, addresses critical questions surrounding the practices of 'hit and run' accusations, 'isolation,' and 'cutting-off' from family and friends within the context of psychological treatments. The publication questions whether these methods, often associated with cults, are legitimate therapeutic techniques and explores their historical roots and potential harms.

Main Articles and Features

Legitimate Psychological Treatments or Cult Practices?

The lead article directly confronts the question of whether 'hit and run' accusations, 'isolation,' and 'cutting-off' from family and friends constitute legitimate psychological treatments. It notes that while the Canadian Psychiatric Association has acknowledged the dangers of confrontations in recovered memory therapy, no professional organization has yet addressed the practices of cutting-off and isolation. The concern is raised that these are the same tactics used by cults to control information and prevent exposure to alternative ideas. The article traces the historical roots of 'isolation' in psychiatry, referencing Esquirol in 1817 and Shorter's 'A History of Psychiatry,' which described removal from family as a means to divert patients from unhealthy passions. It also points to 'The Courage to Heal' by Bass and Davis, a book recommended by therapists, which suggests a 'hit and run' approach to initial confrontations.

John Briere, Ph.D., is cited for noting that psychological surgery or 'parentectomy' may be warranted when a parent defends a molester. Renee Fredrickson, in 'Repressed Memories,' is quoted as recommending that individuals express repressed memories as truth, even if they might be mistaken later, to avoid waiting for doubt-free disclosure.

The newsletter draws a parallel between current practices and the 1940s concept of the 'schizophreno-genic mother,' where mothers were blamed for schizophrenia, autism, and homosexuality, leading therapists to remove patients from families. It suggests that untold thousands of mothers suffered needlessly then, just as thousands are suffering now due to this recycled belief.

Families are urged to ask professional organizations, such as the American Psychiatric Association (contact information provided), whether these practices constitute legitimate psychological treatment and what evidence supports them.

Correction

A correction is issued regarding the April newsletter's reference to an e-mail solicitation of protest letters, clarifying the author and sender.

Lawsuit Filed Against Renee Fredrickson, Ph.D.

This section details a lawsuit filed on April 4, 1997, against St. Paul psychologist Renee Fredrickson, known for her work on 'repressed memories' and 'recovered memory therapy.' The lawsuit alleges that Fredrickson used hypnosis, misinformation, and suggestion to implant false memories of 'ritual cult abuse' in a former client. Fredrickson is described as a founder of an organization that merged into the American Coalition of Abuse Awareness (ACAA). The plaintiff's lawyer is R. Christopher Barden, Ph.D., J.D.

First Amendment/Blacklist Project

A press conference on March 12, 1997, launched a project to commemorate victims of McCarthyism and the blacklist. Carol Tavris spoke, likening the blacklist to a 'moral panic' that displaces fears onto social devils, comparing historical targets like witches and communists to contemporary targets like pedophiles, homosexuals, and those accused of satanic ritual abuse.

Memory Systems and the Psychoanalytic Retrieval of Memories of Trauma

This article, referencing C. Brooks Brenneis in JAPA 44/4, discusses flaws in the concept of traumatic memory, particularly the idea that overwhelming experiences create altered states of consciousness that encode memory. It questions whether dissociation is solely trauma-related and notes that implicit memory does not map directly onto explicit memory. The article cautions that applying current propositions about traumatic memory to patients without explicit memory may warrant caution.

Sybil-The Making of a Disease: An Interview with Dr. Herbert Spiegel

An interview with Dr. Herbert Spiegel, published in the New York Review of Books, discusses the diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), which became prominent with the book 'Sybil.' Spiegel believes 'Sybil' was a construct created by Connie Wilbur and that therapists have become 'unconscious con artists' molding suggestible individuals. He suggests that the MPD epidemic may be ending as insurance companies become more aware.

Returner and Retractor Research

This feature discusses research on individuals who have returned to their families after a period of alienation ('returners') and those who have retracted accusations ('retractors'). The FMSF has facilitated contact between researchers and retractors for various studies. Initial findings from interviews with nine families suggest that reconnection can occur due to various factors, including the accuser having a baby, illness in the family, or a change in therapists. While many families reported improving relationships, none were seeking professional help for reconciliation.

Understanding FMS

Joseph deRivera, from Clark University, explores three models that may help explain the development of False Memory Syndrome (FMS): mind-control, self-narrative, and role-enactment. A study of 159 retractors indicated that mind-control was endorsed by a majority (23 individuals), with a therapist's 'undue influence' being a factor in at least 63% of the sample. However, mind-control is not the sole factor, and 15 cases were better explained by other models.

Focus on Science: Don't Buy that Lawrence Welk Recording! The Problem of Confounding

This article, the third in a series examining the link between childhood sexual abuse and psychiatric disorders, discusses the concept of confounding variables. It argues that an association between two factors (e.g., childhood sexual abuse and adult psychiatric disorders) does not automatically imply causality. Alternative explanations, such as reverse causality or a third, confounding factor (like genetics or other childhood difficulties), must be considered. The author uses examples like artificial sweeteners and obesity, or Lawrence Welk recordings and nursing home residents, to illustrate how confounding variables can create illusory causal links. The article cautions against jumping to conclusions of causality based solely on associations found in studies.

Legal Corner

This section presents several legal cases:

• Illinois Appellate Court Holds that Therapist Owes a Duty to Third Party: In Doe v. McKay, the court found that a therapist's duty to a patient extends to a parent when the parent is brought into the treatment process, creating a 'limited area of transferred negligence.' This case involved allegations of repressed memories of sexual abuse.
• Minnesota Court of Appeals Declines to Recognize Duty to Third Party: In Strom v. C.C., the court affirmed dismissal of defamation claims against nephews and their therapists, declining to extend a duty to third-party non-patients.
• Question of Duty to Third Party by Therapist May Be Considered by Federal Appeals Court: A U.S. District Court certified an interlocutory appeal in a suit against a therapist and supervisor, concerning whether Illinois law recognizes a third-party cause of action.
• Jury Finds for Doctor in Repressed Memory Trial: A jury found in favor of Dr. William Cheshier, an unlicensed clinical counselor, against parents who alleged he implanted false memories of sexual molestation in their daughter.
• Minnesota Psychologist Accused of Planting False Memories in Patient: Dr. Renee Fredrickson is accused of implanting false memories of 'ritual cult abuse' in a former client, leading to suicidal depression and shattered family relationships.
• Pennsylvania Court Considers Whether Patient Could Have Understood That Therapy Caused Injury While She Was In Therapy: In Lujan v. Mansmann, the court rejected defendants' motions to dismiss, applying an objective standard to determine when a patient should have been aware of injury.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently questions and scrutinizes the methodologies and conclusions of research and therapeutic practices related to recovered memories and alleged repressed memories of abuse. It highlights potential harms, ethical concerns, and the importance of scientific rigor, particularly in distinguishing association from causation. The FMS Foundation appears to advocate for a critical examination of these issues, providing information on legal cases and scientific debates to inform families and the public. The editorial stance is one of caution and skepticism towards therapeutic claims that lack robust evidence or that employ controversial methods, while also acknowledging the suffering of individuals involved.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated May 1997, Volume 6, Number 5, is primarily focused on legal cases and psychological discussions surrounding the false memory syndrome and repressed memory therapy. The cover prominently features a review of Dr. Paul Simpson's book "Second Thoughts: Understanding the False Memory Crisis and how it could affect you."

Legal Cases and Developments

Pennsylvania Psychologist Sues Parents of Former Patient for Defamation

The newsletter reports on a case where psychologist Patricia Mansmann sued the parents and attorney of a former patient for defamation and interference with business relations. This action followed the dismissal of a third-party malpractice suit against her. U.S. District Judge John R. Padova dismissed most counts but allowed the defamation charge against the parents and the interference charge against one attorney to proceed. The allegations stemmed from claims that the Tumans and their attorneys made statements accusing Mansmann of professional malpractice, misconduct, and treating their daughter for monetary gain, and that they encouraged the daughter to distance herself from her parents.

Father Wins Million Dollar Jury Award Against Minirth Meier Clinic

An Atlanta jury awarded a father $1 million in compensatory damages after he and his wife sued the Minirth Meier New Life Clinic. The clinic had reported suspected child abuse based on the father's statement that he himself had been physically abused as a child.

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Revisits Child Sexual Abuse Case

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reconsidered the convictions of four Native American men for sexual abuse. Initially, a divided panel had reversed and remanded the cases, but upon reconsideration, the panel affirmed the convictions, concluding that the defense had not established sufficient cause for additional psychological examinations of the children.

Legal "Briefs"

This section provides updates on legal matters. An unpublished decision from a Washington State Appellate Court in *Jamerson v. Vandiver* has been published. The FMS Foundation also submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Tennessee Supreme Court in the case of *Hunter v. Brown*, addressing issues of "repressed memory" claims and the reasonable person standard for the discovery rule.

Two Panels of Michigan Court of Appeals Reach Different Conclusions in Repressed Memory Cases

Two recent Michigan Appeals Court decisions presented conflicting views on repressed memory cases. One court interpreted the Michigan Supreme Court's decision in *Lemmerman v. Fealk* to strictly bar claims delayed by memory repression, while another panel allowed a repressed memory claim where the defendant admitted sexual contact, distinguishing it from cases involving stale, unverifiable claims.

