False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 08 No 06 - 1999 sept

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, dated September 1999, Volume 8, Number 6, addresses the ongoing controversies surrounding recovered memories and Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). The publication aims to provide accurate information about mental health issues and critiques the practices and theories prevalent in the recovered memory movement.

Editorial Stance and Key Themes

The newsletter's editorial stance is critical of the recovered memory (RM) and MPD movements, viewing them as potentially harmful and based on misinformation. It emphasizes the importance of corroboration in verifying memories and advocates for informed consent in therapeutic practices. The FMSF positions itself as a counterpoint to what it perceives as a 'craze' that has negatively impacted families and individuals.

Articles and Content Analysis

Dear Friends: The opening section highlights the 'cruelty and injustices' faced by families due to recovered repressed memory claims. It notes the lack of significant action from professional monitoring boards despite warnings from psychiatric and medical associations. The case of Bennett Braun, M.D., and a $10.6 million lawsuit settlement in Illinois is mentioned, contrasting with the lack of action regarding Judith Peterson, Ph.D., in Texas. The article points to the increasing volume of research on 'false memories' as evidenced by PsycINFO searches, with a dramatic rise in publications starting in 1994. It argues that while this information has increased understanding, it has also contributed to public skepticism about recovered memories, leading to complaints from those who benefit from or believe in the accuracy of these memories.

In this issue... A table of contents lists articles on 'Creating Hysteria,' 'Selling Serenity,' 'Legal Corner,' 'From Our Readers,' and 'Bulletin Board.' The next issue is announced as a combined October/November edition.

Page 2: The newsletter continues its critique, addressing charges that the FMSF lobbies for informed consent legislation, stating that while some members are involved, the Foundation itself is not. It refutes claims that the FMSF is focused on lawsuits against therapists, explaining its origin in response to lawsuits against families based on recovered memory claims. The issue is framed as one of misinformation and misuse of science, rather than child abuse. The article calls for professionals to examine the practices that led to the Foundation's existence, considering factors like managed care and consumer expectations. Recommendations from the Royal College of Psychiatrists are cited, emphasizing the need for family members to meet with therapeutic teams when accusations arise. The importance of external corroboration is reiterated as the sole reliable method for distinguishing true from false memories. The debate over recovered memories is described as a 'passionately contested battle.'

Page 3: This page introduces a new organization, The Leadership Council for Mental Health, Justice and the Media, formed in spring 1999. The FMSF expresses skepticism about its mission, quoting its president, Dr. Paul Fink, who views psychotherapy as uncovering the past. The newsletter criticizes Fink's dismissive remarks about FMSF Scientific Advisors. A list of the Council's officers and advisory board members is provided. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on the relationship between dissociation, childhood sexual abuse, and mental illness in New Zealand is summarized, finding that while sexual abuse was not directly linked to dissociation, people with psychiatric symptoms might be more likely to seek treatment.

Page 4: Informed Consent by Allen Feld: This article discusses the acrimonious debate surrounding informed consent in psychotherapy. Feld argues that efforts to oppose informed consent are perplexing and that the focus should be on developing consensus among professions. He praises Attorney Christopher Barden for bringing the issue to the forefront. The article notes support for informed consent from professionals like Herzl Spiro and cites a Harvard Mental Health Letter piece by Hames T. Hilliard and Stephen H. Behnke, J.D., Ph.D., advocating for expanded informed consent in psychotherapy. Feld suggests that until professional organizations establish meaningful standards, legislation may be necessary, expressing concern about informed consent becoming a bureaucratic procedure.

Page 4: Memory Functioning in Adult Women Traumatized by Childhood Sexual Abuse: A review of a study by Stein, Hanna, Vaerum & Koverola, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, found no evidence of explicit memory impairment in adult female survivors of childhood sexual trauma, nor did PTSD severity, dissociative symptoms, or amnesia contribute to memory variance.

Page 4: On Pseudoscience: A quote from Carl Sagan's 'The Demon-Haunted World' warns about the temptation of pseudoscience and superstition during times of societal anxiety.

