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The Truth About False Memory Syndrome
Book by Friesen, James G.
- GenresConspiracy Theories
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 21, 2021
Not worthy of the subject matter
July 11, 2015
I love this author. He is a Christian psychologist, an expert in his field of working with trauma victims. His book, Uncovering the Mystery of MPD was my introduction to his ministry, and has been a tremendous help. I got this book for myself and a family member, who suggested I was suffering from "False Memory Syndrome." I thought it would be beneficial for the two of us to learn from the same source what it was really all about.
I found it fascinating that this so-called "syndrome" that has been the topic of talk shows, court cases, and various media headlines is not even recognized by the American Psychological Association, because there is not enough evidence or scholarly research to support it. At the time of the writing of Friesen's book, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)--the "bible" of clinical counselors--did not include False Memory Syndrome (FMS).
Thinking to myself, "Well, The Truth about False Memory Syndrome was written in 1996. Maybe things have changed, and the condition IS in the current manual," I went online and checked. The latest edition, DSM-V, which was published in 2013, does not have it, either. However, it DOES include Dissociative disorders, which is what most folks accused of false memory syndrome DO have. My suspicion is that the organizations and so-called "experts" who insist on the existence of FMS are trying to deny memories of extreme abuse to protect perpetrators or to shield themselves from the uncomfortable reality that such things as Ritual Abuse and some forms of sexual abuse are even possible in contemporary society.
Dr. Friesen, in his usual style of writing, includes great facts, diagrams, illustrations and examples to explain clinical concepts for the common individual. He talks about the difference between dissociation and repression of memories, and how it is possible for trauma victims to "forget" horrific events in order to function--only to recall them later on in flashbacks or clinical counseling. He shares the stories of several counselees who were accused of believing false memories, but continued in therapy and were greatly helped, despite lack of support from those family and friends who doubted what they shared.
The author offers encouragement for those undergoing treatment to persevere, despite the doubts and accusations of others, as freedom from controlling issues is well-worth the struggle. He gives examples of ways disturbing memories have been validated outside the therapist's office and how counselees have been greatly helped by supportive therapy partners, family members, friends and faith communities. The doctor also gently encourages skeptical family and friends to allow the possibility that a loved-one's traumatic memories may be real, rather than undermining what they have uncovered in therapy. Generally speaking, most victims are not capable of "making up" what they have experienced; nor would they want to relive horrific events that were not true.
I liked the book and appreciate its content, but I wish it had included more from the "other side" of the argument--including some court cases where "false memory syndrome" was used and some of the claims of groups that support the idea. This, I think, would make it more useful as a means of discussing it with skeptics. I would also like to have seen a bibliography of recommended reading on the topic for further research. However, at the time the book was published the idea was still pretty new, so maybe there was little available. I don't recommend doing a search online, as the subject is apparently quite emotionally charged and material on the internet is more confusing than helpful. The author does have some good end notes, from which one could glean a partial list of resources. There are other helpful resources in the Appendix. Overall, it provides a good general introduction to the topic, which could potentially generate thoughtful conversation.
I found it fascinating that this so-called "syndrome" that has been the topic of talk shows, court cases, and various media headlines is not even recognized by the American Psychological Association, because there is not enough evidence or scholarly research to support it. At the time of the writing of Friesen's book, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)--the "bible" of clinical counselors--did not include False Memory Syndrome (FMS).
Thinking to myself, "Well, The Truth about False Memory Syndrome was written in 1996. Maybe things have changed, and the condition IS in the current manual," I went online and checked. The latest edition, DSM-V, which was published in 2013, does not have it, either. However, it DOES include Dissociative disorders, which is what most folks accused of false memory syndrome DO have. My suspicion is that the organizations and so-called "experts" who insist on the existence of FMS are trying to deny memories of extreme abuse to protect perpetrators or to shield themselves from the uncomfortable reality that such things as Ritual Abuse and some forms of sexual abuse are even possible in contemporary society.
Dr. Friesen, in his usual style of writing, includes great facts, diagrams, illustrations and examples to explain clinical concepts for the common individual. He talks about the difference between dissociation and repression of memories, and how it is possible for trauma victims to "forget" horrific events in order to function--only to recall them later on in flashbacks or clinical counseling. He shares the stories of several counselees who were accused of believing false memories, but continued in therapy and were greatly helped, despite lack of support from those family and friends who doubted what they shared.
The author offers encouragement for those undergoing treatment to persevere, despite the doubts and accusations of others, as freedom from controlling issues is well-worth the struggle. He gives examples of ways disturbing memories have been validated outside the therapist's office and how counselees have been greatly helped by supportive therapy partners, family members, friends and faith communities. The doctor also gently encourages skeptical family and friends to allow the possibility that a loved-one's traumatic memories may be real, rather than undermining what they have uncovered in therapy. Generally speaking, most victims are not capable of "making up" what they have experienced; nor would they want to relive horrific events that were not true.
I liked the book and appreciate its content, but I wish it had included more from the "other side" of the argument--including some court cases where "false memory syndrome" was used and some of the claims of groups that support the idea. This, I think, would make it more useful as a means of discussing it with skeptics. I would also like to have seen a bibliography of recommended reading on the topic for further research. However, at the time the book was published the idea was still pretty new, so maybe there was little available. I don't recommend doing a search online, as the subject is apparently quite emotionally charged and material on the internet is more confusing than helpful. The author does have some good end notes, from which one could glean a partial list of resources. There are other helpful resources in the Appendix. Overall, it provides a good general introduction to the topic, which could potentially generate thoughtful conversation.
August 7, 2025
Very compassionately written and devoid of 90s culture war discourse. Rather the author writes how promoting False Memory Syndrome, which I believe has no scientific bearing, actually is damaging to people who have experienced abuse because it a.) could gaslight them into denying abuse they experienced or b.) prevent victims from coming forward for fear of ridicule. It should be mentioned that the False Memory syndrome foundation was started by two people who were accused of sexual abuse by their daughter. The organization also employed one Jolly West, a CIA MK Ultra scientist who once killed an elephant by giving too much LSD (he was also the final and thirteenth psychologist to evaluate Jack Ruby in Prison. While the previous doctors had determined Ruby sane, he would soon spiral into delusion following his visit with West.)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews