False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 13 No 06 - 2004 novdec

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated November/December 2004, Volume 13, Number 6, addresses the persistent issue of false memory syndrome (FMS) and its impact on individuals and the legal system. The newsletter highlights the term's entry into common language, even when used outside its original context.

Editorial Introduction

The editorial begins by referencing a presidential campaign analysis that used the term "False Memory Syndrome" to describe political discourse. It notes the term's inclusion in the Oxford Concise Dictionary with a definition aligned with the FMSF's concerns. The editor reflects on the historical roots of recovered memory phenomena, tracing it back to the 1950s with "The Search for Bridey Murphy," and discusses how the scientific debunking of hypnosis-assisted memory recovery in the mid-1980s by experts like Martin Orne and Campbell Perry has not eradicated the problem.

The editorial expresses a desire for doctors to discourage smoking and for therapists to avoid techniques that might lead to false beliefs that damage families. It mentions the disbanding of the FMS group in the Netherlands due to new government regulations, contrasting it with the lack of similar national policy in the US.

A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to the legal challenges surrounding recovered memories, specifically mentioning the ongoing case in New Hampshire that could overturn the 1996 Hungerford decision, which set criteria for the admissibility of repressed memories in court. The editor emphasizes the need for continued education to prevent a resurgence of unscientific beliefs about recovered memories and thanks supporters for their contributions.

International Perspective: Netherlands Workgroup Fictive Memories

A letter from the Netherlands Workgroup Fictive Memories (WFH) announces the cessation of their activities after ten years. They explain that their focus was on therapies inducing incest memories. Despite registering nearly 300 cases, they faced resistance from official psychological organizations. The WFH notes that claims of "repressed" and "recovered" memories of abuse have not been proven, and media outlets have been fined for publicizing unsubstantiated claims. The group experienced internal challenges, including the death of members. They highlight efforts to gain attention from the Ministry of Public Health and the eventual establishment of a committee that produced an official advice in January 2004 acknowledging the problem and suggesting guidelines. The WFH expresses satisfaction that their main goals have been achieved and that parents are no longer calling in despair. They are ending their work, wishing the FMSF success in their endeavors.

"Losing Linda: A Legacy of Recovered Memory Therapy" - Part II

This section continues the personal narrative of Jennifer Anderson, detailing her sister Linda's journey into recovered memory therapy. Linda, a prolific writer, sent numerous letters to her mother between 1982 and 1988, detailing her life, marriage, and personal growth. These letters paint a picture of a loving daughter and sister.

The narrative shifts dramatically with a phone call from Linda in August 1989, where she asks her mother if she had ever been abused as a child. This call, occurring as the recovered memory therapy movement gained momentum, marked a turning point. Linda became distant and withdrawn, and her conversations felt like therapy sessions. Her relationship with her family became strained, leading to a lack of contact.

In September 1990, Linda sent a letter to her mother, Joanne, stating, "You are not welcome here. If you come to visit, we will not see you..." This abrupt and unexplained rejection deeply worried her mother. The narrative suggests that Linda had become deeply immersed in recovered memory therapy, possibly influenced by books like "The Courage to Heal."

The author presents declarations from Linda's friends and supporters, submitted in a 1998 restraining order petition against her mother. These declarations echo phrases and concepts found in "The Courage to Heal," such as "healing" and "family-of-origin," which the author argues are used to facilitate the severing of family ties. The narrative points out how the book encourages making a "break" with family and creating an "alternative family." Linda adopted a new identity, casting off her maiden and married names.

The author expresses concern that Linda's therapy-induced beliefs have created a closed system, with no room for doubt. She also notes Linda's fear of her family, whom she perceived as a "satanic ritual abuse cult," while the family feared Linda was involved in a cult herself. The narrative highlights the irony of this mutual fear.

The section further explores the influence of "The Courage to Heal," noting its advice on suicide prevention and the concept of "family-of-origin." The author criticizes the book's methodology and its potential to create or foster false memories, citing the "certified under penalty of perjury" declarations that use phraseology directly from the book.

Legal Corner: Hungerford Challenged

This section details the legal challenge to the 1996 Hungerford decision in New Hampshire. The case involves Rhianna Light, who claims to have recovered repressed memories of sexual abuse by her father. The prosecution argues that the science of memory repression has advanced since 1996. The defense, however, questions the reliability of recovered memories, citing expert testimony that the number of studies on "repressed memory" rose sharply in the late 1990s and then declined, suggesting it was a "fad" rather than established science.

Expert witnesses for the defense, Harrison Pope, MD, and Peggy Ward, Ph.D., testified that Light did not meet the criteria for admissibility and that her statements were inconsistent. They also noted that Dr. Daniel Brown, who testified for the prosecution, omitted studies by Richard McNally. The defense attorney argued that Catherine Ganley-Brown, Light's therapist, may have suggested the possibility of abuse, planting the seed for recovered memories.

Update of Klassen Case

This update reports on the settlement of a 14-year legal fight concerning malicious prosecution for child abuse involving the Klassen and Kvello families. The terms of the agreement are confidential. In January 2004, the Saskatoon Chief of Police apologized for the role the police service played in the wrongful charges. In September 2004, all 12 individuals involved received declarations of innocence.

