False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 09 No 05 - 2000 septoct

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated September/October 2000, Volume 9, Number 5, is published by the FMS Foundation and is in English. The cover headline is 'FALSE MEMORY SYNDROME FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER'. The newsletter announces the Foundation's move to new offices at 1955 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5766, and provides new phone numbers. It also highlights the Foundation's growing web presence, with an average of 300 'hits' per day on its website.

Editorial Letter

Pamela, in her letter to friends, apologizes for the Foundation's unreachability in late July due to telephone service delays after their move. She reports that business is running smoothly in the new offices, though they are looking for a new bookkeeper. Greg Louis is credited with managing the website, which receives significant traffic, including from school students. The Foundation plans to prioritize developing web resources. The summer was relatively quiet, but an article in the August 17 issue of *Nature* is noted for its discussion on the instability of long-term memories of fearful events. This is contrasted with psychologist John Read's protest against the invitation of Elizabeth Loftus to speak in New Zealand, where he declined to respond to her. In the legal arena, two appellate decisions are mentioned that demonstrate the difficulty for parents seeking accountability. Positive news comes from Wenatchee, where many formerly imprisoned individuals are now holding the city and child welfare departments accountable. A hearing is scheduled in September by the Massachusetts Advisory Board of Pardons to discuss Gerald Amirault's request for sentence commutation. The happiest news reported is the flow of letters from parents describing the return of their children, with explanations offered in the 'From Our Readers' section, highlighting the need for research into family reconnection and easing sibling resentment.

Articles and Features

Everyday Irrationality: How Pseudo-Scientists, Lunatics, and the Rest of Us Systematically Fail to Be Rational

This is a serialization of a chapter from Robyn Dawes' new book. The chapter, 'Sexual Abuse Hysteria (Chapter 9),' discusses hypothetical nightmares and their connection to real-life nightmares, particularly for those accused of sexual abuse based on irrational grounds. The author argues that widespread accusations and convictions based on 'expert' advice often follow principles of irrational probabilistic inference. The chapter uses a personal anecdote about a childhood nightmare involving rats to illustrate how a therapist might interpret such a dream, linking it to repressed memories and potential childhood trauma. The author expresses skepticism about Freudian interpretations and highlights the therapist's focus on the vivid details of the imagined rats, suggesting a potential for the therapist to construct a narrative of abuse.

Two FMSF Advisors Voted Top Skeptics

This section highlights FMSF advisors James Randi and Martin Gardner, who were voted among the ten outstanding skeptics of the last century by *Skeptical Inquirer* magazine. Fred Crews and Elizabeth Loftus are also mentioned as being in the running. James Randi is described as a skeptical investigator of paranormalists, known for his conjuring skills, critical intelligence, and understanding of science. Martin Gardner is recognized for his influential book 'Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science' and his long-standing contributions to mathematics, science, and skepticism, including his 'Mathematical Games' column for *Scientific American* and his 'Notes of a Fringe Watcher' column for *Skeptical Inquirer*.

Reminder of Montreal 1993

This brief report by David McLoughlin recalls an incident in November 1993 where Dr. Harold Lief's talk about the FMS problem at McGill University in Montreal was disrupted by protesters. Connie Kristiansen, Ph.D., a University of Ottawa psychologist, is mentioned in relation to an article titled 'Bearing Witness to the Patriarchal Revictimization of Survivors.'

News From England

#### "Hidden" Memories Surfaced After Reading Courage to Heal

This article by David Williams reports on Philip Shaw, a senior lecturer at the Royal College of Art, who was cleared of sexual abuse charges after a jury learned that the accuser was likely influenced by the book 'The Courage to Heal.' The accuser, a 27-year-old woman, made accusations of sexual and physical abuse that allegedly occurred between 1978 and 1979. Defense experts noted that the psychologists who interviewed the woman did not follow established guidelines.

#### A Father's Fight

This report by Lynn Cochrane details Jim Fairlie's lawsuit against the National Health Service and social services in England for defamation, negligence, and personal injury related to the treatment of his daughter, Katrina. Katrina, after experiencing psychosomatic symptoms, was treated with mind-altering drugs and hypnosis, leading her to believe her father had raped her and was involved in a pedophile ring. Her accusations split the family, and she later realized her claims were false, now pursuing her own civil action.

