Thursday, December 31, 2015

EXPERTS, SCIENTISTS AND RESEARCHERS

This collection of articles and research that ONLY include:
1) Researchers with peer reviewed studies
2) Those with a Ph.D. or M.D. and professional experience
3) Lawyers with legal experience in memory related cases
4) Professional Organizations Statements

Comments and insights by professional researchers of trauma and memory, clinical practitioners and lawyers who have won significant cases involving "repressed memories". (2016)
Skeptics Dictionary Updates "Repressed Memory" Treatment"
 Updated article detailing inconsistencies and lack of empirical support for "repressed memories" by Robert T Carroll. Ph.D. researcher and author of several works (books, articles and websites) on psuedosciences.  Despite the verdict of empirical science a minority continue to practice and be sued. (2016)
Shocking Survey Data Revealed in Canadian Journal of Psychiatry
Research experts in psychiatry and psychology from Binghampton University, Concordia University and Emory University jointly write about surveys of the general population and practicing counselors regarding repressed and recovered memories.  Large numbers of the general public and practicing counselors hold beliefs about memories that are not supported by informed scientific research.  Implications for a wide variety of ethical, legal and destructive societal influences are cited along with encouragement for an educational system that emphasizes science over pseudoscience.   Can J Psychiatry. 2015 Dec; 60(12): 541–547 (2015)
The Trauma Model of Dissociation: Inconvenient Truths and Stubborn Fictions
Researchers from Binghamton University, Emory University, Maastricht University, Harvard University, University of California, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Victoria University of Wellington with thousands of peer reviewed studies write a joint review of the research concerning "dissociation" (onced called repressed memories) and conclude there is no empircal evidence supporting this model. [Psychol Bull. 2014 May;140(3):896-910. doi: 10.1037/a0035570] (2014)
"Now, with three decades of hindsight, we can say a few things with a high degree of confidence. Recovered memory is either entirely or mostly a fiction. People do not repress memories of extreme trauma. Further memories are now known to be constructed and malleable. ...The events widely depicted by many who recovered memories are now known to have never happened. (2014)
How Long Will a Lie Last? False Memories Linger for Years
The idea that misinformation is somehow “weaker” than the truth, that it does not last as long or pierce as deep disagrees with the research. Misinformation can be just as enduring, and even increase in strength over time. This has real world consequences. (2014)
Major "Repressed Memory Researchers" with "inconsistent" data forced by reviewing committee (external to the European University) to retract research. Data sources depicted were found not to exist as verifiable public records and authors failed to provide original data. Paper was cited 10 times prior to retraction. (2013).
University Psychology Researchers examine how participants generate modifications to memory narratives that create and reinforce false memories. False memories are one type of false memory were once called "repressed memories" (but now often referred to as "pseudo memories) [ J Exp Psychol Gen. 2013 Aug;142(3):827-44. doi: 10.1037/a0030093. Epub 2012 Sep 17]. (2012)
Memories of Abuse Research: No Evidence of Repressed Memories
Harvard researcher, Dr. McNally, adapts paradigms from cognitive psychology, and tested hypotheses inspired by both the "repressed memory" and "false memory" perspectives on 300 "recovered memories" of Child Sexual Abuse. There was some evidence for the false memory perspective, but no evidence for the repressed memory perspective. Nebraska Symp Motiv. 2012;58:121-47. Archive  (2012).
Ruling of 2nd Federal Circuit Court ends litigation relying in any way on "repressed memories" (or the methods known to produce pseudo memories). All plea bargains ordered to be reviewed. All prisoners using repressed memories ordered o be released (2011).
A juror describes a criminal case as "a witch hunt" in the state of Washington that continued for years. 43 "Deniers" jailed, 5 convicted and imprisoned. Parents promised to have custody of their children at plea bargain lost custody after agreeing to plea. All accused eventually found innocent. Some found innocent and released after 8 years of prison (1998). Numerous civil proceedings settled against the state (2005). Civil proceedings against the state continue decades later by the children taken from their homes (2011).
Psychologists and lawyer that has won numerous Insurance fraud cases cites reasons "recovered memory therapy" has been largely stopped. (2010)
False Memories of childhood nurtured with suggestions This is a 4 min video. (2009)
Dr. Carol Tavris, renowned social psychologist researcher and feminist, comments on Recovered Memory Therapy. (2009)
Professional Researcher debunks myths about trauma and memory:Renowned Harvard psychology researcher researches claims of those who believe in repressed memory and finds no empirical support. Published in Canadian Journal of Psychology (2005).
Psychology researchers from Stanford, University of California and Oxford University (England) fail to find a "single repressed memory" of childhood sexual abuse when 217 confirmed child sex abuse victims were interviewed years later (as adults) in largest followup study ever performed. Increased trauma increased the likelihood of memory which is in complete opposition to the assertions of those who maintain repression and amnesia of childhood sexual abuse. (2003)
