In one study, suggestions were made that children had been lost in a shopping mall. Many of the children later came to believe that this was a real memory. It is not ethical to suggest memories of severe trauma in a laboratory setting. I recommend that all therapists working with this population subscribe to this newsletter. You do not need to reveal your name to subscribe.
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In most cases I believe something happened to them, because their symptoms are consistent with their memories. In most cases they have some memories of abuse which are continuous memories, and these are often consistent with the recovered memories. We work with the material from the past when it gets in the way in the present. The memories are real for the patient, and that is what is most important in therapy. I do not encourage them to confront parents or other abusers, because this is seldom helpful and often hurtful.