False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 11 No 04 - 2002 julyaug

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated July/August 2002, Vol. 11 No. 4, focuses on the ongoing debate and legal implications surrounding recovered memories. The editorial, "What's the church-abuse problem doing to the FMS story?", addresses the increasing number of legal cases and media attention on repressed memories, particularly in relation to child sexual abuse allegations.

Key Articles and Discussions

The Resurgence of Recovered Memory Claims

The newsletter highlights a growing concern that claims of recovered repressed memories are increasing, posing challenges to legal systems and public understanding. The editorial notes that while some events seem to bring excellent information, others are becoming worrisome. A specific example cited is a Minnesota court case where a plaintiff's attorney argued that the statute of limitations should not apply because of a "repressed memory" that only recently surfaced. This raises questions about how courts will handle such claims and whether they will allow recovered memory evidence.

A high-profile case in Boston involving Reverend Paul R. Shanley, indicted on evidence from alleged victims with "repressed memories," is presented as an example of the alleged failure of the Boston Archdiocese to control sexually abusive priests. The newsletter emphasizes the need to determine if wrongdoing occurred and if such cases fall under the statute of limitations, while also questioning the scientific basis for repression and the accuracy of recalled memories.

Scientific and Legal Perspectives

The issue features an article by Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D., and Melvin Guyer, Ph.D., titled "Who Abused Jane Doe? The Hazards of the Single Case History." This article, described as a potential tool to change public and professional understanding, examines the "memory debate" and the quality of evidence used by proponents of recovered memories. The authors' investigation produced information to assist scholars in determining the validity of abuse claims and the use of case studies in general.

Another article, "A Perfect Symmetry? A Study of Retractors' Experiences of Making and Then Repudiating Claims of Early Sexual Abuse" by Ost, Costall, and Bull, is discussed. This study compares the experiences of individuals who recovered and later retracted claims of abuse, finding that retractors took longer to give up their beliefs than to acquire them and reported more social pressure to recover memories than to retract them. The study acknowledges limitations, including its retrospective nature and potential for pressure in its questions.

Media Coverage and Bias

The newsletter criticizes "BBC Bias?" in a program that allegedly misrepresented the FMS Foundation. The Foundation's response to the BBC is detailed, refuting claims about its accreditation status and asserting its commitment to accuracy.

Book Review: "Thought We'd Never Speak Again"

Mark Pendergrast reviews Laura Davis's book "Thought We'd Never Speak Again: The Road from Estrangement to Reconciliation." While acknowledging the book's hopeful message about reconciliation and the importance of acknowledging past mistakes, Pendergrast critiques Davis for not fully admitting the harm her previous work, "The Courage to Heal," may have caused by encouraging what he believes are illusory memories of abuse. He notes that Davis assumes real incest occurred in recovered memory cases and urges accusers to hold onto their "truth," while also pointing out that the book could have benefited from interviewing more parents to present both sides of the story.

Legal News

Several legal cases are reported:

• Las Vegas Jury Rejects Son's Abuse Claim: A jury ruled against Quincy Fortier Jr., who claimed his father had abused him, suggesting the claim was motivated by financial gain rather than memory.
• Daly v Monroe Clinic: Marilyn Daly alleges that mental health professionals at Monroe Clinic implanted false memories of abuse through hypnosis and other techniques.
• Arrest of Maine Man Exposes Recovered Memory Practices: Tom Wright was arrested for alleged abuse, with Wright attributing the accusations to his wife's recovered memories during divorce proceedings. The Portland Press Herald's coverage is praised for contextualizing the case within scientific research.
• Legal Update from Wenatchee: Mark and Carol Doggett filed a $100 million lawsuit against Chelan County, Washington, alleging improper investigation and coercive interviewing techniques in child sex-abuse investigations from which their children later recanted.

Responsibility in Therapeutic Relationships

Allen Feld's article, "Responsibility for the Relationship," discusses the importance of defining and maintaining appropriate therapeutic relationships. He emphasizes that while personal experiences can be helpful, professional knowledge and skills should dominate, and therapists need clear guidelines to protect the public. The article also touches on the increasing number of social work programs and the potential impact on the quality of therapist training.

Conference Information

The newsletter includes a detailed program schedule for the FMS Foundation's conference in Glenview, Illinois, from October 4-6, 2002. The conference features sessions on various aspects of reconciliation, case studies, therapeutic approaches, and legal matters, with prominent speakers like Elizabeth Loftus and Paul R. McHugh.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The False Memory Syndrome Foundation consistently advocates for a scientific and evidence-based approach to memory and trauma. The newsletter expresses skepticism towards the concept of repressed memories, emphasizing the lack of empirical support and the potential for suggestion and external influence to create false recollections. The Foundation's stance is to promote critical thinking, scientific rigor, and the rule of law in addressing allegations of abuse, while also supporting families affected by these issues. The editorial calls for continued vigilance and active participation from readers in raising the level of public discussion on these matters.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated July/August 2002, Volume 11, Number 4, is primarily dedicated to personal narratives and discussions surrounding family reconciliation, false memory syndrome, and therapeutic approaches. The cover story, "Returning is a Process," is a poignant account from a mother detailing her seven-year journey to reconnect with her son after a major nervous breakdown and estrangement. She highlights the role of the FMS Foundation in providing support and explanation during this difficult period, ultimately leading to a restored relationship.

