False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 09 No 01 - 2000 janfeb

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, Vol. 9 No. 1, dated January/February 2000, provides an update on the foundation's activities and discusses key developments in the recovered memory debate. The newsletter highlights the ongoing shift towards scientific reasoning and evidence-based practices in mental health, contrasting it with the 'recovered memory movement.' It also announces upcoming conferences and provides reviews of relevant books and articles.

Letters and Editorials

In a "Dear Friends" letter, the foundation expresses gratitude for the support received and notes the increasing number of families seeking help. The letter reflects on the broader societal changes occurring, particularly in media, courts, and professional programs, which are gradually releasing the grip of the recovered memory movement. The upcoming "Return to Reason" conference is presented as an opportunity to celebrate these changes. The letter also references two major government reports: the Surgeon General's report on mental health, which identifies fragmentation and a lack of awareness of effective treatments, and the Institute of Medicine's report on reducing medical errors, emphasizing patient safety and appropriate interventions. The foundation urges readers to contact the Institute of Medicine to advocate for the inclusion of mental health practice errors in their quality of care project.

Articles and Features

"Knotty Ideas" by Spencer Harris Morfit: This article contrasts psychodynamic therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Morfit describes psychodynamic therapy as a "Gordian Knot" that evolves from Freudian roots, focusing on childhood events and repressed emotions. He argues that this approach creates an unequal dynamic between therapist and client and can lead to speculation and suggestion. In contrast, cognitive-behavioral therapy is presented as closer to "Ockham's Razor" because it focuses on identifying problematic behaviors and coaching patients to develop alternative behaviors and decision-making skills. Morfit uses a case study of a man with marital problems to illustrate how psychodynamic interpretations might focus on repressed abuse or Oedipus complexes, while cognitive-behavioral therapy would analyze the pattern of interactions and learned behaviors. He concludes that while similarities exist, the differences are significant, and the speculative nature of psychodynamic theory is harmful to both patients and the profession.

"Are Undergraduates Learning about False Memories?" by FMSF Staff: This piece reports on a study that examined 24 introductory psychology textbooks, finding that 20 of them contain information about the recovered memory debate. The article emphasizes the importance of exposing students to scientific information about memory to prevent future outbreaks of False Memory Syndrome (FMS).

"The Role of Suggestive Questions, Social Influence, Reinforcement, and Removal in Creating Adult False Memories" (Review by Allen Feld): This review discusses a study by Garven et al. that examines how suggestive questions, social influences, reinforcement, and removal from direct experiences can contribute to the development of false memories in adults, using the McMartin preschool case as a reference. The review highlights the study's clear definitions and examples of these factors.

"Who Is Protecting the Public?" by Bob McKelvey: This column critiques the lack of consequences for disciplined psychologists, citing a Cleveland Plain Dealer series. McKelvey questions the goal of licensing boards, which he states is rehabilitation rather than safeguarding patient rights, and suggests that non-professionals should be appointed to these boards.

"Comments on False Memory" by Dean Koontz (Book Review by FMSF Staff): This review discusses Dean Koontz's bestseller "False Memory," noting its theme of a therapist implanting false memories. While acknowledging the book's popularity, the review expresses concern that it might do more harm than good, potentially drawing on the traditions of MPD therapists and the CIA's mind control theories.

"False Memories, Lasting Scars" (Article Summary): This section summarizes a JAMA article reporting on a presentation by Harold Lief, M.D., and Janet Fetkewicz. The research involved interviews with seven fathers whose daughters had retracted accusations of sexual abuse. A key conclusion was that a daughter's false memories, even if retracted, can become a defining feature of the father's life, causing significant emotional distress and impacting family dynamics.

Excerpts from "I Contain Multitudes" by Peter Kramer: These excerpts discuss the rise and fall of the recovered memory movement and multiple personality disorder, linking them to the broader context of feminism, child protection advocacy, and the commercialization of mental health treatment. Kramer notes that both recovered memory and satanic abuse have been largely debunked.

"Is Restructuring of Professional Education of Psychotherapists Necessary -or Possible?" by Charles C. Congdon, M.D.: Congdon draws an analogy between the historical reform of medical education following the Flexner report and the current need for a similar overhaul in mental health professional education. He argues that the field is plagued by a gap between research and clinical applications and that a fundamental, science-based reform is necessary to prevent harm to patients.

Book Review: "Doubt the Bibliography" by Loren Pankratz, Ph.D.: Pankratz reviews a bibliography on the "General Occult Information" produced by "Believe the Children." He notes errors and incompleteness in the references and discusses several books listed, including works by Paul Christian, Aleister Crowley, and Walter Gibson, offering critical commentary on their content and accessibility.

"Available Now: Recovered Memories of Child Sexual Abuse: Psychological, Social and Legal Perspectives on a Contemporary Mental Health Controversy": This section provides details about a book edited by Sheila Taub, J.D., which contains articles on memory, clinical treatment, and social context, including chapters on the history and legal aspects of the FMS Foundation.

