About

Welcome to Tru Behavior! 

I'm Ian Pearson, a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in the field of mental health care. My journey in this rewarding field began with a passion for helping individuals engaging with complex issues and/or diagnoses. From a young age, I wanted to better understand why people do what they do, and what someone could do to help them in achieving their own personal goals. This eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree (with dual majors) in Psychology and Sociology from Grand Valley State University.

Driven by a desire to deepen my understanding and better help those reaching out for help, I continued my education at Western Michigan University, earning a Master's degree in Psychology. This academic foundation, coupled with my hands-on experience, laid the groundwork for my role as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. From there, I sought to expand my knowledge base and understanding, in a way that emphasized client control and engagement. This led me to continue my education, focused on helping those most underserved in mental health care, and deemed “too difficult” or “complex” by the standard mental health care system.

My career trajectory has taken me from direct care roles in adult residential facilities to providing in-home support for children. Along the way, I've had the privilege of serving as a team lead for two separate teams, before returning to academia. I have worked in social work, training others in community living supports, respite, and mentoring opportunities, as well as working directly, with children, teens, adolescents, and adults, in a variety of settings, including center-based, in-home, residential, and inpatient psychiatric care.

My professional interests are deeply rooted in ensuring equitable access to mental health services for all individuals, with a particular focus on advocating for neurodivergent and intersectional groups who have historically been marginalized. I firmly believe that consent is paramount in any therapeutic relationship, and I am committed to creating environments where everyone feels valued and respected.

In my role as an analyst, since 2020, I've had the opportunity to develop and lead trainings for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as well as collaborate with state psychiatric systems to develop and implement treatment plans for patients. I've also had the privilege of supervising multiple graduate students, guiding them through their education and training as they prepare to become analysts themselves.

My approach to therapy is multifaceted, drawing on practices such as Practical Functional Assessment, Skill-Based Training, and Acceptance and Commitment Training to address complex and sometimes covert behaviors. I am passionate about developing curricula that support and challenge students to experience more than just "early intervention" and “traditional ABA”, and instead embodies the science of Applied Behavior Analysis through didactic programming, developed with and for the client(s) being served.  

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I'm excited to connect with you and explore how we can work together to support your mental health journey!