False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 15 No 03 - 2006 mayjune

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated May/June 2006, addresses the ongoing debate surrounding recovered memory, particularly in light of the remake of the movie "Sybil." The newsletter features articles, letters, and legal corner updates that critically examine the phenomenon, its impact on individuals and families, and its controversial presence in legal and therapeutic contexts.

Recovered Memory Phenomenon and the "Sybil" Remake

The lead article questions whether a "mini-resurgence" of recovered memory beliefs is occurring, citing a CNN report about a woman's recovered memories of abuse. The newsletter highlights the upcoming DVD release of "Sybil" and its description, which includes Nancy L. Preston's book "Life After Sybil" and details the story of Sybil Dorsett (played by Sally Field) and her psychiatrist Cornelia Wilbur (played by Joanne Woodward). The article critically examines the "Sybil" story, questioning the claim that Sybil's multiple personalities resulted from a "harrowing upbringing" and noting the lack of evidence for this. It points out that before 1973, multiple personality disorder was rare, but after the book's publication, diagnoses surged to over 40,000 by 1994, suggesting the story's appeal coincided with a time of social change.

Robert Rieber's book, "The Bifurcation of the Self," is introduced as a tool for educating people about false memories. This book contains transcripts of conversations between Flora Rheta Schreiber and Cornelia Wilbur. Rieber analyzes Sybil's case, titling a section "Sybil: A case of multiple personalities and the natural history of a myth," and suggests that Schreiber and Wilbur were driven to make Sybil a multiple personality case. The newsletter poses the question of whether a new generation will be influenced by the "Sybil" remake and rerelease.

"A Can of Worms" and the Royal College

An article discusses "A Can of Worms," a booklet launched by the Scottish Ministry of Health for working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The booklet, which recommends "The Courage to Heal" and lists "subtle signs" of abuse, has caused consternation. Critics noted its lack of scientific credibility, with authors admitting it was not an academic paper. The article also mentions a "working party" within the Royal College revising guidelines on memory, trauma, and psychotherapy, noting that the current chair has no links to the FMS Foundation, though a member of the psychotherapy section is on the working group.

Victoria Government Inquiry

The newsletter reports on the release of a report from a Victoria, Australia Government inquiry into recovered memory therapy. The report is described as a disappointment, fudging research findings and indicating that recovered memory therapy is no longer considered a problem. While it offers recommendations for professional bodies, it omits significant research, including Richard McNally's book "Remembering Trauma," and fails to mention a case where a Sydney mother, father, and grandmother were awarded damages for wrongful arrest based on a daughter's accusation.

Munchausen by Proxy

The article "Sickened: The memoir of a Munchausen by proxy childhood" by Julie Gregory is discussed. Brian Morgan, an investigative reporter, found documentation that substantial claims in the book were false, but Random House refused to acknowledge the problems. The article explains Munchausen by proxy as a disorder where a mother fabricates or exaggerates a child's illness to gain attention. It notes that many accused mothers are well-meaning but inappropriately concerned, and that the "exotic label" can entangle them in a destructive web. The article highlights cases in the UK where mothers were released from prison after accusations were proven false, and criticizes government experts for misrepresenting statistics and presuming evil intentions.

"Inner Healing in the Church"

Jane Gumprecht's review of "Abusing Memory: The Healing Theology of Agnes Sanford" explores the roots of "Inner Healing" practices in Christian counseling. The book traces these practices to Agnes White Sanford, who developed her theories from Jungian psychology, the occult, and New Thought. Gumprecht argues that Sanford's theories are not biblically sound, describing Sanford as a pantheist who conceptualized God as energy and herself as a channel. The review notes Sanford's exploration of various religions and mysticism, and her development of "Healing of Memories."

Legal Corner

Kentucky Judge Overturns Recovered Memory Conviction

This section details the case of Timothy Smith, whose conviction for abusing his daughter was overturned after he served five years. The daughter, Katie Smith, had accused him based on recovered memories, but her death under bizarre circumstances brought the case to light. The Kentucky Innocence Project argued that the conviction lacked evidence, and it was revealed that "Doctor" Kimberly Wolfe, a key witness, was a registered nurse with a Ph.D. from an unaccredited online school, whose credentials were not adequately challenged at trial.