From Our Readers: In Memoriam

This section includes a tribute to Chuck Noah, described as a "good friend and a most kind man" and a "true pioneer in the struggle for good therapy and sound mental health practices." The tribute acknowledges the shock and grief experienced by "early-'90s FMS parents" due to false allegations of childhood sexual abuse and the formation of the FMSF to educate the public. It praises Noah's activism in picketing the clinic staff who harmed his daughter.

From Our Readers: Letters

One letter from a reader discusses the phenomenon of memory loss in films and its resurgence, linking it to trauma and design. Another letter from a reader reflects on the loss of Linda through recovered memory therapy and expresses a desire to have her sister back.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistence and impact of false memory syndrome, the challenges of distinguishing between genuine and recovered memories, the legal implications of recovered memories in court cases, and the personal devastation that can result from recovered memory therapy. The FMSF's stance is clearly against the unscientific claims and practices associated with recovered memory therapy, advocating for education and caution among professionals and the public to prevent harm and the resurgence of these beliefs.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, Volume 13, Number 6, dated November/December 2004, is published by the FMS Foundation. The newsletter is distributed to individuals who contribute at least $30.00 annually or is available via email and on the FMSF website. The ISSN is 1069-0484.

Key Articles and Features

Personal Accounts and Legal Actions

The issue features several personal accounts and legal updates related to False Memory Syndrome (FMS) and recovered memory therapy. One article details the experiences of a person who was diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) and subsequently suffered negative consequences from their therapist's actions, including loss of marriage, custody of children, and career. This individual filed a complaint against their social worker, James (Jim) Perdue, with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. The Ethics Committee reviewed complaints against 24 therapists, with Perdue's case involving charges of 'inflicting harm during therapy,' breaking confidentiality, soliciting clients for business ventures, and making sexual innuendos.

Another section provides a correction regarding social worker Dorothy Neddermeyer. The newsletter clarifies that Neddermeyer does hold a Ph.D. and that in 2003, New Jersey permanently restrained her from practicing social work or counseling, ordering her to change her website to clarify her limitations and pay restitution.

The issue also includes a personal reflection on a friend named Chuck, who was dedicated to opposing 'fad therapy' and helping others. Chuck's efforts included obtaining a license to practice private psychotherapy and advocating for individuals like Ray and Shirley Souza. A visit to the Witch Museum in Salem, Mass., and the U.S.S. Constitution is recounted, with Chuck remarking on the historical significance of the 1692 Witch Trials.

Theophostic Counseling

Jan Fletcher, a writer for the Central Kentucky News-Journal, received an award for Excellence in News Writing for her work on Theophostic counseling. The judges praised her in-depth and understandable explanation of complex theological issues. Fletcher's website, www.lyingspirits.com, offers an investigative report on Theophostic counseling and related resources.

Canadian False Memory Support Groups Meeting

A meeting of Canadian False Memory Support Groups was scheduled for Sunday, November 7, 2004, in Toronto. The program included a welcome by Mavis Lipman, presentations on challenges for the FMSF, international group successes (Dutch parents' group, Manitoba officials), a victim's quest for justice, the science and folklore of traumatic amnesia by Richard J. McNally, and legal developments discussed by Alan D. Gold. The cost for the meeting, including lunch, was $25.00 Canadian.

Web Resources and Film Screening

The newsletter provides an extensive list of "Web Sites of Interest" and "Legal Web Sites of Interest" related to false memory, recovered memories, and related topics. It also announces a screening of the film "Hungry for Monsters" at the Three Rivers Film Festival in Pittsburgh on November 9, 2004.

FMS Stories Wanted

The FMS Foundation is seeking nonfiction accounts from survivors of False Memory Syndrome and therapeutic FMS/MPD abuse for a collection to be published by DEL SOL PRESS. Relatives who have not retracted but admit harm are also invited to submit their stories.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

A video produced by the Rutherford family, detailing their story from accusation to retraction and reconciliation, is highlighted. The video is available in DVD format for $10.00 per DVD, with additional charges for shipping to Canada and other countries.

Bulletin Board and Contacts

A comprehensive "Bulletin Board" lists contacts and meeting information for FMS support groups across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Australia, Belgium, Israel, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The deadline for submitting meeting notices for the January/February newsletter is December 1.

Advisory Board and Contributions

The FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board is listed, comprising numerous academics and professionals in psychology, psychiatry, and related fields. The newsletter also includes a section encouraging contributions to the FMS Foundation, with options for payment via credit card or check/money order. The minimum credit card donation is $25.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on the issues surrounding False Memory Syndrome, recovered memory therapy, and the alleged abuses that can occur within therapeutic settings. The editorial stance appears to be critical of certain therapeutic practices and supportive of individuals who believe they have been harmed by them. There is a strong emphasis on providing resources, support networks, and legal information to those affected by FMS. The newsletter also highlights the importance of scientific understanding of memory and warns against the dangers of pseudoscience in therapy, as evidenced by the quote from Fred Crews.