False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 09 No 02 - 2000 marapril

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated March/April 2000, Volume 9, Number 2, addresses several critical issues within the mental health field, focusing on legal battles, professional standards, and upcoming events.

Legal Battles and Malpractice

The newsletter opens with a discussion of the legal battles surrounding recovered memory cases. It highlights the recent jury verdict in favor of defense lawyers against insurance companies in a legal malpractice suit brought by Legion Insurance and Professional Risk Retention Group against the attorneys who defended psychiatrist Diane Humenansky. Humenansky had faced multiple lawsuits from former patients, including Vynette Hamanne and Elizabeth Carlson, who were awarded significant sums. The insurance companies' suit aimed to recoup losses, but the jury's decision suggests a shift in accountability.

The issue also touches upon the legal protection of witness testimony, referencing the case of George Franklin v Terr, et al., where a lawsuit against psychiatrists for allegedly conspiring to present false testimony was dismissed.

Professional Standards and Education Concerns

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to concerns about the declining quality of professional education in psychology. An article reviews a study on trends in doctoral training programs, noting a "downward spiral in quality" and suggesting it will be "increasingly difficult to count on individuals with Ph.D.s meeting a standard of scientific competence." The editor's comment links these trends to the "FMS disaster" and criticizes professional organizations for not addressing lowered standards, which directly impact patient care and societal consequences when professionals testify in court.

Furthermore, the newsletter criticizes the University of Michigan School of Social Work for advertising a continuing education program in "ritual abuse," questioning the profession's detachment from reality and the fueling of beliefs that have led to families being destroyed and people imprisoned.

In Memoriam: Dr. Martin Orne

The newsletter reports with sadness the death of Dr. Martin Orne, an FMSF Advisory Board member, on February 11, 2000. Dr. Orne was instrumental in the founding of the FMS Foundation and the establishment of its Scientific Advisory Board. His research on memory and undue suggestions, particularly concerning hypnosis, was cited in numerous legal cases, including the Kenneth Bianchi trial.

Upcoming Conferences and Events

Details are provided for two upcoming conferences: the FMSF Family Conference "Memory and Reality: Return to Reason" on April 8-9 in Westchester, New York, and a Professional Conference "False Memory Syndrome: New Perspectives" sponsored by the New York Medical College on April 8-9 in Rye, New York. Information on registration, hotel accommodations, and program schedules is included.

Other Articles and Features

• "It's Not Too Late to Join the Satanic Panic!": This section highlights the University of Michigan's seminar on ritual abuse and criticizes the continued promotion of such beliefs.
• "Charter Behavioral Health System Expected to File for Bankruptcy": This report discusses the potential closure of numerous hospitals within this psychiatric chain due to financial and patient care issues.
• "New Look to FMSF Web Page": The newsletter thanks Greg Louis for his work on the FMSF website.
• "Empathy in Therapy" by Spencer Harris Morfit: This article critiques the modern use of "empathy" as a professional technique in therapy, arguing it can become manipulative and subvert genuine therapeutic goals. It contrasts "empathy" with "sympathy" and discusses its problematic application in the recovered memory movement.
• "Legal Corner: Clay v. Kuhl": This section analyzes an Illinois Supreme Court decision upholding a strict statute of limitations in abuse cases, rejecting the argument that the clock should start upon discovery of psychological problems.
• "Florida Psychiatrist is Fined": Reports on Alan Tesson being fined for failing to obtain informed consent for hypnotherapy, hiring a female patient, and losing scientific objectivity due to a fascination with satanic ritual abuse.
• "Wenatchee Update": This update discusses ongoing legal challenges and appeals related to sex abuse investigations in Wenatchee, highlighting questions about the reliability of accusations and the costs associated with litigation.
• Book Reviews: The "Book Review" section includes reviews of "God of the Witches" by Margaret Murray and "Witchcraft: Its power in the world today" by William Seabrook, with commentary on their methodologies and potential for myth-creation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently advocates for evidence-based practices, scientific rigor, and accountability within the mental health professions. It expresses concern over the erosion of professional standards, the potential for therapeutic techniques to be misused for myth-creation, and the lack of proactive measures by professional organizations to address these issues. The editorial stance is critical of practices and beliefs that lack scientific validation, particularly those related to recovered memory and satanic ritual abuse, and urges public action to demand safer and more effective mental health treatment. The FMS Foundation positions itself as a proponent of scientific verification and a check against what it perceives as professional negligence and misguided therapeutic trends.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated March/April 2000, Volume 9, Number 2, focuses on the upcoming conference 'MEMORY AND REALITY: RETURN TO REASON' held on April 8-9, 2000, in White Plains, New York. The newsletter includes registration details for the conference and highlights various articles and reader submissions related to false memory syndrome, psychotherapy, and related issues.

Conference Registration and Details

The cover provides registration information for the 'MEMORY AND REALITY: RETURN TO REASON' conference, with early registration discounts available until March 15, 2000. It lists prices for different registration tiers, including 'Family Registrant,' 'Retractor,' and 'Student.' A separate dinner celebration is planned for Saturday night with Pamela Freyd speaking, and reservations are required with a cut-off date of April 1, 2000. The cost for the dinner is $60.00 per person for members and $65.00 for non-members.

