False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 16 No 01 - 2007 winter

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated Winter 2007, Volume 16, Number 1, focuses on the ongoing and contentious debate surrounding recovered memories, false memories, and their profound impact on individuals, families, and the legal system. The newsletter provides updates on legal cases, research findings, and personal narratives, all contributing to a complex picture of memory and its potential for distortion and misinterpretation.

Key Articles and Features

Families Take Action Against 'Soul Surgeon'

The newsletter highlights the success of families in Oregon who united to have the credentials of therapist Debra Lacey rescinded by the Evangelical Church Alliance. Lacey, who called herself a "Soul Surgeon" and claimed expertise in MPD, had previously settled a lawsuit in 2004. Despite the exposure of her controversial therapy methods, she continued to see patients. The families' efforts involved informing state investigators and church officials, setting a precedent for others harmed by church-related counselors.

The Professional 'Memory Wars'

The professional community remains divided on the issue of recovered memories. Psychologist Matthew Erdelyi proposed a theory of repression intended to unite different sides of the debate, suggesting that true and false recovered memories exist and that repression can be both conscious and unconscious. However, his article in a professional journal was met with 25 commentaries, ranging from supportive to highly critical, indicating that a consensus on the definition of "repression" is still far off.

Legal Ramifications and Statute of Limitations

The confusion surrounding repressed memories has significant legal consequences, leading to time-consuming and expensive court cases. In response to clergy-abuse scandals, some state legislatures are considering extending statutes of limitations in child sex-abuse cases where claimants allege repressed memories. This raises concerns about politicians making decisions on scientific matters where professionals disagree.

Research on Memory and Forgetting

New research by Elke Geraerts and colleagues explores why some individuals might believe they have recovered memories when they may have simply forgotten they were aware of events earlier. The study indicates that individuals reporting recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse may be more likely to underestimate prior remembering than those with continuous memories or no history of abuse. The authors clarify that this does not mean the memories are false but suggests a potential for false impressions.

The Steven Slutzker Case

A criminal case in Pennsylvania involving Steven Slutzker, convicted of murder based on the recovered repressed memory of the victim's son, is discussed. The conviction was largely based on the son's claim of a flashback memory from when he was five years old. The case highlights the enormous resources drained by the justice system due to confusion over recovered memory claims. An appeals court later overturned the conviction, citing failures in the original trial, and Slutzker was awaiting retrial.

JonBenet Ramsey Case and John Mark Karr

The international media spectacle surrounding the possible murder of JonBenet Ramsey by John Mark Karr is mentioned, with evidence suggesting Karr had recovered his memories with the help of a professor. Michael Tracey, an associate professor of journalism, played a role by bringing his suspicions about Karr to the Boulder District Attorney, precipitating the media explosion. E-mails between Karr and Tracey are presented, showing Karr's struggle with recalling traumatic events.

'Lost in Therapy': A Personal Journey of Reconciliation

The article "Lost in Therapy" details a survivor's journey of rebuilding her life and reconciling with her family after realizing her recovered memories were untrue. The author describes experiencing panic attacks, seeking support from the FMS Foundation, and gradually reconnecting with her siblings and mother. The process involved acknowledging the pain caused, offering apologies, and understanding that reconciliation requires ongoing effort and open communication. The author emphasizes the importance of patience and honesty in the healing process.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Seminar

A workshop on "Advanced Issues in the Treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder" is announced, focusing on the structure of the dissociative surface, decoding alter egos, and shame reduction methods. The workshop aims to provide participants with rationales for working with DID alters and explore newer models of dissociation.

In Memory of Howard Fishman

The newsletter pays tribute to Howard Fishman, a tireless advocate for the falsely accused who passed away in November 2006. Fishman was known for his generosity, quick insight into problems, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice. He dedicated much of his work to cases involving young children and was a significant figure in the "memory wars" and ongoing battles to reform family law, mental health, and criminal justice systems.

New Zealand News: Peter Ellis Case

Readers are directed to a website about the Peter Ellis case in New Zealand, focusing on the Christchurch Creche case. The site contains extensive news reports and highlights examples of "Toddler Testimonies," which document how children may be influenced to say things that never happened. The article notes the irony of a recent increase in media reporting on false accusations in New Zealand after the hysteria had subsided.

Purveyors of Nonsense: Sherrie Lea Laird

This section critiques claims of reincarnation, specifically Sherrie Lea Laird's assertion of being Marilyn Monroe, attested to by psychiatrist Adrian Finkelstein, M.D., through past life regression therapy.