University of Washington Researcher investigates widely publicized "repressed memory" case. Discovers claims by victim to be fraudulent. Researcher is then investigated for violating privacy, then charged with criminal and ethical violations and sued by claimant. Following years of proceedings and investigations the researcher is exonerated of all criminal charges, found innocent by a professional board and civil proceedings were dismissed without award. Dr. Loftus (now with the University of California) is now recognized with numerous awards for courage and integrity in the face of physical threat, professional abandonment and legal harassment (2002).
Peer reviewed experiment by renowned psychological researchers had clients imagine bizarre events with guidance and repeat them over varied times and time periods. Those who repeated the stories more likely to recall the imaginings as an actual memory.  This duplicates how fantasies (repressed memories) can be believed as memories with repeated verbal repetition of the fantasy (2002).
Researcher Debunks "Repressed Memory Case" Wins Case
Scientist found innocent in 20 of 21 charges after research reveals fraudulent representation of famous case often used to support "repressed memories". Last charge dropped by accuser. (2001)
University of Texas Professor and professional researcher writes about how ideas lacking evidence, like repressed memories, that fail to gain consensus of experts still appeal to the untrained public (2001).
Dr. John Cannell summarizes AMA and legal rulings recognizing that recovered memory therapy generating "repressed memories” often produces false memories or what Sigmond Freud came to call "fantasies." (1999)
Repressed memories rejected as evidence in court. Lawsuits against Psychiatrists, therapists, counselors and life coaches pile up. (1999)
Lawyer and psychologists publishes in Psychology Journal on Repressed Memories (now debunked) and the forced reform of Mental Health now includes informed consent (1998)
Dr. Christopher Barden (PhD Psychology and JD in Law) questions Mr. David Calof. David Calof was identified as a "Recovered Memory Expert" in PBS documentary on repressed memories. Mr. Calof has no degree and has never taken an college course. Mr. Calof admits in deposition that "repressed" memories of his clients are "not memories" but "allows his clients to characterize them in this way". (1998)
Recovered memory therapy in all forms rejected by experts in therapy. (1997)
Review:   The Myth of Repressed Memory
World renowned memory researcher and courtroom expert (Ph.D. in Psychology) authors a book based on two decades of experience and the research current at the time.  This book carefully and gently leads the reader to the conclusion, based on the accounts and interviews, that "repressed memory" can not possibly provide anyone with reliable accounts of the highly emotional traumatic recollections years or decades later as claimed. In fact the events may never have taken place historically and may be the result of confabulations, distortions, assumptions, suggestive therapy, coercive questioning or source confusion among other factors (or any combinations of these possibilities).
Review:   Second Thoughts
An expert credentialed and experienced as a counselor (Ph.D.) was trained in and used recovered memory therapy techniques.   Clients then recovered "repressed memories" using recovered memory therapy and displayed rapidly declining mental health. Increases in depressions, suicidal tendencies and inability to function were documented.  Following careful research the author concluded that "repressed memories" were false memories that harmed his clients and devastated families.  This book, detailing research and experience, is still useful and readable over 20 years after being first published.
"Repressed Memories" are controversial & extremely rare if they do occur. "Seek a licensed and insured therapist" for such assistance. (addressed since 1996)
Social workers instructed to remain neutral on recovered memory claims. Recovered memories can be accepted as real ONLY with corroboration and external evidence. (1996)
Once thought there might something to "repressed memories" but after 40 years of study has come to conclusion that it is a truly a myth. (1996)
Practicing, licensed Therapist was not helping clients improve and saw the devastating impact of the therapy on families with questionable, uncorroborated and unsubstantiated memories. Therapist now undoing damage. (links to similar therapists) (1995) 
Peer in reviewed journal cautions accepting "repressed memories" as factual. (1995)
Officially has banned members from using therapies designed to recover repressed memories of childhood abuse. (1995)
A Ph.D. who is also an expert in hypnosis, has extensive clinical experience and has researched memory explains how recovered memory therapy techniques are creating false memories based on the suggestibility of vulnerable clients, source confusion, confabulation and fantasy. (1994)
Studies often used to support "Repressed Memories" examined and debunked. (1994)
Research by Dr. August Piper, Jr. "Truth Serum" and "recovered memories" of sexual abuse indicates that a there is no evidence that the use of psychotropic medication provides reliable memory recovery. A review of the evidence was provided for the Journal of Psychiatry and Law, 21, 447-471 (1993)
Study by Dr. Paul Simpson and expert in recovered memory therapy (that now works to cease use of that technique) authors study of retractors and reveal multiple sources for pseudo memories (1993)
Heavily annotated and extensively researched by an expert memory researcher. This is a major work still read in the psychological and psychiatric fields 30 years later. (1993)

