False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 11 No 01 - 2002 janfeb

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated January/February 2002, Vol. 11 No. 1, addresses the complex issues surrounding family alienation, particularly in the context of False Memory Syndrome (FMS) and recovered memory therapy. The newsletter features articles on family reconciliation, the aftermath of the 'Satanic Panic,' legal updates concerning child abuse allegations, and research into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Families and Reconciliation

The lead article, "Dear Friends," discusses the challenges families face when their alienated offspring do not return. It compares the FMS situation to individuals returning from cults, noting that while there's no definitive data on cult return rates, the FMSF survey indicates that 7% of accusers have retracted their accusations and 36% have resumed contact. The article emphasizes that accurate information in the culture, particularly regarding the discrediting of recovered memory therapy, can encourage alienated offspring to question their beliefs. Dr. Margaret Singer suggests that younger people may feel less humiliated when retracting accusations, and that leaving recovered memory therapy can be more difficult than leaving cults due to the level of humiliation and shame involved.

Several retractors share their experiences, describing the slow process of realizing their memories were false, the difficulty in apologizing, and the importance of parental love. The newsletter acknowledges that reconciliation is a challenge for both accusers and parents, requiring openness from both sides. It notes that the "recovered memory therapy" often promoted nurturing anger and revenge, leading to avoidance and distance from alleged perpetrators.

Satanic Panic Aftermath

An article titled "Satanic Panic: Gone but not Forgotten" reviews the history and decline of the 'Satanic Abuse' legend. It highlights how books like Mike Warnke's "The Satan Seller" fueled a moral panic, leading to numerous unsubstantiated claims of satanic ritual abuse. Despite extensive investigations, no evidence of a widespread satanic conspiracy was found. The article mentions ongoing legal actions, such as eight children in South Ayrshire, Scotland, suing social workers over false abuse claims, and the case of Peter Ellis in New Zealand, who was accused of abuse at a daycare but for whom no evidence was found.

Legal Updates and Perspectives

The "Legal Updates" section covers several significant cases. The Logerquist v Danforth case in Arizona involved a woman claiming repressed memories of sexual abuse, where the court's decision on admitting expert testimony on repressed memory generated controversy. The case of Gerald Amirault, convicted in a day care abuse case, is discussed, with the Massachusetts Parole Board recommending commutation of his sentence due to "gross unfairness." An "Envelope for Old Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Continues to Expand" notes an $8.6 million lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, by two sisters alleging abuse by a priest decades earlier. The section also includes quotes from various sources using the term "false memory syndrome" in relation to literary analysis and fictional narratives.

Psychological Research and Concepts

"Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Part II" by Loren Pankratz, Ph.D., explores controversies surrounding PTSD research. It questions the reliability of studies due to potential subject fabrication and the limited effectiveness of current PTSD treatments. The article suggests that while trauma causes short-term stress, it doesn't necessarily lead to long-term disorders, and that psychological interventions may sometimes hinder natural healing processes. It highlights the complexity of PTSD diagnosis, with potential contributions from impostors and mistaken diagnoses.

Another article, "Assessing the Validity of Amnesia in Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Dilemma for the DSM and the Courts," discusses the challenges in evaluating amnesia claims in DID cases. It points out the unreliability of self-reports and suggests the need for objective psychophysiological measures.

"Forgiveness: Who Does It and How Do They Do It?" by Michael E. McCullough reviews research on traits associated with forgiveness, such as agreeableness and emotional stability. It notes that rumination can hinder forgiveness by fostering revenge and avoidance.

Personal Accounts and Reflections

"Man Recants Repressed 'Memories'" details the story of Rowland Mak, who publicly retracted his accusations of sexual assault against his father, Adriaan Mak. Mak attributes his false memories to a sympathetic therapist and a "cult-like" group of "survivors." His father, Adriaan Mak, has been a long-time advocate exposing the dangers of repressed memory therapy. An anonymous email received by Adriaan Mak questions the validity of his son's recantation, suggesting financial motives or misrepresentation, to which Adriaan Mak firmly responds, asserting the truthfulness of his son's statement.

