Monday 28 November 2005

Between 42 and 90 lives

Most forms of therapy and counselling are a one-to-one process: largely a dialogue between therapist and client.
Recovered Memory Therapy is very different.
For each client undergoing therapy, many people are affected.
At the website www.fmsfonline.org they have tried to estimate the impact:
"Like a pebble dropped into a pond, an accusation has a ripple effect on the entire family: the accuser, the accused, and the non-accused.
Parents, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends may all be affected.
When we studied six extended families, we found that between 42 and 90 lives were touched by the accusation of one person."
Of course, it is difficult to calculate precise figures for any particular therapist.
But if these numbers are taken as a guide - and even if there had been only a relatively small number of clients - it could easily be hundreds of people in total.
Professional pride should most certainly come second to a greater good.
A therapist who has quit practicing can achieve an enormous amount by just making phone calls and writing letters. By taking a stand.
Importantly too, she is setting a precedent for other therapists to follow.