False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 15 No 05 - 2006 septoct

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, dated September/October 2006, Volume 15, Number 5, addresses the persistent issues surrounding false memories, satanic ritual abuse (SRA) accusations, and problematic therapeutic practices. The newsletter highlights the FMSF's ongoing mission to support families affected by these phenomena and to counter what it views as 'merchants of discredited memory theory.'

Editorial and Introduction

The editorial begins with a lighthearted observation about the phrase 'Create Memories With Mail,' linking it to the FMSF's work with false memories. It notes that the Foundation still receives calls from newly accused families, questioning how this is still happening and expressing concern about 'Christian' counseling programs like Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM) and Virginia-based Restoration in Christ Ministries (RCM).

Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM) and Related Practices

Investigative journalist Jan Fletcher provides an updated analysis of TPM, a rapidly growing inner-healing practice. Fletcher explains that TPM involves clients drifting back to identify a 'historical moment' where a negative emotion was triggered, then identifying a 'lie' within that memory. The facilitator then prays for Jesus to reveal the truth, supposedly vanquishing the lie and pain. Fletcher notes that while TPM claims not to be 'recovered memory therapy,' it is viewed with skepticism due to its potential to generate false memories. The article details the background of TPM's founder, Ed Smith, and his previous counseling practice. It highlights concerns that TPM's premise, that Jesus will appear with a divine message, may lead clients to unquestioningly accept recovered memories. Smith denies TPM is recovered memory therapy but has been accused of publicly attacking critics. Pre-2005 materials from Smith contained dangerous teachings on repressed memories and widespread SRA beliefs. While Smith has made changes to his training manual, including adding a 'hold harmless' agreement, the article suggests a significant risk to the public remains.

Elliot Miller, editor of Christian Research Journal, is cited as having endorsed TPM, stating it operates within 'orthodox Christian theology,' a view not shared by most evangelical counter-cult apologists. Miller's endorsement is noted as a shift from previous critiques. The article also points out that Smith believes alleged Satanists can implant false memories, but counselors cannot, a perspective Miller finds logical.

Legal Cases and Historical Context

Bernard Baran: Pittsfield Massachusetts Day-Care Worker Conviction Overturned

Frank Kane reports on the overturning of Bernard Baran's conviction after 23 years in prison. Baran was the first day-care worker convicted in the US during the 'day-care sex abuse hysteria' of the '80s and '90s. His conviction was based on allegations at the Pittsfield Massachusetts Early Childhood Development Center. Despite the conviction being overturned due to unreliable evidence and prosecutorial misconduct, Baran had to post bail and wear an ankle bracelet. The article details the legal efforts to secure a new trial, including the discovery of edited interview tapes of children that contained exculpatory evidence. The role of Assistant District Attorney Dan Ford, who later became a judge, is questioned regarding the editing of these tapes.

Historical Context of Day-Care Abuse Hysteria

The article provides historical context for the Baran case, linking it to the 'tsunami of satanic ritual abuse-, sexual abuse- and child pornography-ring hysteria' that swept North America in the '80s. Roland Summit's 'Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome' is identified as a theory that influenced many day-care cases by suggesting children might not lie about abuse but could block it out. The McMartin Day-Care case in California and the Fells Acres (Amirault) case in Massachusetts are cited as examples. The FBI's involvement in promoting training for investigating non-existent SRA rings is also mentioned. The article notes the influence of books like 'Sybil' and popular culture in promoting the idea of recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse.

Accusations of Satanic Cult Abuse: A Tragic and Unusual Ending

This section details the case of Richard and Susan Hamlin, a couple who were successful attorneys. Susan Hamlin's recovered memories of child sexual abuse, allegedly involving her father, led to a trial where Richard Hamlin was convicted of torturing his wife, spousal abuse, and misdemeanor child endangerment. The case involved claims of satanic cults and mind control. Surprisingly, the trial did not receive widespread national media attention. The article notes that Ted Gunderson, a figure known for promoting SRA beliefs, was hired as a private investigator. The Hamlin children initially supported their father but later testified against him after learning his story about a satanic cult was unfounded. The article suggests that the recovered memory claims precipitated the implosion of the Hamlin family, leading to divorce, bankruptcy, and foreclosure.

Books and Media

Two New Books of Interest by FMSF Advisory Board Members

The newsletter highlights two new books by FMSF Scientific Advisors: Paul McHugh's 'The Mind Has Mountains: Reflections on Society and Psychiatry,' which includes an article questioning the reliability of recovered memories, and Frederick Crews's 'Follies of the Wise: Dissenting Essays,' which contains articles that were influential in public opinion on recovered memories.

Sybil DVD Released

The release of the 30th Anniversary Edition DVD of the original made-for-television movie 'Sybil' is announced. The DVD includes a documentary with interviews of the movie's stars, producer, screenwriter, and a friend of the real Sybil.

Symptom Lists and Hidden Memories

This section lists behaviors and conditions that may be associated with dissociation, including self-harm, addictions, eating disorders, conversion disorders, pseudoseizures, childhood abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, hearing voices, mood changes, attention deficits, PTSD, depersonalization, and borderline personality adaptations. It references Richard A. Chefetz, M.D., who suggests these might be symptoms of dissociation, though not everyone with such histories has a dissociative disorder.

Profile

Paul Durbin, Ph.D., a retired US Army Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care, is featured. His third book, 'Hypnotherapy for Body, Mind and Spirit,' includes a section on false memories. Durbin received the 'Pen and Quill' Award for the book.

From Our Readers

What Is the Message?

A reader questions the underlying message conveyed by the letters published in the newsletter, wondering if efforts to reconcile with falsely accused children are worth sacrificing dignity, loyalty, and self-respect.