Louisiana Repressed Memory Case Dismissed

Joseph Thomas Bartucci, Jr. sued Michael J. Jackson for child sexual abuse based on recovered memories. The case was dismissed because there was no verifiable corroboration, repressed memory is controversial, and Jackson was shown to be elsewhere at the time of the alleged abuse.

Toledo Ritual Murder Trial Begins

The trial of Father Gerald Robinson, accused of murdering a nun in 1980, is highlighted. The case involves claims of recovered repressed memories, ritual murder, and satanic cults, with allegations of police collusion with clergy to cover up the case. Evidence includes bloodstains matching a letter opener found in Robinson's home.

Statutes of Limitations in Sex Abuse Cases

This section discusses the movement to extend statutes of limitations for sex abuse cases, with six states having already done so since 2002. The Catholic Church is actively opposing such proposals in several states, arguing it would be unfair and lead to the "dismantling and pillaging" of the community.

Survivor Testimonies

Letter to FMS Family Members From A Survivor

A survivor recounts their experience of "therapy" that led to a breakdown, encouraged loss of family contact, and involved coerced "full body contact." The therapist diagnosed the survivor as "schizoid" and suggested they were highly dissociative. The survivor describes being manipulated into believing their loving memories were wrong and that their mother hated them, leading to a perversion of their former self. They express gratitude to the FMSF for saving their life.

FMS Beliefs Are Still With Us

Catherine Oxenberg shares her experience of sexual abuse, an eating disorder, and depression, and how healing the wound of child abuse led to a "sixth sense" for detecting it in others.

From Our Readers

Several letters from readers are included:

• Thoughts: A reader reflects on the lingering impact of accusations from a daughter, the rift with another daughter, and the hope for reconciliation.
• Cruelty to Good Families: A parent describes the seven-year estrangement from their daughter due to "so-called professional therapy" and expresses hope for the phenomenon to be studied.
• I Almost Gave Up Hope: A mother shares the miracle of reconnecting with her youngest daughter and granddaughter after years of estrangement, expressing gratitude for the FMSF.
• In My Life-Better than Not: A mother discusses her daughter's impending visit, acknowledging the lack of a full recanting but valuing the improved relationship.

FMSF Advisory Board

Rochell Gelman, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and cognitive science, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Her work includes causal and quantitative reasoning. The FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board now lists eight members of the NAS and IOM.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the dangers and controversies surrounding recovered memory therapy, the impact of false memories on individuals and families, and the legal and ethical implications of these claims. The FMSF's stance is clearly critical of the recovered memory phenomenon, advocating for scientific accuracy and highlighting the potential for harm caused by unsubstantiated therapeutic practices and legal reliance on such evidence. The newsletter aims to educate the public and support those affected by these issues, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based approaches.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated May/June 2006, Volume 15, Number 3, is published by the False Memory Syndrome Foundation and focuses on the controversial topic of repressed memory.

Key Articles and Content

"Thank You" Letters

The issue opens with two "Thank You" letters from fathers expressing gratitude for the FMS Foundation's work. One father thanks the organization for helping him rebuild a relationship with his daughter after a difficult divorce and accusations of abuse stemming from repressed memory retrieval therapy. He describes being separated from his ten-year-old daughter due to her mother and step-mother's involvement with such therapy, leading to a lengthy civil and criminal trial. Despite his eventual plea bargain for a misdemeanor, he credits the FMS Foundation with providing the support needed to reunite with his daughter fifteen years later.

The second "Thank You" is from a father who expresses deep gratitude for condolences received during a terrible time, mentioning that his daughter and he are slowly rebuilding their relationship, lifting a huge weight from his shoulders. He attributes this to the work of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation.

