False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 14 No 05 - 2005 septoct

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, dated September/October 2005, Vol. 14 No. 5, addresses the ongoing 'memory wars,' the accountability of therapists, and the impact of repressed memory claims on families and individuals.

Legal Developments and Therapist Accountability

The lead article discusses the Wisconsin Supreme Court's split decision in *Johnson v. Rogers Memorial Hospital et al.*, which allows a judge to determine if a woman's medical records should be made available to parents, even against the objections of the patient and therapists, in cases of alleged negligent therapy leading to accusations against parents. This ruling is significant because it potentially provides a pathway for parents to hold therapists accountable when patient-therapist privilege has previously prevented access to crucial records. The article notes that while this decision applies specifically to the Johnson case, the arguments presented by the justices carry broader implications for patient-therapist confidentiality.

The newsletter also touches upon the fact that many therapists who promoted repressed memory theories have not taken responsibility for their past actions. An article on D. Corydon Hammond, Ph.D., is highlighted, suggesting he may be distancing himself from his past beliefs in intergenerational satanic abuse cults without having yet taken responsibility.

The State of the 'Memory Wars'

The publication observes that the country remains divided on the reliability of recovered memories, but the trend is shifting towards skepticism, citing the Wisconsin decision as an indicator. It contrasts a sensationalized account of recovering memories through 'bioenergetics' (smashing pillows) with a more scientifically grounded explanation from Roger Pitman of Harvard Medical School, who links vivid traumatic memories to stress hormones and the amygdala.

Personal Accounts and the Survivor Sub-culture

Several personal accounts illustrate the ongoing struggles related to repressed memory claims. One caller faced her non-citizen husband's deportation due to a plea bargain in a recovered memory case, while another's sister was jailed for murdering their mother under the belief of past abuse. A retractor sought to hold her former therapist accountable after becoming skeptical through web research.

Jeanette D. Bartha writes about her personal experience with repressed memory therapy (RMT) and what she describes as a 'psychotherapy cult.' She details techniques used to keep patients isolated and indoctrinated, including separation from family, sleep deprivation, and forced confessions. Bartha discusses the 'survivor sub-culture,' which she believes is based on victimization and fueled by misinformation online. She notes that this sub-culture often involves individuals diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) who are insulated from mainstream ideas, leading to increasingly bizarre beliefs.

D. Corydon Hammond and Conspiracy Theories

An extensive section by Peter Freyd examines the past work of D. Corydon Hammond, Ph.D., a recognized expert in memory and trauma. Freyd details Hammond's 1992 'Greenbaum speech,' in which he espoused a conspiracy theory about a Nazi-trained scientist named 'Dr. Green' who allegedly masterminded an international, multi-generational conspiracy using mind-control experiments, electric shocks, and torture to create 'mindless robots' for satanists. Freyd notes that Hammond has since attempted to distance himself from this speech, claiming it was taken out of context and that he quit working with dissociative disorder patients shortly after. However, Freyd argues that the speech was not an isolated incident but a culmination of Hammond's devotion to a conspiracy theory that influenced his professional practice and that of others. The article includes excerpts from a 1989 videotape featuring Hammond discussing 'Ritual Child Abuse,' linking it to SS and death-camp squads. Hammond's theories allegedly affected his therapeutic practice, as seen in the case of patient Elizabeth Gale, who was allegedly programmed by a satanic cult. Freyd questions whether Hammond still believes these theories or if he is remaining silent for other reasons.

Comparisons between the U.K. and U.S.

Jeffrey S. Victor, Ph.D., compares the fight against false accusations in the U.S. and the U.K. He notes that in the U.S., the active participation of families, lawsuits against professional organizations, and media attention have been crucial. He contrasts this with the U.K., where he suggests there may be greater trust in government and the judicial system, and police awareness of false accusations seems lower. Victor also discusses the role of decentralization in the U.S. versus centralization in the U.K. in organizing efforts against false memories and highlights the influence of mass media in both countries.

Practical Suggestions for Dealing with Moral Panics

Victor provides practical suggestions for dealing with moral panics, categorized into organizing, publicizing, and gathering information. He encourages volunteer involvement, establishing support groups, finding sympathetic lawyers, and seeking allied organizations. Publicizing efforts should include training programs, scientific workshops, and engaging with the press. Gathering information involves keeping computer files and news releases ready.

Other Articles and Book Reviews

The newsletter also includes a brief report on a study showing that cognitive therapy reduces repeat suicide attempts. Several books are reviewed, including Susan A. Clancy's "How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens," Joseph E. Davis's "Accounts of Innocence: Sexual Abuse, Trauma, and the Self," and "Destructive Trends in Mental Health: The Well-Intentioned Path to Harm" edited by Wright R.H. and Cummings N.A. A review of Bartholomew R.E. and Evans H.'s "Panic Attacks: Media Manipulation and Mass Delusion" is also presented. Sigrid Macdonald's novel "D'Amour Road" is mentioned, inspired by efforts to free David Milgaard.