Lest We Forget: Prisoner of Another War

This excerpt from a 1991 memoir, "Prisoner of Another War," is presented as a reminder of the ubiquity of and lack of skepticism surrounding recovered-memory beliefs in the 1980s. It describes "Dr. Osborne's" regressive therapy, which aimed to uncover childhood trauma and facilitate the surfacing of buried memories.

Running Out of Time: Mavis Lipman's Account of Ted Hamilton

Mavis Lipman recounts the story of Ted Hamilton, who was convicted of abusing his daughter based on her recovered memories. Hamilton maintained his innocence and fought for years to clear his name. Despite his efforts, he died alone in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in July 2006, after facing significant challenges related to his conviction, including being placed on the Sex Offender's Registry. Lipman expresses gratitude for the support Ted received from the FMS Foundation and its members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the complexities and controversies of recovered memories, false memories, and their impact on individuals and society. The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently adopts a critical stance towards the uncritical acceptance of recovered memories, particularly in legal and therapeutic contexts. It highlights cases where such claims have led to wrongful convictions, family divisions, and significant psychological distress. The newsletter emphasizes the need for scientific rigor, skepticism, and a thorough examination of evidence when dealing with memory claims. It champions the cause of the falsely accused and advocates for a more cautious and evidence-based approach to memory and trauma.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, Winter 2007, Volume 16, Number 1, is a publication from the FMS Foundation, based in Philadelphia, PA. The newsletter covers topics related to false memory, recovered memory, and child abuse, with a focus on legal cases, personal experiences, and available resources.

Legal Corner

Delaware Grapples With Recovered-Memory Cases

This section details the legal case of Eric Eden v. Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, decided on December 4, 2006, by Delaware Superior Court Judge Calvin L. Scott Jr. Eric Eden, 35, sued the principal of the Salesianum School and the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, alleging repressed memories of abuse by priest Rev. James O'Neill. The abuse allegedly occurred between 1976 (when Eden was eight) and 1985 (when he was seventeen). While Eden reported the abuse in 1985, he claimed amnesia for nine years until April 2002, when his memories returned due to media coverage of sex abuse cases. The judge allowed Eden to sue under Delaware's discovery rule exception for "inherently unknowable injuries," but not for the 1985 incident itself due to the two-year civil statute of limitations. This is noted as Delaware's first repressed-memory case.

Rev. James O'Neill was transferred to schools in Pennsylvania and North Carolina after the 1985 report.

Douglas McClure Lawsuit

Another client of Thomas Neuberger, Douglas McClure, filed a recovered-memory suit on December 3, 2007, against the Wilmington Roman Catholic Diocese. McClure alleges he was abused by Rev. Edward Carley, who died in 1998. McClure's memories reportedly returned after reading about a settlement in another case involving Rev. Carley. The article notes that McClure also suppressed memories of his 14-month combat experience in Vietnam.

Legislative Efforts

Delaware lawmakers were considering changing the statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. A bill introduced in 2006 aimed to grant victims 25 years after their 18th birthday to file suit. The legislative session ended before the bill passed, but sponsors planned to reintroduce it in 2007.

Two articles from The News Journal by B. Miller are cited: "Judge sends priest-abuse lawsuit to trial" (December 7, 2006) and "Statute of limitations under scrutiny" (December 16, 2006).

Family Histories - Two Ideas

Mattie's DVD Slide Show

Mattie shared her idea of creating a DVD slide show of her children's growing-up pictures. She described it as "much more than picture after picture," branching into different directions with great music. While her alienated child did not respond, other family members were thrilled, with one daughter calling it the best present she had ever received. Mattie Zimmerman can be contacted at [email protected].

Laura Pasley's Heritage Helpers

Laura Pasley, a consultant who has helped many FMSF families, is now involved with a company that developed a computer program called Heritage Helpers. This program is designed to assist families in writing their histories, especially for children and grandchildren who may not know the full stories of their lost children. Pasley shares her own experience of writing her parents' life stories. For more information, contact Laura Pasley at http://www.laurapasleyscreativecorner.com or by email at [email protected]. She can also be reached at 972-557-6709.

From Our Readers

Before and After Regression Therapy

A letter from a daughter to her father expresses gratitude for his love and for making God's love real to her. She thanks him for her "rich heritage" and for being a "tool the Lord has used to make His love real to me."

Several Months After Accusation

This letter from a son-in-law and daughter addresses the recipient directly, stating that "a great deal has changed in our relationship" since an unspecified accusation. They emphasize that the children are aware of the damages and that the family has "moved forward." They request no further contact, stating that letters, packages, phone calls, and emails are not welcomed.