"A New Generation for Sybil"

A grandparent writes to warn middle-aged parents to be wary of the 'Sybil' movie, fearing it could cause hysteria among their children and grandchildren, similar to how their own generation was affected. The writer suggests that this new generation, if informed about the 'hoax' of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), could prevent further 'Sybil hysteria' from spreading.

"Worthy of Support"

This section highlights ABC's weekly television program "InJustice," praising its consistent effort to prove the innocence of those with false convictions and encouraging reader support.

"Thoughts From A Dad"

This piece reflects on letters from grieving parents whose grown children refuse to return to the fold. The author suggests that parents may not have done anything wrong and should avoid taking on guilt. He advises dealing from strength, exploring new phases in life, and recognizing that adults are independent. The author also includes a quote from Roseanne on CNN's Larry King Live about making amends and having a great relationship with her family.

"A Different Scenario"

This article presents an alternative perspective on the FMSF's usual narrative, suggesting that accusing daughters might be willing co-conspirators with smug therapists, making their parents scapegoats for personal problems. The author concludes with a blunt "Good riddance" to such individuals.

"Remember the McMartin child abuse case of the 1980s?"

This brief note recalls the McMartin preschool trial, where children's accusations of satanic cult activity and sexual abuse were later revealed to be false memories planted by investigators, leading to dismissals and overturned convictions.

"Repressed Memory' Challenge"

Authored by Harrison G. Pope, Jr. and James I. Hudson, this article proposes a $1000 reward for anyone who can produce a published case of "repressed memory" (in fiction or non-fiction) prior to 1800. The authors argue that the concept of repressed memory or dissociative amnesia might be a romantic notion from the 1800s, not a scientifically valid phenomenon. They outline five criteria for a case to qualify: 1) severe trauma, 2) amnesia for the trauma for months/years, 3) recovery of the memory, and 4) selective forgetting of a traumatic event, excluding biological factors or amnesia for non-traumatic events. They note that while examples exist after 1800 (e.g., Rudyard Kipling's 'Captains Courageous'), no pre-1800 cases have been found. They provide contact information for submissions and mention Scott Lukas as an impartial arbitrator for disputes.

"ABDUCTED: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens"

This section reviews Susan A. Clancy's book, highlighting her research on alien abductions. Clancy suggests that the "trick to creating false memories is to get confused between things you imagined, or read, or saw, and things that actually happened." She posits that questions about unexplained terrors, odd moles, feelings of loneliness, or relationship issues often lead abductees to seek explanations, with alien abduction becoming a culturally available one. The review also notes that many people have strong emotional needs, such as the desire to feel less alone, be special, or find meaning, which can drive these beliefs.

Web Sites of Interest

A comprehensive list of websites related to false memory syndrome, therapy, and related topics is provided, including links to academic research groups, news archives, and support organizations.

Legal Web Sites of Interest

Several legal resource websites are listed, such as caseassist.com, findlaw.com, and legalengine.com.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

This section promotes a DVD about the Rutherford family's experience, covering their story of accusation, retraction, and reconciliation, with a focus on Beth Rutherford's comments on how the family helped her retract her statements.

Recommended Books

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

Bulletin Board

The newsletter includes a detailed "Bulletin Board" section listing contacts and meetings for FMS support groups across the United States and internationally, organized by state and country.

Publisher Information and Contribution Request

The back pages provide copyright information, contact details for the FMS Foundation (address, phone, fax, email, website), and details about the Scientific and Professional Advisory Board as of May 1, 2006. It also includes a section encouraging contributions, with options for Visa, Discover, Mastercard, or check/money order, and a request for personal information for processing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of repressed memory theory and its associated therapies. The FMS Foundation consistently positions itself as a counterpoint to what it views as flawed or harmful practices, emphasizing the potential for false memories to be created and the devastating impact on families. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards repressed memory claims, support for individuals and families affected by such accusations, and advocacy for scientific rigor in psychological research. The newsletter actively promotes resources, support networks, and alternative perspectives that challenge the validity of repressed memory phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the potential for suggestion, brainwashing, and the creation of false narratives within therapeutic contexts, particularly concerning child abuse allegations.