False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 18 No 04 - 2009 fall

Magazine Overview

Title: FALSE MEMORY SYNDROME FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
Issue: Vol. 18 No. 4
Date: Fall 2009
Publisher: False Memory Syndrome Foundation

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter critically examines the ongoing debate surrounding repressed memories and dissociative identity disorder (DID), with a particular focus on how these concepts are portrayed in the media and their impact on the legal system.

Media Misinformation: The "Lie to Me" Phenomenon

The newsletter opens by addressing the television program "Lie to Me," which aired a segment encouraging the use of hypnosis to recover repressed memories. The FMSF expresses disappointment, especially since the show is based on the work of psychologist Paul Ekman, Ph.D., who also consults for the program. The foundation argues that the suggestion that hypnosis is an accurate way to recover repressed memories is a "lie" that misleads the public. The article quotes segments of the show that discuss multiple personality disorder and the use of hypnosis, and notes that Paul Ekman stated the show's scientific elements are about 90 percent accurate. However, the FMSF criticizes Ekman for not acknowledging the dangers of using hypnosis to recover memories, which they claim has destroyed families and lives. The newsletter points out that legal systems have recognized these dangers, with many state supreme courts ruling against the admissibility of testimony from hypnotized witnesses.

Legal Battles and Scientific Validity

The newsletter delves into several legal cases where the concept of repressed memory played a significant role. The Shanley case in Massachusetts is highlighted, where nearly 100 scientists signed an amicus brief arguing against the scientific validity of repressed memories. The brief, filed in the case of former priest Paul R. Shanley, who was convicted of assaulting Paul Busa based on recovered memories, stated that such theories are "pernicious psychiatric folklore" that have caused "incalculable harm." The FMSF also filed its own amicus brief in this case. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court was expected to make a decision on Shanley's appeal, which could significantly impact the legal standing of recovered repressed memories.

Another case discussed is the Indiana clergy case, where a man claimed to have recovered memories of abuse by a priest. The legal debate centered on whether trauma victims can truly lose access to their memories and later recover them, and how this might affect the statute of limitations. Experts for both sides presented their views on the validity of repressed memories.

The newsletter also reports on the mistrial in the case of William H. Ayres, M.D., in San Mateo, California, who faced numerous charges of child molestation. The case's foundation was a former patient's recovered memory from 1976, and the subsequent investigation, aided by an advocate, uncovered many other potential victims.

Furthermore, the newsletter mentions the John Stoll case in Kern County, California, where a man spent nearly 20 years in prison based on child abuse accusations that later proved to be coerced testimony, highlighting the dangers of suggestive questioning and the lack of physical evidence.

The "Memory War" Continues

The FMSF emphasizes that despite scientific skepticism, the notions of repression and multiple personality remain deeply embedded in cultural belief, perpetuated by media and certain professional organizations. They express concern that without a concerted movement by professional bodies and greater media responsibility, these concepts will persist in popular culture. The newsletter notes that the public is often more engaged by sensational stories of recovered memories than by scholarly analysis.

Other Topics and Events

The issue also includes information about upcoming workshops, such as "The Tapping Cure" and "Hypnotic Inductions to Align the Human Energy Field," and a discussion on "Memory Reconsolidation" based on recent neuroscience findings. A correction is made regarding statistics on Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) from a previous newsletter. The newsletter also mentions the S.M.A.R.T. (Stop Mind Control and Ritual Torture) conference, which the FMSF views as promoting unsubstantiated claims of satanic conspiracies and repressed memories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMSF's stance is consistently critical of the concepts of repressed memories and multiple personality disorder, viewing them as lacking scientific foundation and causing significant harm. The newsletter advocates for scientific rigor in psychology and psychiatry, and criticizes the media for perpetuating what it considers to be "pernicious psychiatric folklore." The FMSF aims to educate the public and legal systems about the unreliability of recovered memories and to counter misinformation. The newsletter also highlights the foundation's efforts to reduce its own necessity by educating people and encouraging critical analysis of these controversial topics.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, Volume 18, Number 4, from Fall 2009, features a collection of reader-submitted letters detailing personal experiences with the False Memory Syndrome (FMS) and its profound impact on families. The newsletter serves as a platform for individuals to share their struggles, seek support, and offer insights into the complexities of recovered memory allegations.