Articles and Reader Submissions

'Good Intentions Gone Awry' by Kathy Begert

This article explores the concept of iatrogenesis, defined as harm caused by medical treatment or advice, even when well-intentioned. It discusses how individual mistakes can lead to societal problems, such as antibiotic resistance. The author highlights how mental health experts can also create iatrogenic disorders by instilling belief systems or 'repressed memories' into vulnerable clients, leading to therapy-induced delusions. The article references Richard Gardner's work on 'Sex Abuse Hysteria' and Stephen Ceci's research on children's testimony, suggesting that the 'sex abuse hysteria' of the 1970s and 1980s, exacerbated by legislation like the Mondale Act, tilted the legal system unfairly towards prosecution, resulting in the accusation and conviction of innocent people.

'New Book of Interest: The Death of Psychotherapy From Freud to Alien Abductions' by Donald A. Eisner

This section reviews a new book by Donald A. Eisner that critically examines the effectiveness of psychotherapy through the lens of the scientific method. The book argues that there is a lack of empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of various psychotherapies over a placebo or religious healing.

'Lessons from our Memory Journey from Hell' (Reader Submission)

A reader shares their experience of reconnecting with their daughter after a period of estrangement, facilitated by the FMS Foundation. The submission emphasizes the unpredictable nature of parenting and the importance of letting go and living one's own life.

'Editor's Comment'

The editor responds to the reader's submission, suggesting that shared adversity can lead to stronger bonds and that time and love are masterful healers.

'No Apology' (Reader Submission)

This reader recounts being a victim of therapists who implanted false memories of their parents being part of a satanic cult, leading to a seven-year estrangement. While reunited with family, the author lost their children and husband due to similar implanted memories. The submission discusses the difficulty of confronting these experiences and the belief that individuals with implanted memories are not responsible for their actions due to brainwashing. The author expresses a willingness to welcome their children and husband back without demanding an apology, referencing the biblical phrase, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

'It Helps to Leave A Message' (Reader Submission)

A mother shares her ongoing struggle to reconnect with her daughter, who has been estranged for ten years and obtained a restraining order. The daughter's accusations included satanic ritual abuse and ordinary sexual abuse. The mother expresses her desire to hug and love her daughter and mentions using the website www.spectralevidence.com/chat to leave messages for recovered memory survivors.

'Where is the Justice?' (Reader Submission)

This reader expresses frustration over the lack of justice for those who have allegedly caused harm through false memory implantation. They share the story of their daughter's return after nine years of estrangement, noting that she was influenced by the book 'The Courage to Heal' and subjected to drugs and hypnosis by doctors. Despite the daughter's reconciliation and a current battle with cancer, the reader questions how those responsible can go unpunished.

'They Probably Don't Care' (Reader Submission)

This submission, from 'A Dad,' expresses gratitude for the FMS Foundation's literature and support during his daughter's accusations. He shares that his daughter has returned to his life, though she is battling cancer. He expresses thankfulness for her reconciliation with him and her brothers.

'Sweethearts of the Millennium' (Reader Submission)

This piece, written for a Valentine's Day contest, reflects on a couple's 42-year marriage, highlighting the husband's devotion, especially when his wife became ill and he took on domestic chores. It emphasizes the strength and balance of their relationship.

'Chapter Closed' (Reader Submission)

This reader states that the FMS Foundation's publications have helped their family resolve a 'miserable chapter' of ten years without a daughter, who was a victim of a 'greedy therapist.'

'My Experience with False Memories' (Reader Submission)

This lengthy submission details a personal journey with false memories, starting with a therapist who, while not actively implanting memories, listened to and validated the author's fabricated recollections. The author became preoccupied with remembering non-existent events, finding a lifeline in 'The Courage to Heal' and the novel 'Sybil.' This led to hospitalization and accusations against her father and a deceased aunt. The author expresses deep regret for these accusations and discusses the difficulty of distinguishing fact from false memory. She also describes a detrimental 'survivors' group' that reinforced similar memories among members. The author eventually came to believe most of her memories were false and has apologized to her father, who refuses to discuss the issue but affirms his love.

'Important Notice for Family Conference Participants: Church Counseling: What Can We Do?'

This notice announces a session at the conference led by Paul Simpson, Ed.D., author of 'Second Thoughts: Understanding the False Memory Crisis and How It Could Affect You,' focusing on recovered memory practices by church counselors. It includes a quote about hypnosis not increasing accurate memory but increasing the willingness to report uncertain memories with conviction.

'Web Sites of Interest'

This section lists various websites related to false memory syndrome, including www.StopBadTherapy.com, www.IllinoisFMS.org, and sites for the Australian and British False Memory Societies.

'Estate Planning'

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

Bulletin Board

The bulletin board lists contacts and meeting information for FMSF chapters across the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It also includes a deadline for submitting notices for the next newsletter.

FMSF Membership Information

Details on yearly FMSF membership, including subscription rates for professional, family, and student memberships, are provided, along with a form for payment via credit card or check.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pervasive impact of false memory syndrome, the role of psychotherapy in its creation and potential resolution, and the legal and societal implications of recovered memory claims. The FMS Foundation appears to advocate for a critical examination of recovered memory practices and psychotherapy, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence and distinguishing between genuine memories and implanted or confabulated ones. The editorial stance, as suggested by the articles and the foundation's focus, is one of caution and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims of recovered memories, particularly those involving child abuse, and a promotion of critical thinking and evidence-based approaches to mental health issues.