The ‘False Memory’ Movement, then & now....

The ‘False Memory’ Movement, then and now: An Australian Perspective

During the 1990’s trauma therapists and their clients faced growing criticism and scepticism about clients reporting memories of child sexual abuse, with a growing activist movement accusing therapists of implanting or encouraging the development of ‘false memories’ in their clientele. This presentation will explore the way in which this movement developed globally, but with a specific focus on Australia and the impact on sexual abuse therapy, survivors and therapists in the Australian context. Implications for, and impacts on, current therapy practices and policies, therapists and survivors will be discussed. While it may feel the trauma field has entered the mainstream, this presentation will also touch on ways in which our field can still be vulnerable to political or cultural movements triggered by avoidance of trauma.

Learning outcomes:

Improved knowledge of the false memory movement, particularly within the Australian context.

Improved understanding of the past and current impact of this movement on therapy, therapists and survivors, both historically and currently.

Enhanced understanding of and sensitivity to the way in which our contemporary field is vulnerable to trauma-avoidance in all its many forms

Venue: Live Webinar (Zoom registration required. Please check your booking confirmation email).

Date: Wednesday, 4th February, 2026

Time: 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. (Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra Time)

Cost: Free (Live Webinar Only)

$14.99 (Live Webinar &/or Access to Recording for 60 days)

CPD Certificate: 1.5 Hours. CPD certificates are issued to attendees who meet one of the following criteria: attend the live webinar with at least 80% attendance, or watch the webinar recording and complete the associated assessment component.

About Kate McMaugh: Kate is a clinical psychologist based in Sydney. She has worked within the mental health, disability, trauma and dependence disorders fields in Australia and abroad for over 30 years. However, her main clinical focus has been on providing assessment and treatment to people with complex trauma, dissociative disorders, vicarious trauma and birth trauma. She also provides training, case consultation and clinical supervision to other health professionals working with complex trauma and dissociative disorders. Kate writes and presents on treatment and associated issues relating to trauma, dissociation, institutional abuse and organised abuse. She has published articles on the history of the false memory movement, trauma and disability, DID, incestuous abuse, and childbirth trauma. Kate has a research interest in child sexual abuse that has continued into adulthood, and the links between familial and extra familial abuse, particularly links with organised abuse and for-profit exploitation of both child and adult victims.

About eiseEducation: eiseEducation is a thought-leading education consultancy that delivers exceptional training to higher education, corporate and community sectors. We work from the insightful understanding of each client’s unique situation to deliver bespoke courses and exceptional results. Find out more at eiseeducation.com

The ‘False Memory’ Movement, then & now....

The ‘False Memory’ Movement, then and now: An Australian Perspective

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