Colorado Therapist Loses License

This news brief reports that Laura Hardie, a counselor in Colorado Springs, surrendered her license after a six-month investigation concluded she had misdiagnosed her client's psychological condition and provided inappropriate treatment. The client came to believe she was a high priestess in the Illuminati cult and had witnessed child sacrifices.

News From Netherlands

#### Dutch TV network NCRV accused of libel.

This report states that the family of a woman named 'Annemarie,' a participant in the TV documentary 'Hidden Mothers,' has filed a libel suit against the NCRV network for inferring a damaging accusation of incest. The family's attorney also mentioned suits against Annemarie and her therapist.

Psychotherapy or Tutoring?

This article discusses a controlled test at a public school in Nashville, Tennessee, comparing traditional child psychotherapy with tutoring for children with problems like delinquency, aggression, and anxiety. Researchers found no significant difference in outcomes between the two groups after two years, disappointing therapists who had expected better results from psychotherapy.

LEGAL CORNER

#### Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules Psychiatrist Has No Obligation to Parents

This report details the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's ruling that a psychiatrist had no obligation to the parents of a teen-age patient who accused and later recanted her accusations of abuse. The parents forfeited $213,000 awarded to them in a previous lawsuit, though the award to the daughter remains.

#### Judge Throws Out Franklin Case Against Prosecutors

District Judge Charles R. Breyer dismissed most of George Franklin's malicious prosecution lawsuit against prosecutors and detectives. Franklin had been convicted of murdering his daughter's friend in 1969, but was released after his daughter's recovered memories, obtained through hypnosis, were found to be unreliable.

#### Child Welfare Workers Liable for Negligence

This report states that the Washington Supreme Court ruled that Child Protective Services social workers can be sued for mishandled, negligent investigations. The ruling overturned a previous decision and reinstated a jury verdict against the Department of Social and Health Services.

#### Wenatchee Update:

A federal court ruled that social workers who interviewed children in Wenatchee did not violate civil rights, despite using questionable interview methods. Separately, Henry Cunningham, labeled as the 'worst child molester' in Washington, sued the city and state for over $10 million after his conviction was overturned.

Wisconsin Appeals Court Blocks False-Memory Lawsuit

In a 2-1 decision, the Wisconsin 4th District Court of Appeals ruled that parents could not sue their daughter's psychologist because the daughter's right to confidentiality outweighed their interest in compensation for claimed injuries.

South Carolina Supreme Court Says Repressed Memory Can Be Basis for Suit

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of South Carolina stated that repressed memory can be a basis for recovering damages for childhood sexual abuse, provided 'independently verifiable, objective evidence' is presented.

The Primacy of Early Experience: A Critique, an Alternative, and Some Clinical Implications

Joel Paris, M.D., examines the evidence for the role of early childhood experience in psychological development. He finds that the evidence does not support the assumption that early experience is centrally important, noting children's resilience and the greater importance of the cumulative effect of adverse experiences. He proposes an alternative model based on temperament and childhood experiences.

"Hidden" Memories Surfaced After Reading Courage to Heal

This article, from the Daily Mail (London), discusses a case where Philip Shaw was cleared of sexual abuse charges after it was revealed the accuser was likely influenced by the book 'The Courage to Heal.' The defense expert noted that the psychologists involved did not follow guidelines.

A Father's Fight

This report details Jim Fairlie's lawsuit against the National Health Service and social services in England for defamation, negligence, and personal injury related to the treatment of his daughter, Katrina. Katrina's false accusations of abuse, stemming from her treatment, split the family.

Recovered Memory Brings Needless Agony

This article by Norm Williams recounts the case of school coach Ronald Heller, who was falsely accused of fondling and taking indecent liberties with students. The accusations, which were later found to be lies, caused significant emotional distress. The author criticizes the American Psychological Association (APA) for endorsing the 'recovered memory' doctrine and argues that judges are increasingly unwilling to accept it as scientifically valid.

The Verification Principle

Allen Feld discusses the importance of verification in authenticating memories, citing an American Psychological Association statement that it's impossible to distinguish a true memory from a false one without corroborative evidence. He emphasizes that this principle applies to all psychotherapy, not just cases of alleged child sexual abuse, and that therapists should help patients live with ambiguity and uncertainty.

Absence Therapy: Killing Two Birds with One Stone

This satirical piece by N. Renay Tanner suggests that 'absence therapy,' or taking holidays away from a therapist, could improve patient well-being by decreasing iatrogenic psychiatric illness. The therapist would charge a fee for days the patient is absent.

FROM OUR READERS

This section contains letters from readers:

• A Question: A reader poses a question about the relationship between well-educated women treated in recovered memory programs and their subsequent marginalization in society, contrasting this with women who received traditional outpatient therapy for sexual abuse.
• A Dad: A father expresses his ongoing concern for his daughter, who he believes is still being treated for rape memories and is under the effect of prescribed drugs, asking if there is any hope for families in such situations.
• Left Hanging: Dave Hunter expresses frustration that a reader's previous newsletter entry about a successful reunion with his daughter did not include the details of his plan.
• It Finally Registered: A father shares that his son has retracted accusations of incest, including one of anal rape when he was 20 months old. The son's doubt was triggered by realizing the physical impossibility of such an act without leaving significant evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the controversial concept of 'recovered memories,' particularly in the context of child sexual abuse allegations. The newsletter consistently presents a skeptical stance towards recovered memories, highlighting cases where they have led to false accusations, legal disputes, and family destruction. The FMS Foundation is positioned as an advocate for critical evaluation of memory claims, emphasizing the need for scientific validation and corroborative evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of caution and concern regarding the potential for therapeutic practices to create or amplify false memories, and it supports legal challenges against those who rely on unverified recovered memories. The newsletter also touches upon the broader implications of psychological claims in legal and social contexts, advocating for a more rational and evidence-based approach.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: September/October 2000
Volume: 9
Issue Number: No. 5
Publisher: FMS Foundation
ISSN: 1069-0484

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter focuses on personal experiences, support networks, and emerging research related to False Memory Syndrome (FMS).

Letters from Readers

A Thankful Mother

The issue opens with a letter from a mother expressing gratitude for the FMS Foundation's support during a period of estrangement from her daughter. After nine and a half years without contact, her daughter visited with her two granddaughters, initiating a process of reconciliation. The mother shares the joy of reconnecting and hopes for a closer relationship in the future, acknowledging the significant effort required due to geographical distance. She credits FMSF with providing strength and teaching during difficult times, highlighting that unexpected positive developments can occur.

My Prayers

Another letter details a family's joy at their daughter's return after eight years. The author is contacting FMSF to advocate against repressed memory therapy and to promote a "National Day of Prayer" for families impacted by dangerous therapy. This day, scheduled for November 1, 2000, is sponsored by 'A Network of FMS Families Across America'. Ideas for observance include group prayer, fasting, and contacting listed families for support. Contact information for various families across the US and Canada is provided for those seeking prayer or wishing to offer it.

Dear "R"

This letter is from a father responding to accusations of false memory. He expresses sadness and guilt over the impact of what he terms "insanity" that affected "over 20,000 families in the U.S." He criticizes the mental health profession for not taking responsibility. He states he was never angry, only felt sadness and guilt.

Dawes - continued from page 2

This section continues a narrative, possibly from a previous issue, detailing a person's experience with therapy. The author describes a compelling, Technicolor image of dead rats with pink outlines, which they do not see themselves in, suggesting it might be a reconstructed memory. The therapist asserts that experiences not had cannot be vividly imagined, implying that if it can be vividly imagined, it happened. The narrative then delves into the potential involvement of a great-uncle Charlie, described as a conservative Republican, in a satanic cult, with the therapist suggesting the great aunt and uncle ran the cult and the parents were "fellow travelers."

This section is marked "TO BE CONTINUED in the November/December newsletter."

Robyn Dawes, Ph.D. Bio

Robyn Dawes, Ph.D., is identified as a member of the FMSF Advisory Board and a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. His expertise is in psychology, and he is the author of "House of Cards" and "Rational Choice in an Uncertain World."