Professional Organizations:
No longer references "Repressed Memories"and encourages those who remember childhood sexual abuse to seek a licensed and insured therapist" for such assistance. (website updated in 2016)
The AMA considers recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse to be of uncertain authenticity, which should be subject to external verification. The use of recovered memories is fraught with problems of potential misapplication. (1996)
Social Worker Professionals on "Repressed Memories"Social workers instructed to remain neutral on recovered memory claims. Recovered memories can be accepted as real ONLY with corroboration and external evidence.  (website Table was last updated 2000)
Officially has banned members from using therapies designed to recover repressed memories of childhood abuse. (Recovered Memory Therapy by members banned in 1995)
Studies often used to support "Repressed Memories" examined and debunked. (1994)
Informed professionals read and learn. References to "repressed memory" no longer exist in the DSM V.   
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Location: Walla Walla, WA, USA

EXPERIENCES

New Forms of False Accusations Destroying the Innocent on Campus 
"Frozen" and "trauma induced fragmentation" are new forms of questionable "social science" that confirm false accusations.  (Archive 2017)
Fraudulent Therapy in 2016! How is it possible?
"Personal Development Coach" nurtures false memories of abuse and isolates client.
Beth Shares Her Story
Therapy induced tragedy results in large settlement. Counselor still practices.
Celebrity Retracts 14 years Later
"It’s the worst thing I’ve ever done in my life...” Rosanne told Oprah
Famous Case Found to be a Fake
Details a story, book and movie repeatedly depicted as true found to be faked for personal profit.
Survivor and Writer Speaks Out!
She wishes friends would have helped her see truth rather than helped her believe pseudo memories which she now knows were always false.
First Do No Harm
Therapist was not helping clients improve and saw the devastating impact of the therapy on families with questionable, uncorroborated and unsubstantiated memories. Therapist now undoing damage. (links to similar therapists) 
New Weight Loss Therapy?
In 2014 our system still has therapy, paid for by insurance, that generates horrid false memories.
Old Weight Loss Therapy?
1994 recovered memory therapy generated horrid pseudo memories, destroyed a 23 year marriage, hurt children, devastated finances.
Reflection of a Patient 
Former  patient reflects on therapy.
Recovered memory therapy and medication created bizarre memories, nurtured mental health decline and wrongful death.
Friends help each other "recover memories"?
What steps are needed to preserve pseudo memories?
"Repressed memories" of space alien  abduction memories just like real memories. 
A witch hunt in the state of Washington continued for years. 43 "Deniers" jailed, 5 imprisoned. All found innocent..


National leaders transfer association assets to Florida beach homes to protect assets from lawsuits and judgments won by former clients.