Recommended Reading

The author recommends extensive reading on childhood sexual abuse and recovered memories, particularly a book written for physicians during medical residency in psychiatry. The author found that medical texts showed the "unscientific and callow nature of materials supporting repressed memory as 'therapy,'" creating a significant gulf in understanding. The author suggests the FMSF newsletter list leading textbooks, including medical texts, on childhood sexual abuse.

Feeling of Accomplishment

A contributor shares positive news about a therapist friend who specializes in abuse treatment. This friend is now president of a charity that provides school uniforms and assists the local Rape Crisis Center. The charity is checking facts before helping a particular person, and the contributor believes their own discussions about FMS since 1995 may have influenced this due diligence.

Feeling good

A concerned mother is seeking information from anyone who has experienced detrimental "therapy" with Stephen (Steve) Oglevie in Burley, ID. She requests a brief outline of what happened, and states that providing a name is not necessary. Her email is [email protected].

Yahoo Answers

This section discusses references to "false memory" and "false memory syndrome" found on blogs and informal internet postings. A paraphrase of a Yahoo Answers exchange is presented:

• ASKER: Questions whether a person can make false accusations about childhood events to feel better about an unsuccessful business deal.
• REPLY 1: Suggests it's possible to create a false memory in another person, especially if the person is in a position of authority and the recipient is highly suggestible. Hypnosis is not necessary. Recommends the book "Myth of Repressed Memory: False Memories and Allegations of Sexual Abuse" by Elizabeth Loftus and Katherine Ketcham.
• ASKER: Confirms this possibility, believing a person in authority convinced his older brother of abuse by their mother, despite no supporting evidence.
• REPLY 2: Mentions two family members who developed false memories, one mentally ill, the other believing dreams happened.
• REPLY 3: Suggests "False Memory Syndrome" is possible, but also rationalization, where making childhood seem bad absolves adult responsibility.

The exchange was found on Yahoo Answers on December 19, 2006.

Hungry for Monsters

This section reviews the 2003 film "Hungry for Monsters" by George Csicsery, which has been re-released on DVD with additional scenes. The film explores the background of recovered memories in the Althaus case, where 15-year-old Nicole Althaus accused her father of sexual abuse. The case involved allegations of satanic rituals, and as Nicole embellished her accusations, more people were arrested, including her mother and two strangers. A year later, all charges were dropped, Nicole admitted her accusations were false, and her family sued the authorities. The DVD is available from Facets MultiMedia and has also been acquired by Teachers TV in the UK.

Web Sites of Interest

A comprehensive list of websites related to false memory, satanic ritual abuse, and related topics is provided, including sites from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Belgium, Israel, New Zealand, and Sweden.

Legal Web Sites of Interest

Provides a list of legal websites: www.caseassist.com, www.findlaw.com, www.legalengine.com, and www.accused.com.

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

This section promotes a DVD made by the Rutherford family, which covers their story from accusation to reconciliation. It highlights Beth Rutherford's comments on how her family helped her retract her accusations.

Recommended Books

• Lists three recommended books:
• "Remembering Trauma" by Richard McNally
• "Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology" edited by S. O. Lilienfeld, S.J. Lynn, J.M. Lohr
• "Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of "Repressed Memory" and Childhood Trauma" by Harrison G. Pope, Jr., M.D.

Bulletin Board: Contacts & Meetings - United States

This section provides a directory of FMS Foundation contacts and meeting information for various states across the United States, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Bulletin Board: Contacts & Meetings - International

This section provides contact and meeting information for international FMS Foundation chapters and contacts in British Columbia (Canada), Manitoba (Canada), Ontario (Canada), Quebec (Canada), Australia, Belgium, Israel, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board

Lists the members of the FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board as of January 15, 2007. The board includes numerous doctors, professors, authors, and legal professionals with expertise in psychology, psychiatry, and related fields.

Contact Information and Contribution Request

Provides contact details for the FMS Foundation, including phone, fax, email, and website. It also includes a section for readers to make contributions via credit card or check/money order.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently questions the validity and scientific basis of "recovered memory" as a therapeutic concept, often citing sources that highlight its potential for creating false memories or being used for unscientific purposes. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine abuse cases and those potentially influenced by suggestion or misreporting. The FMS Foundation presents itself as a resource for information and support, while also advocating for a critical examination of recovered memory claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards the concept of repressed memories, while acknowledging the reality of child abuse and the need for justice for victims. The newsletter aims to educate its readers on the complexities and controversies surrounding recovered memory, providing legal updates, personal accounts, and research-oriented resources.