Research and News

Long-Term Memories of Fearful Experiences Unstable

This section summarizes a study published in Nature on August 17, 2000, by Nader, Schafe, and LeDoux. A press release from New York University highlights that long-term memories of fearful experiences are surprisingly unstable and can be easily altered or disrupted. The study suggests that memory mechanisms are dynamic and may explain false memory syndrome. It illustrates how suggested or created images can be incorporated into existing memories during reconsolidation. Clinically, this has implications for treating disorders like PTSD, where traumatic memories impair functioning.

Conferences and Events

Illinois-Wisconsin FMS Society Conference

An upcoming conference titled "MOVING ON •• GETTING ON WITH OUR LIVES" is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, 2000, at the Double Tree Hotel in Glenview, IL. Sessions include topics like "Moving on for Dear Life," "A Mother's Journey: The Franklin Case," "Coping with Legal Aspects," and a "Retractor Panel." The cost is $40.00 per person, including lunch, with an optional dinner for $25. Contact information for the Illinois/Wisconsin FMS Society is provided.

"Recovered Memories: Are They Reliable?"

The FMS Foundation offers free pamphlets on this topic. Readers are encouraged to call or write to request them.

ONTARIO AND QUEBEC ANNUAL MEETING

This meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2000, at 1:00 PM at The Inn on the Park in Toronto. Tana Dineen will speak on "Taking back our private lives." Contact details for Donna and Paula are provided.

Important Conference About Child and Adult False Accusations

The Ninth International Conference on Child Abuse Allegations: 2000 and Beyond will be held from September 14-16, 2000, at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. Speakers include prominent figures such as Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D., and Richard Ofshe, Ph.D. Contact information for more details is provided.

Resources and Websites

Legal Websites of Interest

Links to legal websites are provided: www.findlaw.com, www.legalengine.com, and www.accused.com.

Back Issues

Back issues of the FMSF Newsletter from March 1992 are available at www.FMSFonline.org.

Websites of Interest

• Several websites are recommended:
• www.MEMORYANDREALITY.org and www.FMSFonline.org for therapy issues.
• Heritage Theatre (www.heritagetheater.com) for information on the play "Denial" and the problem of FMS.
• www.StopBadTherapy.com for regulatory board phone numbers.
• www.IllinoisFMS.org (Illinois-Wisconsin FMS Society).
• www.afma.asn.au (Australian False Memory Association).
• www.bfms.org.uk (British False Memory Society).
• Two geocities.com sites run by Laura Pasley and Deb David.
• Upton Books (www.sirs.com/uptonbooks/index.htm) for books on recovered memory.
• Recovered Memory Bookstore (www.angelfire.com/tx/recovered-memories/) for locating books.

FMSF Bulletin Board

This section lists contacts and meeting information for FMS support groups across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Australia, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It provides names, phone numbers, and meeting schedules for various local chapters and affiliated organizations.

Contact Information and Membership

FMS Foundation Contact Details

The FMS Foundation's address is 1955 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5766. Phone numbers are 215-940-1040 (main) and 215-940-1042 (fax). A toll-free number is 800-568-8882. An email address for electronic newsletter versions is [email protected].

Yearly FMSF Membership Information

Membership fees are listed: Professional - $125, Family - $100. Additional contributions are welcome. Payment options include Visa, Discover, Mastercard, or check/money order. A form for filling out membership details is included.

Scientific and Professional Advisory Board

A comprehensive list of the FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board members is provided, including their affiliations and credentials. This board comprises numerous doctors, psychologists, and authors in relevant fields.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently addresses the controversial topic of recovered memory, often presenting perspectives critical of certain therapeutic practices, particularly "repressed memory therapy." The publication serves as a platform for personal testimonies, support group coordination, and the dissemination of research that questions the reliability of recovered memories or highlights potential harms associated with certain therapeutic interventions. The editorial stance appears to be one of caution regarding recovered memory claims and support for individuals and families affected by what they perceive as the negative consequences of such therapies. The newsletter also emphasizes the importance of legal resources and scientific research in understanding and addressing issues related to memory and trauma.