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

Live Webinar: 24th Feb 2026

About This Webinar

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

FREE WEBINAR SERIES

Enhance your ethical, relational, and political awareness

Explore the Australian history of the False Memory movement to better understand today’s clinical and organisational landscape.

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Webinar Details

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.

FREE WEBINAR SERIES

Identify the hidden impacts of the False Memory movement on modern therapy rooms.

Learn how historical attacks on CSA survivors continue to shape clinical doubt, risk assessment, and therapeutic safety today.

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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.