Allen Feld's "Thoughts About Our Families" reflects on the resilience of families facing false accusations, emphasizing that crises become less binding over time. He notes that families develop unique decision-making processes for reunification and that a retraction is not always a prerequisite for reconciliation, though a change in the accuser's outlook is crucial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently critiques recovered memory therapy and its role in generating false accusations, particularly within families. There is a strong emphasis on the legal and psychological ramifications of these accusations. The FMS Foundation appears to advocate for a more evidence-based approach to memory and trauma, and supports families in navigating the difficult process of reconciliation and dealing with the fallout from false allegations. The overall stance is critical of certain therapeutic practices and supportive of those affected by them, particularly parents who have been falsely accused. The newsletter also highlights ongoing legal battles and research related to these issues.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 11 No. 1
Date: January/February 2002

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into the complex and often painful aftermath of recovered memory therapy and false memory accusations, focusing on family dynamics, legal implications, and personal reconciliation. The publication serves as a vital support network for individuals and families affected by these issues.

Letters from Readers

"For "Another Dad""

The issue opens with a letter from Roma Elizabeth Hart, identified as a "Retractor," who expresses dismay at a previous letter from "Another Dad" that seemed to dismiss the experiences of those affected by malpractice lawsuits related to recovered memory therapy. Hart criticizes suggestions that therapists should sue parents for false memories and that patients have absurd motives for suing. She recounts her own experience of being dismissed by a psychiatrist as "some crazy woman" after filing a malpractice lawsuit, with a colleague's affidavit suggesting her motive was "unrequited love." Hart emphasizes that courts ultimately decide who is a victim of malpractice and notes that many former patients of recovered memory therapy have been recognized as victims, benefiting the broader recovered memory movement. She urges readers to remember the lives lost to this therapy and suggests that only parents and families can truly identify the victims.

"Beware Irrevocable Statements"

This deeply personal account details a father's experience after receiving a letter from his son on his "big" birthday, accusing him of years of abuse when the son was a young child. The father, divorced from the son's mother, was shocked and grieved. His ex-wife supported the son and suggested therapy. During a joint therapy session, the therapist took the son's side, citing "obvious body language." The father denied any abuse, both as a child and with his son, and his ex-wife suggested he read "The Courage to Heal." He felt isolated but found support through Darrell Sifford's articles and the FMS Foundation. His son cut off contact for years, with intermittent correspondence. Over time, their relationship gradually improved. About two years prior to writing, the son began sending cards indicating love and forgiveness. The father recounts a weekend visit where his son expressed doubts about his accusations, stating he now knows nothing happened and cannot understand why he believed those things. The son expressed guilt, and the father forgave him, acknowledging he believed what he said. The father credits his family and the Foundation for his ability to endure this experience. He concludes by advising those falsely accused not to give up hope and to avoid making irrevocable statements that sever contact.

"Not Everyone is Reconciled"

This letter describes a father's ongoing estrangement from his daughter, who falsely accused him of sexual abuse of "remembered" incidents from when she was seven. The father discovered the FMS Foundation through NPR and found it to be a "sanity saver." He notes that compared to others who have faced more horrific accusations, his situation has not resolved after eight years. He has missed her college graduation and marriage. To cope, he has convinced himself that his "true daughter" no longer exists, feeling only a void, disappointment, and disgust. He states he would likely not accept her back if she contacted him and pretended nothing happened, questioning her sincerity. He has had to harden himself to move forward. Compounding this, his son also broke off communication three years prior, without accusations but due to his closeness to his sister. The son has since gone to therapy. The father expresses gratitude for the Foundation's support.

"Still No Word"

This letter is from a mother whose daughter, after years of estrangement following accusations, has partially reconciled. The mother, like many letter writers, never gave up hope. They endured hate letters and false starts over 10 years, including financial support for their daughter. The daughter, a high-achieving graduate, became a stranger. The mother describes a pilgrimage on St. James in Northern Spain, praying for her daughter's peace. Upon returning, they received a letter from their daughter wanting to reconnect after a five-month lapse. After initial hesitation, they agreed to communicate. The daughter's response was a plea that she "needed her family." Her grandmother's death precipitated a 45-minute phone call filled with tears and reminiscing. This led to emails, more calls, and a plea to come home for Labor Day weekend. The family agreed, and during her visit, they listened, cried, hugged, and talked. The daughter believes certain things they do not debate. The anger, accusations, and blame for her mental pain have ceased. During her years of estrangement, she reportedly turned to alcohol, experienced downward spirals, and attempted suicide and self-mutilation. Her therapy involved labels such as PTSD, Depression, and MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder), which the parents questioned. The daughter now mourns the 10 years of family separation, especially after seeing photos of family events. The parents express relief and happiness at her return, though they remain fearful of the "dream" bubble bursting. They are looking forward to her rejoining family gatherings and are grateful to have her back. They note that trust is building as she shares more information, and they are committed to listening with open hearts and unconditional love.

"A Granddaughter's Call"

This brief account from a grandmother shares a surprising call from her granddaughter, who rarely calls. The granddaughter stated that she never believed the accusations her mother made against her grandfather regarding childhood sexual abuse, knowing he would never do such a thing. The grandmother found this call sweet and a complete surprise, though she noted it was sad it didn't happen before her grandfather's death, as it would have eased the pain he felt from the accusation, which he described as making his life a "living hell."

Resources and Information

Rutherford Video Now Available for Hearing Impaired

Thanks to a parent's donation and the National Captioning Institute (NCI), a video about regression therapy and family reconciliation, featuring the Rutherford Family, is now accessible to people with hearing impairments. The video costs $10, including shipping and handling. Contact the FMSF Office for details.

"Recovered Memories: Are They Reliable?"

Pamphlets on this topic are available for free from the FMS Foundation. Interested individuals should call or write to the foundation, providing their address and the number of pamphlets needed.

Video Available: Child Sex Scandal: Modern Day Witch-Hunts "20th Century with Mike Wallace"

This 45-minute video program from the History Channel examines the history of major child abuse charges in the United States, including Day Care cases (McMartin, Jourdan, MN, Kelly Michaels, NJ, Little Rascals in Edenton, NC) and Repressed Memory cases (Eileen Franklin, Roseanne Barr, Marilyn Vandebur, Cardinal Bernadin, Humananski). It also covers the Wenatchee cases and cases against clergy. The program includes interviews with Mark Pendergrast, Elizabeth Loftus, E. Sue Blume, and Elizabeth Carlson. The cost is $19.95 plus $4.95 for shipping and handling ($24.90 total). It can be ordered from History Channel Home Videos.

New Book of Legal Interest: Cross-Examining Experts in the Behavioral Sciences

This book by Terence Campbell and Demosthenes Lorandos is of particular interest to lawyers and families involved in litigation concerning Daubert challenges. Key issues covered include child custody, parental effectiveness, claimed expertise, DSM-IV, MMPI-2, relevant research, Roschach tests, and treatment plans. The book details who qualifies as an expert, challenging clinical judgment and claims of professional experience, diagnostic classification, psychological testing, child custody evaluations, and appropriate standards of psychological practice.

Websites of Interest

A comprehensive list of websites is provided, including archives, international FMS organizations (France, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands), therapy-related sites (StopBadTherapy.com), and legal resources (findlaw.com, legalengine.com, accused.com).

Legal Websites of Interest

Links to www.findlaw.com, www.legalengine.com, and www.accused.com are provided for legal research.

Contacts & Meetings - United States and International

The newsletter includes an extensive directory of FMS Foundation contacts and meeting information for various states in the U.S. and several international locations, including Canada (British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec), Australia, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden. This section provides names, phone numbers, and meeting schedules for local support groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for individuals and families affected by false memory syndrome and recovered memory therapy. The editorial stance is one of support for those who have been falsely accused, emphasizing the importance of family reconciliation and the legal challenges associated with such cases. The newsletter provides a platform for personal narratives, legal resources, and community building, aiming to validate the experiences of its readers and offer hope and practical assistance. There is a clear critique of the potential harms of certain therapeutic practices and a focus on the psychological and social impact on families. The recurring theme is the struggle for truth, healing, and reconnection in the face of deeply damaging accusations and therapeutic interventions.