Reader Contributions and Perspectives

The "From Our Readers" section features several significant contributions:

"Returning is a Process" by A Mom

This mother shares her experience of estrangement from her son following a breakdown. She details the pain, despair, and eventual reconnection facilitated by finding the FMSF. Her narrative emphasizes the gradual nature of healing and reconciliation, marked by small miracles like her son's Mother's Day card and eventual weekly visits. She expresses deep gratitude to the FMSF community for their support.

Response to "Another Dad" by Maryellen Ludwig

Maryellen Ludwig responds to a previous article, agreeing that accusers/retractors bear responsibility but disagreeing with the motivation of anger and hate. She recounts her discomfort at an FMSF conference where she felt retractors focused on celebrity and retribution rather than shared responsibility. Ludwig shares her personal pain in accusing her father due to the false memory phenomenon and expresses gratitude for their eventual reconciliation. She concludes that extreme stances on the issue miss the mark.

"Avoid Embittering" by Anonymous Reader

This reader shares two quotes, one from Soren Kierkegaard on the gentleness required to dispel illusions, and a Sufi story about a man who scared others by cutting a watermelon, illustrating how fear can be misdirected. The reader commends the FMS Foundation for adopting the latter approach, seeking not to embitter those with FMS illusions.

"Another View" by [email protected]

This reader identifies a group often overlooked: those who were truly abused but were encouraged by therapists to add to their memories, leading to further instability. She recounts her own negative experience with a therapist who sought to expand her memories, ultimately destroying her family. She expresses frustration that her abuser died without her ever confronting him directly and calls for professionals to find a middle ground for those caught between "true victim" and "retractor" labels.

"How to Heal" by A Mom

This mother shares her family's process of reconciliation, which began five years prior and led to regular contact and civil behavior. She questions the premise of the book "The Courage to Heal," which she believes advocates adversarial actions for healing, and contrasts this with her own experience of seeking reconciliation.

"A Sorrowing Father"

This father writes about the violent nature of actions often advised for emotional healing, such as criminal charges or revenge. He argues that true healing involves eliminating negative feelings and renewing bonds through forgiveness and love, a principle found across major religions and sociology. He emphasizes the human need for association and reconciliation when bonds are broken.

"Dear FMSF Families, Members and Retractors" by Laura Pasley

Laura Pasley expresses gratitude for the outpouring of love and support she received during a recent illness and surgery. She thanks the FMSF community for being a part of her life for the past 10 years.

Announcements and Events

Theophostic Counseling - again! Time Warp

An announcement for advanced training in Theophostic Counseling, including a Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) intensive training, scheduled for July 16-20, 2002, in Campbells-ville, KY. The cost is $895.00 per person.

Book Request: Eleanor Goldstein and Mark Pendergrast

Eleanor Goldstein and Mark Pendergrast are seeking stories and insights for a book on family reconciliation following recovered memory claims. Contact information is provided for Eleanor and Mark.

"Recovered Memories: Fact or Fiction?" and "Recovered Memories: Are They Reliable?"

Information is provided on how to access Paul Simpson's article "Recovered Memories: Fact or Fiction?" online and that FMS Foundation offers free pamphlets on "Recovered Memories: Are They Reliable?"

Trauma and Memory: Accusations of Child Sexual Abuse

A one-day seminar offering Continuing Education (CE) for professionals, scheduled for August 16, 2002, at the University of Washington School of Law. The seminar features speakers like August T. Piper, Jr., M.D., and Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D., discussing memory creation, suggestibility, and the legal system's perspective.

Save These Dates

An announcement for a Conference on Family Reconciliation in Glenview, Illinois, on October 5-6, 2002.

Bulletin Board

The Bulletin Board lists contacts and meeting information for FMSF chapters across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Australia, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It also provides contact details for various FMSF-related services and groups.

Publisher Information and Contact

The FMS Foundation's address, phone number, fax, and website are provided. The newsletter is copyrighted 2002 by the FMS Foundation. Information on how to receive electronic versions of the newsletter and broadcasts about FMS is also included, along with details about the Foundation's status as a 501(c)3 corporation and its governance.

Your Contribution Will Help

A section soliciting donations via Visa, Discover, Mastercard, check, or money order, with fields for card details and personal information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are family reconciliation, the impact and complexities of false memory syndrome, and the critical examination of therapeutic practices related to memory recovery. The editorial stance appears to be one of providing a platform for diverse reader experiences and perspectives, while also offering resources and support for those navigating these challenging issues. The Foundation seems to advocate for a balanced approach, as suggested by the "Avoid Embittering" piece, and encourages open dialogue about the nuances of memory and healing.