Extremely vivid and convincing memories developed by therapist

with use of prescription drugs.
PERSONAL STORIES 
Nancy was a 47 year old mom in a stable marriage with a loving supportive husband and three children. She sought help for depression from a counselor who used "Theophostic Prayer Ministry". She was trusting and excited and her entire family became involved and she was hopeful. After "digging deep" with her prayer partner she found she had memories childhood sexual abuse. A year later Nancy realized the memories were false and retracted the false allegations against her parents. After retracting her therapist became upset. The therapist had an affair with her husband and then nurtured false accusations against Nancy from her two oldest daughters.  Her family was destroyed.

Alice sought help through a christian life coach counselor who first arranged for her to be medicated. While on medication Alice was led to imagine some initial state as a child such as: "you are in your room and it is dark then the door opens...". Alice would then complete the story often in a "blackout" state. Using this method the counselor and Alice created horrid repressed memories of abuse together. Alice confronted all her perpetrators (mother, father and other family members). She then told her young daughter the horrid memories. Years later the daughter became suicidal, her husband left her, the life coach could not be paid (and so the sessions ended) and the medication stopped. Alice realized that the memories were less convincing and they began to fade. Six years after her initial accusations she went back to her family, apologized and worked to rebuild relationships. Alice was blessed that it only took six years because many are shamed and trapped by false memories over a lifetime. Reconciliation is reserved for those with humility, great courage and a gifted intellect.

Faustina was a devout Catholic and member of a religious order.  A priest and several female assistants came to minister to her congregation. The visitors used "Theophostic Prayer Ministry".  Initially Faustina had horrid images of abuse by her parents.  Later she came to doubt and reject the memories as not real. Those in her small group argued with her but she insisted the memories were not true.  The memories, retraction and shame still impact her.  She never did confront her parents with the false memories. The fact that she allowed such memories to be nurtured still shames her.

Beth sought help from a Christian counselor for ongoing depression.  The counselor wondered (aloud during a session) if Beth could have experienced abuse as a child. The counselor suggested that her problems may not be her fault.   Medicated, comforted and led with suggestive scenarios Beth experienced "blackouts" where she detailed accounts of her father raping her and mother assisting.  Her father lost his job and career due to accusations.  Beth convinced younger sisters that the abuse was real and the family was separated.   The youngest was taken by authorities who intervened to "protect" the remaining children.  Three years later Beth came off the medication, got a new counselor (after moving) and became aware that the memories were not "real".  After family reconciliation the family (Beth and parents) sued the therapist and won a large disclosed settlement.  During the trial a medical exam verified Beth was always a virgin and was never abused as described.


Rosanne was medicated and counseled by an expert recovered memory therapist created "repressed memories" of  her father's  incest.  She announced her "memories" on her TV show in 1991.  Rosanne then confronted her father and mother.  The she demanded her sister agree with her accusation.  When her sister told her shoe could not lie Rosanne fired her uncooperative and non-corroborating sister.  The she cut off any family who disagreed with her "memories".  Rosanne was a rich popular television star and threatened legal action against them all.  Over a  decade later Rosanne got off  medications, changed her therapist and slowly came to realize that the memories were never real and that they were actually pseudo memories.  Two decades later Rosanne publicly acknowledged that she had made false accusations while being interviewed on the Oprah Winfrey Show.  Rosanne shared with millions in the audience that "it was the worst mistake of my life."
Ginny was influenced by Rosanne Barr accusations on TV and went to a counselor who she thought could help her recover memories she "felt were there".    She gained images under hypnosis, but was still not sure.  She met a friend who was supportive of her "repressed memories" and began to develop a network of supporters. After 5 months she began to doubt her "repressed memories" and wrote letters of retraction to her friends. Her "friend and supporters" now avoid her but she has reconciled with family.

Meredith during her research and writing about childhood sexual  abuse  also read a "Do it Yourself Therapy" book.  She then accused her father of abuse.  Ten years later she realized her dreams and memories never actually happened.  She has many friends who did the same thing.

