BRITISH FALSE MEMORY
SOCIETYAs the name suggests, false memory is the phenomenon in which a person is
convinced a memory is true when it is not. False memory was first postulated
and diagnosed more than 100 years ago. More recently, clinical evidence
suggests it is more widespread than had previously been appreciated. In particular, it is creating severe problems in the field of alleged sexual
abuse. What is happening is that a number of people, usually during
psychotherapy or counselling, are recovering memories of having been sexually
abused in childhood, even though those accused (usually, but not always, their
parents) deny such abuse and there is no corroborating evidence. Not
surprisingly, such memories, if false, have severe consequences both for the
person concerned and for his or her family. The extent of this phenomenon led, in 1993 to the formation of The British
False Memory Society and to the establishment of its Scientific and
Professional Advisory Board. The Society aims to raise public awareness of the
inherent dangers of false memory by disseminating newsletters and articles in
learned journals; organising seminars and conferences. The BFMS aims to improve
the understanding of false memory by encouraging, sponsoring, conducting and
publishing academic and professional research. The BFMS collaborates with professional organisations, for example, to
encourage the highest standards in the training and the practice of
psychotherapy and counselling. The BFMS incorporates a telephone helpline to
support families affected by the phenomenon of false memory.
British False Memory Society
Newtown
Bradford-on-Avon
BA15 1NF  01225 868 682
 01225 868 688
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