Nebraska Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of Repressed Memory Suit

The Nebraska Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of a repressed memory claim against the State, finding it barred by the statute of limitations. The court found that the plaintiff had failed to prove she suffered from a mental disorder that prevented her from understanding her legal rights and that she was aware of the alleged abuse when she reported it at age 14.

Canadian Repressed Memory Case Ends in Acquittal

In a Canadian criminal case, Justice V. A. Schuler found a defendant not guilty of sexual abuse charges based on repressed memories. The court cited significant inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony and concerns about the reliability of the memories, particularly regarding how they were developed during therapy.

Book Review: "Second Thoughts" by Dr. Paul Simpson

Robert McKelvey reviews Dr. Paul Simpson's book "Second Thoughts," which strongly critiques the false memory crisis and regressionist therapy. Simpson, a psychologist and Christian, argues that regressionist therapy is a "plague of false memories" and a "monstrous" doctrine. The review highlights Simpson's arguments about the science of memory, his critique of Christian counselors practicing regressionist therapy, and his assertion that the process is akin to "classic hypnotic trance."

The reviewer notes that Simpson's book aims to be accessible to general readers and devotes attention to how memory works. Simpson also argues that regressionism is not a biblical doctrine. While acknowledging the book's value, the reviewer points out omissions such as the lack of an index and insufficient detail about Simpson's own experience as a regressionist therapist.

Review of "The Counseling Psychologist: Delayed Memory Debate"

Robyn M. Dawes reviews a special issue of "The Counseling Psychologist" focused on the "delayed memory debate." Dawes critiques an article by Enns et al., arguing that their attempt to understand delayed memories within a "historical context" relies more on ideology than science. Dawes also discusses contributions from other commentators, including Beth Loftus and Stephen Lindsay, and expresses particular puzzlement over a statement by John Briere regarding the null hypothesis and the possibility of false positives.

Reader Contributions

Therapy Threats (Letter from a Retractor)

A reader, identifying as a "Retractor," describes how her therapist used threats of involving her husband, hospitalization, or reporting her to her employer to coerce her cooperation with therapy, including group sessions and "working together" with her daughter's therapist. These threats kept her in a state of "overt cooperation" and prevented her from terminating therapy.

"Nothing Has Changed" (Letter from a Mom)

A mother writes about her daughter who has accused her parents of abuse. The mother expresses gratitude that her other three children are wonderful and that the youngest daughter is now behaving like her old self. She states they still miss their accusing daughter and wonders if she regrets her actions, though they maintain contact through gifts and notes.

"My hero is not a famous man..."

This section contains a personal reflection on a father, described as a "hero" for his moral integrity and attitude toward life, particularly his efforts to keep the country out of war. It contrasts with a letter from a daughter to "Mr. T Father," setting boundaries and expressing her intent to no longer permit his behavior.

Letter from a Daughter to Her Mom

A daughter writes to her mother detailing her father's abuse, including molestation and being made pregnant. She states her memories begin when he left for Vietnam and expresses her loss of her father and the support of her extended family.

FMSF Activities and Information

Memory and Reality: Next Steps (Video Description)

This section lists available video tapes from a March 22-23, 1997 event, covering topics like "Welcome and Introductions," "Making A Difference," "The Foundation as Friend of the Court," "Families and the Courts," and "Reforming the Mental Health System."

State Meetings

Announcements and contact information for upcoming FMSF meetings in Minnesota, Montana, Ontario, and Israel are provided.

Bulletinboard

This section lists FMSF contacts and meetings across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Australia, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It also includes a deadline for submitting notices for the June newsletter.

FMSF Membership Information

Details on yearly FMSF membership, including rates for professional, family, and student memberships, as well as options for additional contributions and payment methods, are provided.

Video Tape Order Form

An order form for "Memory & Reality: Next Steps" video tapes is included, with pricing for members and non-members, and information on shipping and potential video flaws.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical stance on repressed memory therapy and related claims. The publication highlights legal cases that challenge the validity of such memories, often featuring retractor accounts and expert opinions that question the methodology and outcomes of regressionist therapy. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards claims of recovered memories, particularly those involving child sexual abuse, and a focus on the potential harm caused by certain therapeutic practices. The newsletter actively promotes research and legal challenges that debunk or question the repressed memory phenomenon, positioning itself as a source of information and support for those who have been negatively impacted by these therapies. The emphasis on legal briefs, court decisions, and critical reviews of psychological literature underscores a commitment to a fact-based, evidence-driven approach, often contrasting with what the publication views as ideological or unscientific claims within the therapeutic community.