A correction is noted regarding the reporting editor of a previous article. A legal corner discusses the *Johnson v. Rogers* case in more detail, explaining the background and legal arguments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMSF Newsletter consistently advocates for skepticism regarding repressed memory claims, emphasizing the potential for iatrogenic harm caused by certain therapeutic practices. The publication highlights legal battles and societal shifts that challenge the validity of repressed memories, while also providing resources and information for those affected by false accusations. The editorial stance is critical of therapeutic approaches that may implant false memories and supports efforts to hold therapists accountable. There is a clear focus on the 'memory wars' as a societal and psychological phenomenon requiring ongoing investigation and public awareness.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 14 No. 5
Date: September/October 2005
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 1069-0484

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter features personal accounts and resources related to False Memory Syndrome (FMS), focusing on themes of reconciliation, recovery, and the impact of therapy on memory.

A Sister Returns

The lead article, "A Sister Returns," details a family's eight-year struggle to reconnect with a sister who, after falling under the influence of a "psychic healer" specializing in ritual abuse counseling, made false accusations against her family and cut off contact. The sister was influenced by books like "The Courage to Heal" and hypnosis. The family, devastated by the accusations and her disappearance, joined the FMS Foundation and sought to understand the situation. Despite initial setbacks, including the sister's continued fear and resistance to direct contact, the family persisted with sending postcards, letters, and gifts. The psychic healer's death created a potential opening for reconciliation. After years of slow progress, including the sister's expressed desire to resume contact and a religious conversion, a breakthrough occurred. The sister began to communicate again, and after eight years, the father invited her to visit. This visit marked a significant step towards reconciliation, with the sister eventually providing her phone number and permission to call. Although the mother passed away that same month without seeing her daughter in person, she died knowing reconciliation was underway. The sister later invited the father and the author to visit her, and has since given permission for the author to call her, indicating a full return to a loving family relationship.

Advice for FMS Families

In a section offering advice, the author classifies their sister as a "returner" rather than a "retractor," emphasizing the goal of maintaining pleasant visits to encourage continued contact. The advice given to other FMS families includes:

• Maintain friendly contact: Keep sending letters, postcards, and gifts, even without a response.
• Make reconnection easy: Provide contact information like phone numbers and addresses, as individuals with FMS may be disorganized.
• Remove barriers: Ensure that the cost of communication, like a phone call, does not hinder reconciliation.
• Accept limitations: Understand that reconciliation is ultimately the decision of the other person; you can only facilitate it.
• Focus on emotional connection: Logical arguments may be ineffective against "repressed memories," so maintaining an emotional bond is crucial.
• Never give up: Persistence is key, as demonstrated by the author's sister returning after they had almost lost hope.

The author concludes that while an explicit retraction of false accusations is not critical, having the sister back and resuming a normal family relationship has lifted a significant burden.

Now Very Close: A Daughter's Reconciliation

This section, written by "A mom," describes the reconciliation process with her daughter, who had been influenced by therapy involving accusations. The daughter, now 20, returned to meet her grandfather for the first time in years. Despite initial apprehension and a pact with her mother to limit the visit, the granddaughter stayed for an extended period, speaking freely with her grandfather. She expressed interest in attending an FMS meeting and is trying to understand how her therapy led to such detailed "seen" situations. The author notes that the daughter may experience anger at having lost family contact for so many years. The mother also shares that her other daughter lives in another state with little contact, attributing this distance to "The Courage to Heal."

The author emphasizes the miracle of this reconciliation, thanking readers for their support and prayer. They highlight the value of prayer, patience, and love in overcoming heart-wrenching times, noting that total reconciliation will take time, just as it took 15 years to reach this point.

Web Sites and Legal Resources

The newsletter provides extensive lists of web sites of interest, categorized by topic such as False Memory Syndrome, memory exhibits, skepticism, and legal resources. It also lists specific legal web sites for research.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

A popular video featuring the Rutherford family is highlighted. The video covers their story of accusation, retraction, and reconciliation, with Beth Rutherford sharing insights into how her family helped facilitate her retraction.

Recommended Books

Several books are recommended, including "Remembering Trauma" by Richard McNally, "Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology" by Lilienfeld, Lynn, and Lohr, and "Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of 'Repressed Memory' and Childhood Trauma" by Harrison G. Pope, Jr., M.D.

Save This Date

An announcement for the Illinois-Wisconsin FMS Society Fall Meeting on October 9, 2005, in Des Plaines, IL, with the theme "Coping: Where are you now?" The meeting will include discussions on individual coping strategies and will feature retractors as resource people.

Do You Read German?

This section recommends a two-part article from Der Spiegel about how people develop vivid visual recollections of events that never happened, using the example of Dresden bombing survivors and Ronald Reagan's personal war memories.

Bulletin Board

The "Bulletin Board" section lists contacts and meetings for FMS groups across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Australia, Belgium, Israel, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It also provides a deadline for submitting notices for the November/December newsletter.

Contact Information and Contribution

The back page provides contact information for the FMS Foundation, including its address, phone, fax, and website. It also includes a section for readers to make contributions via credit card or check, with a minimum credit card donation of $25.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges and triumphs of reconciliation within families affected by False Memory Syndrome, the role of therapy in implanting or distorting memories, and the importance of support networks like the FMS Foundation. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for those affected by FMS, providing resources, personal stories, and a platform for discussion and recovery. The newsletter promotes the idea that recovery and reconciliation are possible, even after prolonged periods of estrangement and false accusations, emphasizing patience, persistence, and the power of love and prayer.