False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 10 No 02 - 2001 marapril

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated March/April 2001, Volume 10, Number 2, focuses on challenging the notion of "dissociative amnesia" and related recovered memory therapy practices. It presents evidence questioning the scientific basis of these concepts and highlights legal cases and therapeutic controversies.

Key Articles and Reports

Challenging Dissociative Amnesia

The newsletter leads with news that "more holes have appeared in the notion of 'dissociative amnesia.'" Mikkel Borch-Jacobsen's research is cited, suggesting the concept originated from speculation rather than data, describing it as a "psychiatric myth." A critique by August Piper, Jr. and colleagues is also highlighted, pointing out flaws in arguments and evidence presented by proponents of dissociative amnesia. The article notes that these findings, along with historical studies and a lack of laboratory support, make it difficult to consider dissociative amnesia scientifically proven.

Legal Cases and Developments

Jack Quattrocchi: The newsletter reports that Jack Quattrocchi will not need another court trial. His conviction for sexual abuse was overturned, and a "Gatekeeping (Daubert) hearing" in 1999 found recovered memory therapy unreliable and inadmissible as scientific evidence. The court determined the state had not met its burden of proof.

Kelly Michaels: Kelly Michaels lost her appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which denied her the right to sue those who investigated and prosecuted her. The court rejected her argument that unreliable evidence from improper interviews violated her constitutional rights. Michaels, who served prison time, has a pending civil case in New Jersey seeking damages.

Discipline Hearing by College of Physicians: In Ontario, Dr. Raymond Danny Leibl is facing disciplinary charges for allegedly misdiagnosing a patient with multiple personality disorder and planting false memories of sexual abuse. The charges include allegations of a mock funeral for the patient's parents and inappropriate 're-parenting' activities.

MPD Therapist Examined: The Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology is holding a hearing on conduct charges against Terry B. Davis, a therapist specializing in dissociative identity disorders. Former patients allege that Davis planted false memories of sexual abuse and performed an exorcism.

Brother Sues Sister for Defamation: Michael Donnelly filed a lawsuit against his sister, Eileen Donnelly Bruchak, for slander, libel, and defamation of character, stemming from her accusations of sexual abuse based on "recovered memories."

Informed Consent in Psychotherapy

An article in the *American Journal of Psychiatry* by Beahrs and Gutheil is discussed, emphasizing the need for informed consent in psychotherapy. The authors argue that consent should include basic parameters of the treatment contract, information on efficacy, efficiency, safety, alternatives, and consequences of no treatment.

Child Sexual Abuse Cases Decline

A report from the U.S. Department of Justice indicates a 31 percent decline in substantiated child sex abuse cases from 1992 to 1998. The reasons for this decrease are not definitively known but may relate to crime reduction, prevention education, and increased prosecution.

Research on Memory and Suggestibility

True but Not False Memories: A study in the *Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience* by Fabiani et al. reports that brain activity differs when true and false memories are retrieved, suggesting a "sensory-related brain activity" associated with true memories.

When Knowing Becomes Remembering: Research by Paddock et al. explored factors influencing source-monitoring errors in autobiographical memories, finding that "guided visualizations" can impact memory.

Controversial Therapies

Colorado Bill Outlaws 'Rebirthing Therapy': A bill in Colorado aims to outlaw "rebirthing" therapy, defined as reenacting the birthing process, due to the risk of suffocation. This was motivated by the death of a child, Candace Newmaker.

Theophastic Counseling: The newsletter warns about "Theophastic Counseling," a technique spreading in church counseling that is described as a danger in the context of recovered memory therapy.

Personal Stories and Foundation Work

A Full Life Ends With Rift Unresolved: This article recounts the story of Irene Miller, a 71-year-old St. Petersburg resident who died after being accused of sexual abuse by her older son. While she maintained her innocence, her son later apologized for causing pain. The piece highlights the emotional toll of such accusations on families.

Greetings From Ohio: An update from the Ohio Association of Responsible Mental Health Practices notes a decrease in their mailing list, hoping to eventually go out of business. They lament that therapies destroying lives are still ongoing without legislative intervention.

Residual of Hurt: A letter from a grateful mother describes her reconciliation with her daughter, who had accused her of sexual abuse. While the daughter has not recanted, the mother expresses hope for continued healing.

An Open Letter to Leo H. Berman, M.D.: This letter defends the FMS Foundation's focus, asserting its continued commitment to investigating repressed/recovered memories and providing a forum for accused parents, while also educating professionals and the public.

Family Survey Update 2001: The Foundation is launching a survey to identify families in different stages of reconciliation (refuser, returner, retractor) as part of a research project to facilitate family healing.

From Dr. Koop's Website: A quote credits the False Memory Syndrome Foundation with exposing the repressed memory movement and separating issues of abuse from memory science.

FMS is in the language: Definitions of "False Memory Syndrome" are provided from The American Heritage Dictionary and the Encarta Dictionary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical examination of recovered memory therapy and the concept of dissociative amnesia, viewing them as potentially harmful and lacking scientific validation. The publication serves as a platform for individuals and families affected by these issues, providing legal updates, research findings, and personal narratives. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence, ethical therapeutic practices, and family reconciliation. The newsletter aims to educate the public and professionals about the potential dangers of certain therapeutic approaches and to support those who have been falsely accused.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 2
Date: March/April 2001
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Focus: The newsletter addresses issues related to false memory syndrome, recovered memory therapy, and its impact on individuals and the legal system.

Letters to the Editor

A Mother's Concern

A letter from an FMS member expresses deep concern about the state of the mental health field, particularly regarding recovered memory therapy (RMT). The author recounts a personal tragedy where her daughter was led to believe her illness was caused by parental abuse, resulting in a twelve-year estrangement. She advocates for professional oversight and unequivocally denounces RMT as a "venal, destructive, inexcusable practice."

Workshop Announcements

An announcement for a "Workshop to Mine Past for Healing" in Arizona is mentioned, featuring speakers like Brian Weiss and James Van Praagh, who offer services related to past lives and communicating with deceased loved ones. The workshop costs $289.

Church Counseling Education

Information is provided for Sherry, who can be contacted for those concerned about church counseling and wishing to help educate clergy.

Feature Articles

Theophostic Counseling A Danger

This article warns about the growing popularity of Theophostic Counseling within Christian churches. It describes the system, developed by Dr. Ed Smith, as involving regressive therapy, "inner healing," EMDR, visualization, and demon deliverance. The therapy claims to help individuals revisit "original lies" from alleged early sexual abuse by reliving "memories" and seeking "truth" from religious figures. The authors, Martin and Deidre Bobgan, express concern that this approach is not fading and is gaining traction.

Churches Face Legal Risks with Counseling

This section details the legal implications for churches offering counseling services, referencing the case of *Sawyer v. Midelfort* (1999). The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that counselors could be held liable for creating false memories of child abuse, stating that "negligent treatment which encourages false accusations of sexual abuse is highly culpable for the resulting injury." The article notes that this case prompted a warning in the *Church Law & Tax Report* about the potential for astronomical legal damages and the destruction of family relationships. The report advises church and lay counselors to "strictly avoid this highly volatile and questionable 'therapy'."

Personal Accounts and Legal Updates

State v Quattrocchi Summary

Jack Quattrocchi provides a detailed account of his legal battle, which began in December 1992 when he was charged with two felony assaults. He recounts how his ex-partner's daughter, Jodi, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was undergoing psychotherapy, developed "memories" of childhood sexual abuse by him. Quattrocchi maintains his innocence, stating these memories were influenced by therapy, particularly "memory work" and "flashbacks" encouraged by an RN. After a mistrial and a conviction in his first trials, he won an appeal in 1996, leading to a "Gatekeeping" or "Daubert" hearing on the reliability of recovered memory therapy. In early 1999, Judge Clifton ruled that recovered memory therapy was not scientific and unreliable. Despite the State's attempts to have the ruling reconsidered, Judge Clifton reaffirmed his decision in January 2001. Consequently, with no case to prosecute, the State dismissed all charges against Quattrocchi on February 16, 2001, eight years and two months after his arrest.

A Letter from a Father

Another letter from a father expresses his long-standing pain over estrangement from his two adult daughters, who, based on their study of "The Courage to Heal," accused him of sexual abuse years ago. He describes seeking therapy himself, only to find the therapist believed the book was the answer. He found support from the FMSF. While he has maintained relationships with his stepchildren, he has not had contact with his biological daughters for thirteen years and has decided not to send them greetings or gifts anymore, stating he will be receptive to overtures but will not initiate them.

Foundation News and Resources

New Jersey Group Forming

An announcement for a new family group forming in Northern New Jersey, with contact information for Michael.

Estate Planning

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

Bruce Perkins

An update on artist Bruce Perkins, who is in prison due to RMT therapy. His artwork is being sold to benefit the Foundation, with links provided to view his work online and read about his case.

Did you move?

A reminder for members to inform the FMSF Business Office of any changes in address or area code.

Legal Websites of Interest

A list of legal websites, including www.findlaw.com, www.legalengine.com, and www.accused.com.

Ohio Educational Forum

An announcement for a free educational forum in Ohio titled "False Memories: the Science Behind the Syndrome," presented by Mark Pendergrast, author and investigative journalist. Dates and locations in Medina and Wooster are provided.

Back Issues and Websites

Information on how to obtain back issues of the FMSF Newsletter and a list of relevant websites, including www.StopBadTherapy.com, and various international false memory societies.

FMSF Contact Information

Details are provided for FMSF contacts and meetings across the United States and internationally, including phone numbers and meeting schedules. The deadline for submitting meeting notices for the May/June newsletter is April 15.

Membership and Subscription Information

Details on FMSF membership fees (Professional $125, Family $100) and newsletter subscription rates for USA, Canada, and foreign countries are listed. Payment options include Visa, Discover, Mastercard, check, or money order. Contact information for Pamela Freyd, Executive Director, is provided.

Scientific and Professional Advisory Board

A comprehensive list of the FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board members, including their affiliations and credentials, is presented.

New Address Notification

A notice regarding the FMS Foundation's new address and updated phone numbers is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation consistently advocates for caution and critical evaluation of therapies that can lead to the creation of false memories, particularly recovered memory therapy and its variants like Theophostic Counseling. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards these therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the potential for harm, legal repercussions for practitioners and institutions, and the devastating impact on individuals and families. The Foundation positions itself as a source of information, support, and advocacy for those affected by false memories and promotes rigorous scientific standards in psychological practice.