False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 20 No 03 - 2011 summer

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, "SUMMER 2011 Vol. 20 No. 3," addresses the persistent problem of false memories and the evolution of therapeutic approaches. The editorial highlights the shift of practices promoting recovered memories from mainstream medicine to the fringes of Christian therapy, contrasting the situation with the early 1990s when such ideas were more widely accepted.

"Couchwork" and Recovered Memories

The newsletter features an article on "couchwork," a technique promoted by Faye Snyder, PsyD, which involves excavating memories of trauma using hypnotic-like processes. The author criticizes this method as being hypnosis-like and lacking scientific basis, citing that it requires clients to focus on sensations and body memories to uncover repressed trauma. The article also references statements from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the American Medical Association, which advise against memory recovery techniques like hypnosis, drug-mediated interviews, and regression therapy, citing a lack of evidence for their accuracy and the potential for creating confabulations or pseudomemories.

Legal Developments

The "Legal Corner" section discusses two significant legal rulings. The first is a Minnesota Appeal Court decision (Doe 76 v Archdiocese of St Paul) that allows experts to testify about repressed memories, stating that the Frye-Mack standard is not applicable. The court suggested that such testimony could help juries understand the difference between repressed memory and forgetting, potentially opening the door for older cases that have passed the statute of limitations. The second is an update on Virginia's law extending the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse cases to 20 years.

Marion Knox and Controversial Therapy

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the controversial practices of Marion Knox, a layman involved in numerous cases in Oregon. The newsletter reprints an article about the Diane Lackey case, where therapists, including Knox, allegedly implanted false memories of satanic ritual abuse and multiple personality disorder. Diane Lackey Brooks, a former patient, warns Christian therapists to change their ways, stating that the misuse of ministry for brainwashing people into cult-like beliefs is dangerous. The newsletter also references a lawsuit filed by Stephen Skotko against Marion Knox, alleging that Knox was responsible for his children accusing him of sexual abuse. The article notes that Knox is not a licensed therapist but has counseled many people, promoting theories about mind control and sodomy.

Peer Pressure and Memory

An article titled "Peer Pressure Influences What We Think We Remember" discusses research by Micah Edelson and colleagues. This study shows that social pressure can significantly influence the development of false memories, with participants often changing their correct memories to match perceived group answers. The findings suggest that social manipulation can alter memory, which has implications for witness testimony in legal cases.

New Book and Media Influence

The newsletter reviews Seth Mnookin's book "The Pain Virus: True Story of Medicine, Science, and Fear," which examines how people hold beliefs contradicted by science. The review highlights the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and influencing research funding, often leading to the uncritical acceptance of claims and the spread of panic.

Editorial Stance and Future of FMSF

The FMSF Newsletter announces its cessation at the end of 2011 after 20 years of publication. The Foundation plans to transition to another form of communication, likely digital, to reach its members. The editorial stance consistently critiques unscientific therapeutic methods, particularly those related to recovered memories and satanic ritual abuse, and advocates for evidence-based practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reinforces the False Memory Syndrome Foundation's long-standing stance against the unscientific promotion of recovered memories and related therapeutic techniques. The newsletter consistently highlights cases where individuals have allegedly been harmed by such practices, particularly within certain Christian counseling circles. The editorial emphasizes the importance of scientific evidence and ethical practice in therapy, while critiquing the spread of misinformation and the potential for exploitation within the field of mental health. The FMSF advocates for a critical approach to claims of recovered memories and warns against therapies that lack empirical support. The transition to a new communication format signals the Foundation's continued commitment to addressing these issues in the future.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 20 No. 3
Date: Summer 2011
Publisher: FMS Foundation

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into critical topics surrounding false memory, facilitated communication, and legal battles related to child abuse allegations. It features articles, reader letters, book reviews, and contact information for various organizations.

Legal Corner: Virginia Bill Extends Sex Abuse Statute of Limitations

The first article discusses a Virginia bill that extends the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution in child sexual abuse cases. It highlights emotional testimony from victims and the debate surrounding the elimination of limitations. Journalist Dena Potter reports on the views of Mark Devoy, founder of Reform Sex Offender Laws of Virginia, who criticized the bill's focus on money over justice. The article notes that in cases of alleged sexual abuse, the burden of proof generally falls on the accused, and in civil cases, it is virtually impossible to prove something did not occur. The scientific debate on repressed memories is not acknowledged in this bill.

A citation is provided for Dena Potter's article in the Insurance Journal, dated February 23, 2011.

Facilitated Communication Redux

This section details the case of Julian and Thal Wendrow of West Bloomfield, Michigan, who received a $1.8 million settlement in January 2011 from the town after being accused of sexually abusing their daughter. The accusations, made in December 2007, involved their 14-year-old autistic daughter, who supposedly communicated with the help of facilitated communication. A facilitator then informed the child's teacher, leading to police contact.

Julian Wendrow spent 80 days in jail and lost his job, while Thal had to wear an electronic tether. Their two children were placed in foster care.

The article explains facilitated communication as a technique intended to help autistic children communicate, where an aide supports the autistic person's hand or arm over a keyboard. It strongly asserts that there is no scientific support for facilitated communication and that it was debunked over a decade ago. Double-blind experiments have consistently shown that the communication is likely that of the facilitator, not the autistic person, who may unconsciously write what they expect.

The Wendrows had specifically requested the use of facilitated communication with their daughter, despite the school system's disapproval due to its lack of scientific support. They believed it would help unlock their daughter's communication, as she was severely autistic with the receptive language skills of a two-year-old.

The investigator in charge of the case was new to the job, lacked autism training, and had never heard of facilitated communication. Prosecutors initially claimed physical evidence supported the charges, but this was found to be untrue. They could not find anyone to testify that facilitated communication was reliable.

By May 2008, prosecutors dropped the case due to a lack of evidence. The girl could not answer questions unless her facilitator also heard them. When tested by school staff using cards, she could not answer correctly. At the request of a Harvard autism expert, Dr. Howard Shane, the girl was tested with her facilitator removed. Her responses to questions like "What color is your sweater?" were "JIBHJIH," and to "Do you have a brother or sister..." were "3FE65." She got none of the 18 questions correct.

Months after the criminal case dismissal, the Wendrows filed a federal lawsuit against the Prosecutors, Police, School District, and Department of Human Services. A judge dismissed some charges, including those against prosecutors due to government immunity. However, enough charges remained for the case to proceed, resulting in the $1.8 million settlement.

A citation is provided for a six-part series in the Detroit Free Press detailing the investigation.

Update Rev Gerald Robinson - Ohio Survivor Doe, et al v Gerald Robinson et al

This section reports on the Ohio Supreme Court's April 2011 decision to refuse to hear the appeal of a woman suing Reverend Gerald Robinson for past sexual abuse. The woman, identified as "Survivor Doe," alleged that Robinson and others participated in torturing her during satanic rituals and that she had recovered repressed memories of Robinson's abuse after seeing him on television.

A lower court had dismissed the case in 2005, citing the statute of limitations. An appeal court reinstated the case, acknowledging the possibility of repressed memories. However, a second dismissal by the first judge occurred. Survivor Doe argued that the statute of limitations should be extended because she did not know Reverend Robinson's identity until she saw him on television. The judge ruled that Ohio law required the woman to have used "reasonable diligence" to identify her accusers before the statute of limitations expired. The judge also noted that she could have sued five other alleged abusers and contacted the police.

Reverend Robinson was convicted in 2006 for the 1980 stabbing of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl.

Citations are provided for articles from UP International and the Toledo Blade.

Blogs to look at

Provides a list of WordPress blogs related to facilitated communication and false memory: churchmousec.wordpress.com and jeanettebartha.wordpress.com.

A quote from Winston Churchill is included: "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened."

The Rutherford Family Speaks to FMS Families

This section promotes a DVD made by the Rutherford family, described as the most popular DVD of FMSF families. It covers their story from accusation to retraction and reconciliation, with family members discussing how they coped and reunited. Beth Rutherford's comments on how her family helped her retract her accusations are highlighted.

Information on how to order the DVD is provided.

Textual Analysis of a Recovered Memory Trial

This mentions a free download of a textual analysis of a recovered memory trial, assisted by computer search for keywords, by Max Scharnberg. It suggests that this technique might be useful for examining cases in other countries, such as a Swedish case, and for determining the truth.

The Ravages of False Memory

This is a review of the book "The Ravages of False Memory" by Brigitte Axelrad, translated into English by Robert Shaw. The book aims to provide answers for patients, families, professionals, and lawyers regarding recovered memory therapies and their destructive consequences. Brigitte Axelrad is an Honorary Professor of Philosophy and Psychosociology at Stendhal University, Grenoble. The book's availability is noted.

Some Books of Interest

A list of recommended books is provided:

• The Trauma Myth: The Truth About the Sexual Abuse of Children and Its Aftermath by Susan A. Clancy
• Remembering Trauma by Richard McNally
• Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology 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.
• Remembering Our Childhood: How Memory Betrays Us by Karl Sabbagh
• Making Minds and Madness: From Hysteria to Depression (Chapter 3: "A Black Box Named Sybil" by Mikkel Borch-Jacobsen)
• Try to Remember: Psychiatry's Clash Over Meaning, Memory, and Mind by Paul McHugh, M.D.

From Our Readers

I Love the Letters from Families

A letter from a mother expresses gratitude for the Winter 2011 FMSF Newsletter and the Johnson's $1 million award in a recovered-memory case. She shares her personal connection to the issue, as her daughter accused her father in 1998. She hopes for the "return of all our accusing children to their families."

The Homecoming

A poem titled "The Homecoming" is included, reflecting on loss, memory, and the hope for a loved one's return. The poem uses imagery of an empty bedroom and past happy memories, contrasting them with present sorrow.

Donate Your Books

Another reader shares their experience of donating five books about recovered memory/false memory syndrome to their local library. They found the act to be proactive and a good feeling, and they urge other parents to consider donating FMS books to their libraries.

FMSF Contact Information and Bulletins

This section provides contact details for the FMS Foundation, including its address, phone, fax, and email. It also offers instructions on how to subscribe to electronic bulletins and notices.

It clarifies that the FMS Foundation is a qualified 501(c)3 corporation and that no other organization or person is authorized to speak for it without prior written approval.

The FMSF Newsletter is published four times a year and is available electronically on the FMSF website. Those without internet access are advised to contact the Foundation.

A section titled "Your Contribution Will Help" solicits donations via Visa, Discover, Mastercard, or check/money order.

Contacts & Meetings - United States and International

A comprehensive list of FMS Foundation contacts and meeting information is provided for various states in the U.S. and for international locations including British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario (Canada), Australia, Belgium, France, Israel, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Web Sites of Interest

A list of relevant websites is provided, including those related to Elizabeth Loftus, Satanic Panics, false memory research groups, investigative journalism, and sites offering information on retractors and filing complaints about therapy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical examination of recovered memory claims and facilitated communication, emphasizing the lack of scientific support for these techniques and their potential for causing harm. The publication highlights legal cases where false accusations have led to significant personal and financial distress for families, and it promotes resources and organizations that challenge the validity of recovered memory therapies. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of recovered memory claims and facilitated communication, positioning itself as a source of information and support for those affected by what it terms "considers" to be erroneous or harmful therapeutic practices.