Jaye sought help for depression.  A psychiatrist who was also an "expert" in "repressed memories" arranged for hospitalization.  Over a period of many months the doctor and hospital provided care, isolation from toxic family, suggestive counseling, medication and restraints that were needed during the nurtured emergence of horrid memories of abuse and torture by her father .  When the insurance ran out Jaye was discharged.  The medications stopped.  The mind cleared and the "repressed memories" faded.  Jaye then realized that the memories were never true and that her father was a good man.

Leslie listened to a christian woman incest survivor from Washington state who spoke on women being abused as children and how their lives show it.  Leslie saw herself and her disappointing life as evidence of such abuse.  She experienced "regression therapy"  that sparked  horrid  body memories and additional recollections.  Encouraged by her counselor, she wrote a letter to her father indicating that she had forgiven him.  Her father became distraught at the false accusations despite her intention to forgive.  Her father and family challenged her memories.  The therapist also shared doubts with Leslie about the memories.   Her pastor and his wife challenged her memories.  Finally she came to realize the accusations were not true.

Patty was guided by a psychiatrist to "recover repressed memories" in order to help her deal with trauma that was never repressed. Patty was hospitalized, medicated and told what she had said in a "blackout" during therapy. Then she wrote a letter confronting her father. She became aware that the memories were false when she talked with a friend who went to the same hospital and also was given repressed memories by the therapists doing the same abusive treatment to her. The "repressed memories", which were all false and never happened, robbed her of a year of her life.

Vicky experienced difficulties with her 9 year old son. She sought help through therapy.  The therapist thought Recovery of Memories would help.  She was hospitalized and taught how to manage her "flashbacks".  Six years later was separated from her family, hastened her mothers death, disrupted her marriage and pained her her true friends and loving family.  Vicky realized that none of the repressed memories were real.

Amy had been in the mental health system for five years and diagnosed with schizophrenia.  When she developed reactions to the medication, she ceased the medications and sought alternative treatment though a therapist who used recovered memory therapy.  She developed "repressed memories" of sexual abuse and actually was happy to no longer be classified as schizophrenic.  She read the book "True Stories of False Memories" and realized her memories were also false.

Aimee shares how she is a survivor of  what she now calls "bogus repressed memory therapy".  She explains "Don't you think its kind of odd and suspicious that all of a sudden after a therapist tells you that you are D.I.D and have repressed memories, you suddenly remember all kinds of horrible abuse that you suffered as a child. Don't blame yourself  if  this has happened to you, these therapists know how to make you actually believe this crap because they get you dependent on them.  

Debbie married as a teenager and that husband abandoned her.  She became depressed.   A friend arranged for her to see a doctor to get medication and said "your symptoms could be caused by deeper problems from your childhood" and she helped Debbie recover horrid "repressed memories" (really pseudo memories).  Debbie overtime developed reactions to medications, had blackouts, experienced body memories and began drinking heavily.  She "cut off" anyone that refused to agree with her accusations no matter how bizarre. Years later, after another failed marriage, her "pseudo-memory" friends no longer spent time with her.  She stopped the medications and someone gave her a book "True Stories of False Memories".  She realized, as the medication waned and the fog cleared, that her "repressed memories" were actually false.  Slowly she reconnected with her family.

Elizabeth experienced what she thought was depression over a period of many years.  Then she saw a life coach therapist who thought childhood sexual abuse would explain her ongoing depression.  The therapist life coach got her medicated then helped her "recover" what she called "repressed memories" of abuse by her mother.  The adamant denial of her parents was taken as proof of their guilt.  She cut off her family and her true friends (who could not agree to what they knew to be a lie) and forced her children into isolation from cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents.  Five years later she decided she was never getting cured of depression and quit her therapist.  Over time, away from her therapist and off the medication she came to realize that none of the recovered repressed memories were real.

Maria entered therapy because of a job-related stress issue and left that therapy a suicidal wreck. Maria states "Repressed memories stole five years of my life and generated falsehoods that separated me from my father, my mother, my sisters, my brothers. It separated my children from cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents and great grandparents.   My productivity suffered.  Medical costs were piled on top of my counseling fees.  I blame my life coach therapist Karen Meynert for what happened.  She systematically led me down this road of blame and shame that hurt me, impoverished and fractured my family, hurt my extended family and stole from my children."

