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It is necessary to make this point in answer to the…

“It is necessary to make this point in answer to the 'iatrogenic' theory that the unveiling of repressed memories in MPD sufferers, paranoids and schizophrenics can be created in analysis; a fabrication of the doctor—patient relationship. According to Dr Ross, this theory, a sort of psychiatric…” quote by Alice Jamieson
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““It is necessary to make this point in answer to the 'iatrogenic' theory that the unveiling of repressed memories in MPD sufferers, paranoids and schizophrenics can be created in analysis; a fabrication of the doctor—patient relationship. According to Dr Ross, this theory, a sort of psychiatric ping-pong 'has never been stated in print in a complete and clearly argued way'. My case endorses Dr Ross's assertions. My memories were coming back to me in fragments and flashbacks long before I began therapy. Indications of that abuse, ritual or otherwise, can be found in my medical records and in notebooks and poems dating back before Adele Armstrong and Jo Lewin entered my life. There have been a number of cases in recent years where the police have charged groups of people with subjecting children to so-called satanic or ritual abuse in paedophile rings. Few cases result in a conviction. But that is not proof that the abuse didn't take place, and the police must have been very certain of the evidence to have brought the cases to court in the first place. The abuse happens. I know it happens. Girls in psychiatric units don't always talk to the shrinks, but they need to talk and they talk to each other. As a child I had been taken to see Dr Bradshaw on countless occasions; it was in his surgery that Billy had first discovered Lego. As I was growing up, I also saw Dr Robinson, the marathon runner. Now that I was living back at home, he was again my GP. When Mother bravely told him I was undergoing treatment for MPD/DID as a result of childhood sexual abuse, he buried his head in hands and wept. (Alice refers to her constant infections as a child, which were never recognised as caused by sexual abuse)””

Alice Jamieson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote argues that recovered memories of trauma can be authentic and not merely created by therapist influence, citing personal experience and external evidence.

In simple terms: Memories of abuse can be real, not just therapist‑induced.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and validate survivor testimony.

Themes

trauma memory therapy validation abuse

Mood

empathetic critical cautious

Type

testimonial analytical cautionary

When to use this quote

  • clinical assessment
  • legal investigations
  • support groups
  • patient‑therapist communication

Key Concepts

iatrogenic theory repressed memory MPD/DID forensic evidence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can clinicians differentiate authentic memories from therapist‑induced narratives?
  • What safeguards protect against false accusations?
A Different Perspective

Memory retrieval can be influenced by suggestion, making verification challenging.

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