Guest Column from the Front Line of the Memory Wars

Leonard Holmes, Ph.D.                      http://mentalhealth.about.com

Last week I read about a "raging war," about a heated battle. For years I have heard about "the debate over recovered memories." I am reminded as I think about this, of the "neutral" stance of the Swiss during WW2, who, it has been discovered, laughed all the way to the bank and are now faced with tarnished reputations. Yes, the Jews survived as a people while this little country flourished. However, is it enough to survive or to flourish at another’s expense?

It is of little value to me as a survivor of extreme trauma, of DID, indeed, a lifetime of emotional pain and terror, that such a war exists. This in-house disagreement between therapists, insurance companies, and psychiatric hospitals does little to help me remain a survivor. It has certainly done its part in keeping me a victim. If not a victim of my past, a victim of the greed and bureaucracy of "the system." It is my belief that many mental health facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, and therapists themselves are victims of their own greed and refusal to look past their own pet theories.

My concern over this "war" and the millions of dollars awarded is not because I believe either to be invalid. I applaud Lynn Carl and her family for their courage and endurance through unconscionable abuse heaped upon them by doctors at Spring Shadows Glen [now under new ownership - LH]. I personally observed some of this appalling treatment during my own stay there. I believe that open minds, investigation, and a difference in ideals lead to finding truths. Both this "battle" and the publicity over this court case cause me to be concerned that the powers that be might easily lose sight of the fact that people do have mental illnesses. These people must not be overlooked. There are good hospitals and honest psychiatric help for them regardless of agreement over a diagnosis.

Dr. Holmes seems readily able to remain in touch with both sides of this issue. I, too, see two sides. My views have little to do with the ones he alludes to. I am ill. I work hard at healing. I have tried my best, and I continue to improve. Does it matter what I am ill with, or is the important issue that I am ill? I think that this is as large an issue as might be suggested. I have tried to remain positive to the idea that I can be emotionally healthy. I am ill whether my memories are real or imagined or even suggested. I deserve a chance at the emotional health I seek.

I do not believe that many mental health providers are working to bilk the insurance companies or mislead their clients. In fact I believe that a good number of excellent providers lose a great deal of time, effort and money on long term clients. I believe in their ability, sincerity and honesty in most cases.

I know the exact opposite to also be true from my own personal observation and experience. In my opinion Spring Shadows Glen was an extreme example of a cruel and disreputable treatment program. They certainly received more than their share of my insurance while wreaking havoc with my life and that of my family for years to come. I not only fault the unit that I was in and its doctors and therapists but the senior administrative staff of the facility for using this unit as their golden goose, asking no questions while giving it total power.

I feel somewhat betrayed by my insurance company (I have paid them for over 25 years and feel that they are as reputable as any) for paying so much to one hospital without knowing what might really be going on there. I am extremely grateful in this particular situation, however, that my insurance allowed me to stay no longer. The toll of that stay has been mighty. Although they paid thousands to the hospital, they will not pay for regular therapy as they would for other long-term diseases such as diabetes. Why do physical illnesses take priority over emotional and mental illness, when both cause tremendous pain? It is just as feasible for me to owe my life and its quality to my mental health professional of choice as to my physician of choice.

In my probable naiveté I feel that it would be of great benefit to hospital, care giver, insurance program, and patient if all were to be able to work together for quality of program without the degree of micro-management that seems to be in such vogue at this time. If this came about, perhaps a commitment to long term care could save money, time and grief.

I see a cycle beginning to emerge as I write. A game of give and take. I am in the middle. Because of hospitals and doctors like those in Houston, insurance is reluctant to pay anyone, and they impose more and more regulations on who one sees and what they pay a therapist, no matter how excellent they may be. Will I be able to continue therapy long enough to achieve my goal of good emotional health? What do I do? In mental health, the galaxy of vested interests surrounding it takes priority over the one central point: That it should be helping the victims to remain survivors instead of enrichment of the surrounding professionals.

Each component complains. None wants, but each needs, the others. Too few seem willing to work together for the benefit of all. Without the patient or client, who is easily overlooked, this mega-industry would not be in existence at all. Many of these patients are reluctant to speak out because of the stigma society as a rule gives mental illness. Through non-profit or for-profit organizations millions are made, not saved. Could it be that no one should laugh all the way to the bank?

Sarah F.

Here are the features which cover these issues:

• The Debate over Recovered Memories: A $5.8 million award sparks renewed interest in the discussion of recovered memories and false memories.
• Guest Column from the Memory Wars: A patient who attended a controversial treatment program speaks out.
• Pros and Cons of Support Groups for Trauma Survivors. Part 1: Real life and Online groups both have advantages and disadvantages.
• Pros and Cons of Support Groups for Trauma Survivors. Part 2: An interview with Lisa Varhola about her experiences with online support groups.
• The U.S. Government files Charges Against Therapists: Should all Therapists worry about this?
• New Research on Recovered Memories: A new Dutch study documents that memory for abuse can be lost and then recovered.
• Corroboration of Child Abuse Memories: Elizabeth Bowman, M.D. reviews the literature on recovered memories which have been corroborated.
• Reliability and Suggestibility of Child Abuse Memories - Part I
  A look at the literature on hypnosis and memory and the implications for recovered memories.
• Reliability and Suggestibility of Child Abuse Memories - Part 2
  Further information on these issues

Leonard Holmes, Ph.D.                      http://mentalhealth.about.com

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