Laura went into counseling for an eating disorder. Her counselor told her she needed to look for things "buried with deeper roots". Over the next 6 years the counselor and she used visualizations, flashbacks, medications and hospitalizations to generate vivid, real memories.  Laura read an article in the paper on "False Memories". She began to doubt her counselor. She then spoke with another (good) counselor who said "The memories are real, honey, but not reality." She settled a lawsuit out of court against the original therapist.

Olivia had a nervous breakdown and went to counseling with an "American Association of Marriage and Family Counselors" member named Tricia. Tricia arranged for medication, introduced her to "do it yourself therapy" books" and provided suggestive counseling sessions. Soon vivid detailed "repressed memories" emerged and based on the horrid memories she cut off her family. Olivia's older friends challenged her memories.  While a camp counselor she had a child (in her care) tell of actual abuse. That 10 year old girl did not "repress" as Olivia had thought she should have.   Olivia decided to quit her "recovered memory therapist" (Tricia) and go to another counselor.   The new counselor heard that the memories were created in therapy and declined to counsel her. In 1993 she came to the realization that her "repressed memories" never actually happened.  She reconnected with her family.

Michael was admitted to the hospital in 1990.  His "repressed memories" were recovered with counseling sessions, dream analysis, discussion of vivid nightmares and amytal sessions over a period of 18 months.  While in the hospital he and others shared "repressed memories" and "terrifying dreams" and formed a friendship.  Micheal was released in 1992 and returned to his family. He realized the memories were false and retracted so his hospital friends "cut him off".  He encourages compassion for the clients.

Paul lived in a small Washington state community, loved his family, was faithful to his wife, active in his church, worked as a sheriff's deputy and was involved in local politics.  Paul sent his daughter, Ericka, to a church sponsored camp where she heard "Heart to Heart" (a talk on sexual abuse) and during prayer a "prophet" indicated that she had been abused by her father.  Ericka did not recall any abuse but she and her sister underwent "recovered memory therapy".   Soon horrid detailed "repressed memories" were created in the therapy.  Paul was accused by his daughters and jailed.   No medical or physical evidence suggested by the stories were ever found.  In addition medical, forensic and psychological experts hired by the prosecution thought Mr. Ingram was innocent.   To obtain a conviction police used harsh interrogation methods including sleep deprivation, lengthy interviews and repeatedly reminded Paul that a trial would torment his accusing daughters.  In a video tape after hours of grilling Paul broke down in tears and admitted he must be "guilty" because he knew that his "daughters wouldn't lie".  A confession meant no evidence, no expert testimony and no trial were needed to imprison Paul.  During sentencing Paul stated that he wanted to spare his daughters the emotional ordeals of a trial.  Paul later attempted to recant the confession (and one of his daughters did too).  The courts rejected recanting of the confession.  Paul served his full 20 years in prison.

Mike experienced vivid real hallucinations and memory of alien abduction and had video tape captures vivid depiction of the event (his false claim). The  False memory was a real memory created by sleep deprivation.

Vince  attended group support meetings, used "Do it Yourself Therapy" books,  wrote 180,000 words self exploratory journal then had an unlicensed hypnotherapist to help recover "repressed memory".  He still doubted "memory".  His journey ended when he was exposed to reading material from the "False Memory Syndrome Foundation".

Treva told stories of abuse and horror for 15 years.  She started with her father, then accused foster family parents, then accused innocent men (who were found guilty, imprisoned and later exonerated).  She followed her accusations with disappearance in 7 different states.  She obtained charitable and state support as an abused juvenile for 15 years, graduated from at least two high schools until her identity was uncovered as a 31 year old claiming to be 18 years old.  Despite DNA verification, dental identity, hand writing analysis and photos Treva continues to insist she is not Treva.  Her memories are appear to be fantasies that she thinks are memories.

Sister of our Grace  A sister shares of a wonderful time with family playing  the board game "Scrabble".  We all hope that she will be able to have happy innocent times with us again someday.

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