Conferences and Events

"Memory and Reality: Return to Reason" Family Conference: Scheduled for April 8-9, 2000, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains, New York. It includes panels on "Retractors: From False Memories to Reality," "Families: Many Paths Taken," "Siblings: Caught in the Middle," and "Authors: Telling the FMSF Story," as well as "Attorneys: From Spectral Evidence to Science and Reason." A celebration dinner is planned for April 8th.

"False Memory Syndrome: New Perspectives" Professional Conference: Sponsored by New York Medical College, this conference is scheduled for Friday, April 7, 2000, at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. It features speakers like Elizabeth Loftus, Paul McHugh, and David Halperin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critique of the recovered memory movement, the advocacy for evidence-based and scientifically grounded psychotherapy, and the call for reform in the education and regulation of mental health professionals. The FMS Foundation's stance is clearly in favor of empirical research, rational inquiry, and the protection of individuals from what it perceives as harmful or unsubstantiated therapeutic practices. There is a strong emphasis on the need for a paradigm shift towards a more objective and scientific approach to understanding and treating mental health issues, moving away from what is characterized as speculative or faddish theories.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 9 No. 1
Date: January/February 2000
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Focus: The newsletter primarily addresses issues related to the False Memory Syndrome (FMS), including recovered memories, family reunification, and legal cases, while also promoting FMS Foundation events and resources.

Conference Announcement

The FMS Foundation is hosting a conference titled "MEMORY AND REALITY: RETURN TO REASON" on Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9, 2000, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains, New York. Registration information and pricing for early and regular registration are provided, with a discount available until March 15, 2000. A dinner celebration is planned for Saturday night with Pamela Freyd speaking, and reservations are required by April 1, 2000. The cost for the dinner is $60.00 per person for members and $65.00 for non-members.

Articles and Features

Book Reviews and Critiques

The newsletter features reviews of several books related to witchcraft and the occult. "The Secret Teachings of All Ages" by Manley Palmer Hall is described as a large, illustrated coffee-table book. Hans Holzer's "The Truth About Witchcraft" is critiqued for its paranormal explanations. Erica Jong's "Witches" is noted for its illustrations. Anton LaVey's "Satanic Bible" is discussed, with the author suggesting LaVey viewed his church of Satan as a joke.

Recovered Memories and Family Reunification

Several personal accounts and reflections on the impact of false accusations and recovered memories on families are presented. Allen Feld writes about the process of "moving on" for families dealing with the aftermath of such accusations, emphasizing acceptance and emotional health. "Tears of Apology" details a father's experience with his daughter's accusations and eventual apology. "Feelings of an Accused Father" recounts a father's struggle with his daughter's accusations and her eventual retraction. "It's Still Going On" describes a daughter's continued accusations despite years having passed. "No Reconciliation" and "All I Can Do" are brief notes from mothers sharing their experiences with accusations and their ongoing support for the FMS Foundation. "After the Return" describes a mother's reconciliation with her daughters after a period of estrangement. Another piece details a daughter's return home and the family's focus on moving forward without dwelling on the past.

Legal Corner

The "Legal Corner" section provides updates on legal cases related to FMS and alleged abuse. It reports on the settlement of a civil rights lawsuit by Rev. Robert Roberson and his wife in Wenatchee for $850,000. It also mentions that Doris Green will not be retried and that Manuel Hidalgo Rodriguez is entitled to a new trial. Cherie Town, convicted in the Wenatchee sex abuse cases, entered an Alford plea and was released from prison.

Mental Health Spending and Legislation

An article titled "Mental Illness Hits the Money Trail" by Joe Sharkey discusses the significant amount of money spent on mental health treatment in the U.S. It highlights the debate surrounding the treatment of the "worried well" versus those with severe mental illnesses. The "Arizona Citizens' Initiative for Truth and Responsibility in Mental Health Practices Legislation" is also mentioned, focusing on proposed standards for therapy providers and patient information.

Resources and Community

The newsletter includes a "Make a Difference" section encouraging readers to write online book reviews to warn about FMS-related books and promote responsible ones. It also highlights the "Public Library Project" by the Illinois-Wisconsin False Memory Society to get accurate books into libraries. A video titled "Contemporary Issues #1 - The False Memory Syndrome" is advertised. Contact information for FMS support groups across the United States and internationally is provided in the "BULLETIN BOARD" section.

Membership and Subscription Information

Details on yearly FMSF membership are provided, including rates for professional and family memberships, as well as options for additional contributions. Subscription rates for the newsletter are also listed, with options for USA, Canada, and foreign countries, including student rates. Contact information for the FMS Foundation's business office is included for inquiries about estate planning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently promotes a critical stance on the concept of "recovered memories," often framing them as potentially false or leading to family estrangement. The publication provides a platform for individuals and families who have experienced or are dealing with the fallout of such accusations, emphasizing the importance of support, legal recourse, and a return to "reality." The editorial stance appears to advocate for a skeptical view of repressed memory claims and supports those who feel they have been wrongly accused. The newsletter also serves as a community hub, connecting individuals with shared experiences and providing resources for information and support.