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The term false memory syndrome was coined in 1992, and brought with it an onslaught of public opinion, as well as media attention, to what had previously been the private realm of the psychotherapist and her patient. As the title of this well-edited book suggests, the 14 papers compiled in this volume address the treatment of sexual abuse within the current climate of the recovered memory debate. Under the expert and learned guidance of Judith Alpert, who has edited another volume relating to issues of psychoanalysis and women, we now have a vehicle that brings together various disciples to address the difficult and important topic of traumatic memories and their place in treatment. The papers are organized in five sections that span a historical introduction and context, research information and application, legal issues, clinical situations, and theoretical formulations. The authors included in the collection represent legal, scientific, and therapeutic communities. They are: Dan Brown, Ph.D., Laura Brown, Ph.D., Christine Courtois, Ph.D., Sue Grand, Ph.D., D. Corrydon Hammond, Ph.D., Elizabeth Hegeman, Ph.D., Helene Kafka, Ph.D., Michelle Price, CSW., Evelyn Pye, Ph.D., Bruce Reis, Ph.D., Sue Shapiro, Ph.D., and Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., with an introduction, overview, and conclusion by Judith Alpert, Ph.D.
The introduction and overview of the book set the tone for the collection of papers. Dr. Alpert argues for a dialogue between professionals, between memory scientist and psychotherapists, one that can ultimately be used for the benefit of our patients. She locates the memory debate within a historical context, and outlines the progression of political, intellectual, and social forces that have influenced and defined our understanding of memory and trauma. She then begins to outline the influence of the media and its role in shaping the current debate, and puts forth a call for clinicians and professionals to reclaim the area of trauma, sexual abuse, and trauma