Page 5: BOOK REVIEW: Creating Hysteria: Women and Multiple Personality Disorder by Joan Acocella: Reviewed by FMSF Staff. The review praises Acocella's book as an outstanding history of the American MPD epidemic, exposing the 'folly of its main perpetrators.' It notes that Acocella, a dance critic for The New Yorker, is also co-author of a standard textbook on Abnormal Psychology. The review highlights Acocella's thesis that the MPD craze was a backlash against women, emphasizing stereotypes of volatility and childlikeness. The founding of the FMSF in 1992 is identified as a key development in the decline of the MPD craze.

Excerpts from Creating Hysteria: These excerpts detail how MPD is allegedly created by therapists, referencing Frank Putnam's methods, including probing for multiplicity, hypnosis, and age regression. The excerpts describe how therapists might 'smoke out' alters and encourage their emergence. The text also touches upon the political nature of the recovered memory movement and its connection to MPD.

Page 6: This section continues the critique of MPD theories and practices, particularly focusing on Frank Putnam's work. It discusses how naming alters can solidify them and how patients might be cued into role-enactment. The article criticizes the lack of empirical research in the MPD field, contrasting it with the reliance on 'war stories' and 'anecdotes.' It addresses the difficulty of falsifying MPD theories due to concepts like 'secret' or 'covert' MPD. The text also references Judith Herman's view that doubting a survivor's story is 'identification with the perpetrator,' and notes the perceived moral solidarity of RM/MPD workers with survivors.

Page 7: The discussion on MPD continues, with the text arguing that the MPD movement is profoundly antifeminist, portraying women in stereotypical ways. It suggests that MPD might be seen as an 'antifeminist campaign.' The page also touches upon the impact of the satanic ritual abuse (SRA) craze and the founding of the FMSF in 1992 as a unifying force against RM, MPD, and SRA. The role of Mark Pendergrast and his book 'Victims of Memory' is mentioned. A quote from psychiatrist Robert B. Rockwell is included, calling the FMSF a 'sham invented by pedophiles and sex abusers.' The page also discusses the ISSD guidelines and the logic used by MPD authorities to dismiss skepticism.

Page 8: BOOK REVIEW: Selling Serenity: Life Among the Recovery Stars by Andrew Meacham: Reviewed by FMSF Staff. The review describes Meacham's book as a meticulous history of the recovery movement and a personal story of his own recovery from it. It highlights the role of Eleanor Goldstein and FMSF conferences in Meacham's journey. The book is called compelling and highly recommended.

Excerpts from Selling Serenity: These excerpts discuss the recovery movement's zeal, oversimplification, and overdiagnosis, as well as financial chaos and quasi-religious certainties. Meacham recounts his own experience leaving HCI, a company that profited from the recovery movement. He notes the shift in public perception regarding recovered memories, influenced by court cases, books, and media attention. The excerpts also mention studies showing how easily psychologically normal adults can be convinced of events that never happened to them. Charles Whitfield's defense of 'buried trauma' and his methods are critiqued, including a 'Statement of Safety' required at workshops.

Page 9: Editor's Comment: Victims of Memory author, Mark Pendergrast asked his publisher why The Courage to Heal is on bookstore shelves across the country but not his own or other books skeptical of recovered memories. Publisher Steve Carlson's reply explains that 'Courage to Heal' remains in stock because customers actively ask for it, driving demand. He contrasts this with 'Victims of Memory,' which, despite efforts to get it into stores, did not sell well. Carlson suggests that creating demand through active promotion by groups like FMSF is key to getting such books stocked. He also notes that while 'Victims of Memory' may not have sold many copies, it has been influential among opinion leaders.

Page 9: COMING SOON: An announcement for a book titled 'Recovered Memories of Child Sexual Abuse: Psychological, Social and Legal Perspectives on a Contemporary Mental Health Controversy,' edited by Sheila Taub, J.D.

Page 10: LEGAL CORNER:

Minnesota Appeals Court Returns Repressed Memory Case to Jury (Bertram v. Pool): This section details a 2-1 decision by the Minnesota Court of Appeals on July 20, 1999, reversing a District Court ruling. The appellate court stated that a determination that the girls suffered from repressed memory syndrome may extend the statute of limitations, remanding the case for a jury to determine if Jeannette and Katie Bertram suffered from repressed memory syndrome.

Commentary: Revival of Memory: A Fact Question for the Jury (Bertram v. Poole) by Ralph Slovenko, J.D., Ph.D.: Slovenko discusses the disagreement between two psychologists testifying as expert witnesses regarding repressed memory syndrome in the Bertram v. Pool case. He raises the question of how a lay jury can decide such complex issues when experts are divided. The commentary traces the historical role of juries and the increasing reliance on expert testimony, noting the significant increase in testifying experts and the challenges jurors face in understanding complex scientific evidence. The U.S. Supreme Court's efforts to address the competency of expert testimony, particularly in cases like Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, are mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of the recovered memory and MPD movements, the importance of scientific rigor and corroboration in memory claims, the debate over informed consent in therapy, and the legal implications of repressed memory allegations. The FMSF's editorial stance is consistently skeptical of the recovered memory phenomenon, viewing it as a potentially damaging social and psychological trend that requires critical examination and a return to evidence-based practices. The newsletter actively promotes its own perspective and publications while challenging the methodologies and claims of proponents of recovered memories and MPD.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 8 No. 6
Date: September 1999
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
ISSN: 1069-0484

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter focuses on legal cases, personal experiences, and the ongoing debate surrounding recovered memory therapy (RMT) and false memory syndrome (FMS).

Legal Cases and Court Decisions

Hess et al. v. Fernandez et al.

On July 28, 1999, opening arguments began in the trial of Joan Hess, who alleges that her therapy included improper diagnosis, misdiagnosis as multiple personality, negligent use of hypnosis, and misdirection of therapy to recover memories of childhood sexual abuse and satanic ritual abuse. Her ex-husband, the former mayor of Wausau, and their two children are also involved. Lawyers for Dr. Fernandez deny any wrongdoing. The trial was expected to last five weeks.

"Woman in Wenatchee Case Released"

Doris Green was released from prison on July 16, 1999, after being incarcerated since 1994. She was one of 43 people charged in connection with nearly 30,000 counts of sexual abuse in 1994 and 1995. Her release is conditional pending a special "reference hearing." Green maintained her innocence and refused plea bargains. Her lawyers, Suzanne Elliott and Jim Roe, have compiled extensive information and claim new evidence was not made available during her original appeal. A special hearing was scheduled for November 15, 1999.

"SJC Rejects a Retrial on Fells Acres: LeFave Likely to Return to Jail in Abuse Case"

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) unanimously overturned a 1998 ruling that granted Cheryl Amirault LeFave a new trial. LeFave, her deceased mother Violet, and her brother Gerald were convicted in 1987 for abusing children at the Fells Acre Day Care. Cheryl and Violet were released in 1995, but Gerald remains in prison. The appeal argued inadequate legal counsel and newly discovered evidence. The SJC found the "new evidence" was not significantly different from what was available at trial. District Attorney Martha Coakley stated the decision vindicated the children's testimony. Amirault's attorney, James L. Sultan, criticized the decision for prioritizing procedure over substance.

Legal Standards and Expert Testimony

The issue begins with a discussion of "scientific evidence" and the Supreme Court's application of guidelines to "technical evidence" in the Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael case. It questions whether these guidelines apply to "soft testimony," such as psychological testimony, which is often difficult to verify empirically and cross-examine. Questions of fact are left to the jury, with the plaintiff bearing the burden of persuasion.

"Do Standards of Care Apply in Recovered Memory Therapy?"

A letter from a "Concerned and Frustrated Mother" details a complaint filed against her daughter's therapist in Ontario. The complaint, based on circumstantial evidence, alleged alienation of the daughter, deteriorating health, and a lack of corroboration for "recovered memories." The Complaints Committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario rejected the complaint, stating there was no clear medical consensus on "repressed memory" or its treatment, thus no ascertainable standard of care. The Appeal Board recommended reinvestigation using Section 75 of the RHPA, which allows seizure of medical files without patient consent, but the College declined. The author argues that general standards of care for medical professionals still apply, including evidence-based diagnosis, informed consent, and referral when treatment is ineffective.

"Why People Believe Nonsense"

This section quotes Carl Sagan from "The Demon-Haunted World," suggesting that reports persist and proliferate because they "sell" to those seeking wonder or a belief in a higher power. Sagan notes that people crave "scientific proof" but are unwilling to adhere to rigorous standards of evidence.

"Evidence? What's That?"

A personal account describes an encounter with a therapist who counseled victims of Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA). The therapist claimed that many "innocent, upstanding" people were secret Satanists. When asked for evidence, the therapist cited a "huge conspiracy of Satanists" and a cover-up by law enforcement and politicians, dismissing the need for "bones, blood, fingerprints, and eyewitnesses." The author contrasts this with the legal concepts of "due process" and "innocent until proven guilty."

"Illinois Area"

Parents whose daughter developed false memories due to counseling at a church in Illinois are seeking to connect with other parents facing similar situations. They aim to work with church denominations to address the problem and restore broken families.

"MAKE A DIFFERENCE"

In Illinois, pamphlets on "Recovered Memories: Are They Reliable" were sent to psychologists and psychiatrists, encouraging them to attend an Illinois meeting on October 3, 1999.

Personal Accounts and Letters

"Unconditional Love Needed"

A letter from a sibling describes the pain of family division caused by accusations related to RMT. The author recounts how therapy twisted loving acts into "filthy acts" and made family relationships seem fake. After months of separation, returning home and engaging in therapy led to the realization of being wrong, which was difficult to accept. The author emphasizes that "love" is the core feeling that conflicts with false memories and is essential for reconciliation.

"Marginalized"

A grandparent expresses agreement with the newsletter's stance on the decline of RMT. They describe being "marginalized" by their daughter who, after accusing the grandfather, has limited contact, primarily to ensure continued financial support for her children. The grandparents wonder if reconciliation will happen before they die, given their declining health and the daughter's continued cruelty.

"A Spoiled Day"

A mother recounts how finding the book "The Courage to Heal" in a New Zealand bookstore spoiled her day, highlighting the pervasive influence of RMT literature.

"Another Return"

A mother shares a positive update: her daughter has "returned," and they now have a "peaceful, loving relationship." While a retraction has not occurred, they feel her return was prompted by major depression and loneliness. They express hope for a retraction but acknowledge it may not happen.

"A Meeting with Our Daughter"

This letter expresses concern about the newsletter potentially cutting back on RMT coverage, asserting that Regression Therapy is "still alive and going strong." The author recounts a difficult "Healing Ceremony" summons to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where their daughter, under the influence of her "Body Centered Approach" therapist, maintained her "alternate reality" of abuse memories while professing love. The daughter indicated that the only way she would cease contact is if the author confessed to being a witch. The author describes their daughter as a "mere shell" of her former self, devoid of emotion and self-absorbed.

"So Sad"

This letter from a grandparent describes the seven-and-a-half-year estrangement from their granddaughter and daughter following accusations against the grandfather. The granddaughter and daughter sent accusatory letters. The grandfather denied the accusations to his daughter, but to no avail. The grandparent expresses helplessness and gratitude for the FMSF staff and Foundation.

"How Widespread is FMS?"

A letter discusses the ongoing damage caused by repressed memory counseling. The author recounts meeting a neighbor whose family was "decimated" by similar accusations, leading to divorce and estrangement. The neighbor's daughter does not believe the accusations against her mother.

"Not So Fortunate"

This section notes the death of Roxanne Kirkpatrick (also known as Roxanne Wille) on July 3, 1998, who was represented by attorney Zachary M. Bravos in a recovered memory malpractice case.