Repressed Memories in North Carolina

This section presents a detailed account from a couple in North Carolina who endured a two-and-a-half-year ordeal involving false accusations of abuse against them by their daughter. The situation escalated to legal action, with civil damages sought for over $120,000, which the parents' attorneys viewed as extortion and slander. The daughter allegedly dropped all charges when the parents refused to pay. The experience led to significant emotional distress, marital strain, and financial costs, including over $60,000 in legal fees. The parents also faced social repercussions, such as their minister refusing to provide an affidavit, leading to their withdrawal from a church they had been part of for nine years. Despite the trauma, the couple celebrated their 46th anniversary and expressed hope for the future.

Reconciliation Services

A letter from a father expresses gratitude for the FMSF's work and suggests the foundation consider opening a new service focused on reconciliation between estranged families. He shares his own experience of being falsely accused by his daughter ten years prior, resulting in him not meeting his grandchildren. He believes an intentional, professionally-staffed reconciliatory service could help his family and others.

The editor's response highlights that the fundamental obstacle to reconciliation is an accuser who refuses contact. Without willingness to engage in mediation or communicate, breaking the 'cult-like cocoon' is difficult. However, if an accuser is willing to talk, trained professionals can guide families toward negotiation and possible reconciliation.

Apologized and Reunited

This brief note shares a positive update: a daughter has reunited with her parents, recanted her accusations, and apologized. She had previously divorced her husband, who had encouraged her accusations, and the family is now able to support her. The parents express deep gratitude for the FMSF's help during their trial.

Falsely Accused-Again

A mother shares her experience of her younger daughter falsely accusing her of sexual assault in 1993, leading to a decade of minimal contact. The daughter later apologized and seemed normal, but about a year prior to writing, her older daughter also falsely accused the mother of molestation. The mother notes that her younger daughter has again cut off contact and is undergoing EMDR therapy. She expresses astonishment at the perceived impotence of major professional organizations in addressing these issues and questions the scientific validation of recovered memory therapies.

After 20 Years

This letter details a reconciliation that occurred after 20 years of estrangement. The author's accusing daughter, now living in England, contacted her father to request a DNA sample for a family history of cancer. This request initiated communication, and after several exchanges, they began emailing and speaking by phone regularly. While they have not met face-to-face, the father cherishes this renewed connection, though he laments not knowing details of her current life and fears she is lost to him due to her support of her 'delusion.' The author also mentions starting a cyber FMS Support Group to help families new to the devastation of FMS.

What Has Worked and Why?

This section poses questions to readers, seeking insights into what has worked in breaking through children's 'Stone Walls of Silence' and reconnecting with estranged families. The author is interested in hearing from retractors, those who have reconnected, and therapists who have changed their views on recovered memories.

Wishing for More

This piece quotes an excerpt from McGowan's 'Out of the Past' in Discover magazine, discussing the scientific understanding of false memory as a normal phenomenon and the malleability of memory. The author, a parent affected by FMS, expresses that while the article is good, it understates the profound tragedy of FMS for affected families, contrasting it with the minor academic experience described. They feel that research on memory malleability has not deterred proponents of repressed memory theories.

Publish Family Letters in A Book

A grieving mother expresses finding solace in reading letters from other families who have experienced FMS. She suggests that the FMSF consider publishing these letters in a print book.

The editor responds that all letters from 1992 are available on the website and suggests looking for published books like 'Confabulations' and 'True Stories of False Memories.'

The Oldest Repressed Memory Victim?

An individual over 75 years old believes they may be the oldest victim of False Memory Syndrome. They recount recent difficulties and therapist visits, including a negative experience with a therapist who allegedly shifted focus to repressed memories rather than the presenting issue. The author expresses profound grief for those suffering from FMS and hopes for the exposure and punishment of therapists perpetuating these practices.

Books of Interest

A list of relevant books is provided, including titles on trauma, pseudoscience in psychology, repressed memory, and the nature of memory and mind.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the devastating impact of False Memory Syndrome on individuals and families, the legal and emotional battles faced by those falsely accused, and the ongoing search for reconciliation and healing. The FMS Foundation is presented as a vital support network for those affected. The editorial stance, as inferred from the content and the foundation's purpose, is one of advocacy for those affected by FMS, providing resources, support, and a platform for sharing experiences, while also critically examining the theories and practices associated with recovered memory.