November 6, 2006

An Open Letter to Alumni of Bastyr University LIOS Master of Arts Degree in Applied Behavioral Science Program:

I have personally talked to many of you. I know that there is often a special feeling about your time in Bastyr University's LIOS program and the feelings of camaraderie that you developed there.  A couple of you have verbalized feelings of loss in removing the "ABS" that seemed in some way to connect you to other alumni of the Bastyr University LIOS.

Beginning on October 20, 2006, you should have started receiving LIOS alumni newsletters and list-serve emails sending you the message: "...Bastyr has determined that the MA designation will be utilized for the Master of Applied Behavioral Science degree," and requesting that alumni and graduates stop using the initials ABS in their credentials.  [Saying, "I have a Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Bastyr University Leadership Institute of Seattle is a great way to express your pride in your education.]

Judging from searches on the internet, it would appear that 98% of all LIOS graduates use "MA" and have dropped or never used that "ABS."  They have made their decision based on what they observed as standard, normal behavior in their professional surroundings.  If you are using "MA, ABS" on your website or other advertising, you are urged to edit the content and remove the "ABS."

CounselingSeattle.com is interested in representing the interests of those who are looking for counselors--which, of course, often includes the mentally ill, the bereaved, people in the midst of crisis and despair, and their loved ones.

Imagine a consumer considering two counselors, one listed as "Sally Smith, MA," and the other "Jim Jones, MA, ABS."  While both counselors are identical in training and experience, to the uninformed public the addition of "ABS" implies additional qualifications, certification or licensure beyond the master's degree. That "ABS" not only misleads the public but also represents an unfair competitive practice between counselors.

Some Bastyr LIOS alumni have felt personally attacked in this dispute, but your counseling skills are not being questioned.  CounselingSeattle.com seeks to educate the public and to end the use of all those initials that mislead and confuse the people who search for help.

Please join me in this effort.

Floyd Else, MA, LMHC, NCC
Webmaster: http://www.CounselingSeattle.com
PO Box 6714, Bellevue, WA 98008-0714

“Cowardice asks the question ‘Is it safe?’  Expediency asks the question ‘Is it politic?’  But conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’  And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right.” [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.]

Washington State Law--RCW 18.130.180
Unprofessional conduct

The following conduct, acts, or conditions constitute unprofessional conduct for any license holder or applicant under the jurisdiction of this chapter:

(1) The commission of any act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption relating to the practice of the person's profession, whether the act constitutes a crime or not.…

(3) All advertising which is false, fraudulent, or misleading;

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Also see:  Feedback Page
Or return to: Examples of “MA, ABS” Websites

Webmaster's note: In emails from persons communicating about Bastyr University's LIOS, I have encountered the spellings Bastier, Bastir and Bastire.  The university was named after John Bastyr, ND, DC (1912-1995), an early naturopathic physician and chiropractor.  When founded in 1978 the school was known the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Bastyr University home page advancing knowledge in the natural health sciences.

LIOS Applied Behavioral Science (ABS) Program describes the LIOS leadership training and the LIOS educational process.
 

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