Open Letter to "The Courage to Heal" Authors

An "Open Letter" from a "Person Harmed by The Courage to Heal" criticizes the book for promoting the belief that anyone exhibiting certain behaviors has been a victim of incest and may suffer from MPD. The author states that after ten years of therapy based on these beliefs, the only problem was attention deficits, which were relieved by medication and cognitive therapy. The author recounts how the therapist's direction to attend incest survivor groups and buy the book led to confusion, anger, and self-destruction, culminating in a suicide attempt. The author emphasizes the profound harm caused by "obsession with memories based on incorrect information."

Editor's Comment

Skip Simpson, an attorney specializing in suicide cases, states he is aware of "several" RMT suicide cases, and that every major case he handled involved women driven to suicidal behavior.

Data on Suicidal Ideation and Hospitalization

Data from the Victims Compensation Board in Washington shows a significant increase in suicidal ideas and hospitalizations after "first memory" recall compared to before.

Study on Suicidal Deterioration

A study by Fetkewicz, Sharma, and Merskey showed suicidal deterioration in patients undergoing recovered memory treatment compared to a control group.

"What other product or practices showing so much evidence of damage are allowed to remain on the market?"

This rhetorical question highlights the author's concern about the continued availability of RMT practices despite evidence of harm.

Comparison to Veterinary Medicine

A quote from Tana Dineen in "The Ottawa Citizen" compares the lack of regulation in psychology and psychotherapy to veterinary medicine, where owners must sign consent for unproven treatments. The author questions why psychologists and their patients are not held to similar standards of scrutiny.

Resources and Events

Annual Meeting of Illinois FMS Society

An announcement for the Annual Meeting of the Illinois FMS Society, titled "Reuniting Families: Success, Failure, the Future," scheduled for Sunday, October 3, 1999, in Glenview, Illinois. The meeting included a keynote presentation by August T. Piper Jr., M.D., on "What it takes to reunite the family," and a forum discussion on professional assistance in reuniting families.

"FREUD'S FRAUDULENT STORIES OF SEDUCTION"

This section discusses Jeffrey Masson's critique of Freud's theories and the "Seduction Theory" website.

"Exploring the Internet"

Highlights the website http://www.StopBadTherapy.com, which provides resources such as phone numbers of professional regulatory boards, links to professional associations, lists of resources, and ideas for action.

"ESTATE PLANNING"

Information on how to include the FMSF in estate planning, with contact details for Charles Caviness.

"Therapy's Delusions: The Myth of the Unconscious and the Exploitation of Today's Walking Worried."

This section reviews a book by Ethan Watters and Richard Ofshe, which critiques talk therapy as a masquerade of scientific discipline.

FMSF Website

Information about the FMSF website (http://www.FMSFonline.org), which hosts past newsletters and transcripts of therapy session tapes.

E-mail Subscription

Instructions for subscribing to receive electronic versions of the newsletter and radio/TV broadcasts about FMS via e-mail.

Book Order

Information on ordering the book "MAKING OF AN ILLNESS" by Gail Macdonald.

"Families and Professionals HOLD THESE DATES"

Announcement for an event on April 6-8, 2000.

Bulletin Board

A comprehensive list of contacts and meeting locations for the FMS Foundation across the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It includes phone numbers and meeting times for various local chapters and support groups.

Video Tape Order Form

An order form for a video tape titled "When Memories Lie......The Rutherford Family Speaks to Families."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently adopts a critical stance towards recovered memory therapy (RMT) and false memory syndrome (FMS). The publication highlights legal cases, personal testimonies, and research that question the validity of RMT, often portraying it as harmful and lacking scientific basis. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for those who have been negatively impacted by RMT, emphasizing the need for accountability from therapists and organizations involved. The newsletter actively promotes critical thinking about therapeutic practices and encourages readers to seek evidence-based approaches. There is a strong focus on the potential for RMT to cause significant psychological and familial damage, and it serves as a platform for sharing experiences and resources to combat what it perceives as a problematic therapeutic movement.