Memory Mongering

This letter introduces the term 'Memory Mongering,' analogous to 'disease mongering,' to describe the selling of sickness or the promotion of diagnoses that widen illness boundaries and grow markets for treatment providers. The author suggests that 'Memory Mongering produces Post-Therapy Disorder' and should be considered for inclusion in the DSM.

Second Thoughts Helped Our Daughter to Retract

A parent shares how reading Dr. Paul Simpson's book 'Second Thoughts' helped them understand how their daughter came to believe she had been abused. The book's explanation of regression counseling matched their daughter's experience, leading the parents to support her retraction of accusations against her grandfather.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly critiques therapeutic practices that may lead to the creation of false memories, particularly Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM) and similar Christian counseling approaches. The FMSF emphasizes the severe negative consequences of these practices on individuals and families, highlighting legal cases like Bernard Baran's and the Hamlin family's tragedy as examples. The newsletter also revisits the historical context of the 'day-care sex abuse hysteria' to underscore the dangers of unresearched theories and media sensationalism. The editorial stance is clearly against the promotion of recovered memory claims and advocates for critical evaluation of therapeutic methods, particularly those originating from religious or pseudo-scientific backgrounds. The FMSF positions itself as a counter-force against what it terms 'merchants of discredited memory theory,' aiming to protect families from the devastating effects of false accusations.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: September/October 2006
Volume: 15
Issue: No. 5
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into themes of reconciliation, the nature of memory, and the psychological and societal factors influencing belief systems, particularly concerning false memories and alien abduction.

Personal Accounts of Reconciliation and Recovery

The issue opens with a poignant personal story from a father whose daughter, after years of estrangement due to accusations stemming from recovered memory therapy, has recanted her claims. The daughter realized the impossibility of the events she accused her grandfather of and is now in the process of writing a letter to apologize. The father expresses immense joy and gratitude for the role of Dr. Simpson's book, 'Second Thoughts,' in facilitating this recovery and reconciliation. He prays that other families facing similar situations will find hope and truth.

Another personal narrative, titled 'Accepting the Sadness,' is from a mother who has been estranged from her daughter for 17 years. Despite the pain of this separation, including the daughter's absence during her father's and brother's illnesses and funerals, the mother expresses a desire for reconciliation. She recounts a recent phone call from her daughter, who apologized for fabricating untrue stories and blamed her own life's difficulties on her mother. The daughter expressed a desire to begin a new relationship, and though the mother initially felt numb, she gradually experienced positive feelings and eventually visited her daughter, finding the visit successful.

Exploring the Psychology of Belief and Memory

'What's Wrong With These Stories?' section presents several cases that question the validity of recovered memories and the therapeutic approaches involved.

One case involves Patrick Dropp, who believes his 800-pound weight is solely due to incest and ritual abuse he experienced as a child, memories he uncovered after four years of therapy. His brothers dispute these memories, suggesting that the psychologist implanted 'weird things' in his mind. The article highlights the controversy surrounding recovered memories and the potential for images to be planted.

Another case from British Columbia discusses a woman named Susan who claims to have multiple personalities (261 identities) developed from childhood abuse, including experiences in a 'satanic cult world.' She seeks treatment from a specialist in multiple personalities, but provincial law only reimburses treatment by psychiatrists, leading her and her supporters to advocate for a change in the law. The article also touches upon the division within the psychiatric community regarding the diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), with some experts calling it a 'cult' causing harm.

An article from Australia reports that the Melbourne Archdiocese paid $33,000 to a man who alleged sexual and physical abuse by a priest, with the investigator finding the claimant's credibility unquestionable. The claimant also alleged witnessing three murders, though police found no records of missing persons.

ABDUCTED: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens by Susan A. Clancy is reviewed. The book's third chapter, 'Why do I have memories if it didn't happen?', is highlighted. Clancy's research suggests that the belief in alien abductions often arises from individuals seeking explanations for personal distress, such as unexplained nighttime terrors, physical anomalies, or relationship issues. She posits that 'being abducted by aliens' has become a culturally available narrative for distress, fulfilling emotional needs for connection, specialness, and a sense of a larger purpose.

Resources and Community Information

The newsletter provides extensive lists of Web Sites of Interest and Legal Web Sites of Interest, covering topics from theistic satanism and false memory reading groups to legal resources and information on attachment therapy. It also lists websites for various FMS societies and organizations across the US and internationally.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families is promoted as a popular DVD that chronicles a family's journey through accusation, retraction, and reconciliation, offering insights into coping mechanisms.

Recommended books such as 'Remembering Trauma' by Richard McNally and 'Psychology Astray' by Harrison G. Pope, Jr. are listed, along with 'Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology.'

Contact information for FMSF Contacts & Meetings is provided for numerous states within the US and for international locations, facilitating community connections and support.

Editorial Stance and Foundation Information

The FMS Foundation Newsletter is published by the FMS Foundation, a 501(c)3 corporation. The newsletter aims to provide information and support to individuals and families affected by false memory syndrome. The foundation encourages participation and contributions, with information on how to donate provided. The newsletter will be delivered electronically starting in 2007, with an option for those without internet access to contact the foundation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the devastating impact of false memories, particularly those generated through recovered memory therapy, on individuals and families. The newsletter consistently advocates for critical examination of memory claims, supports those who have been falsely accused, and promotes reconciliation and healing. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific and legal aspects of memory, as well as the psychological phenomena that can lead to the formation of false beliefs, whether related to childhood trauma or extraordinary experiences like alien abductions. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated memory claims and support for victims of therapeutic misdirection and their families.