WHAT IS pcit?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a proven, evidenced-based practice. For a therapist to be trained in PCIT, they must have a master’s degree in a mental health field and complete the year long post-masters intensive training.  PCIT is a parent-child treatment program that assists parents of children with behavioral problems (aggression, non-compliance, defiance, and temper tantrums). These behaviors may be related to attachment issues, trauma, ADHD/ADD, oppositional defiant disorder, adjustment issues, mood disorders, anxiety, divorce, changes in custody, issues from bullying, and the list goes on...   

PCIT is a unique treatment program that focuses on promoting positive parent-child relationships and interactions while teaching parents effective child management skills.  The therapist “coaches” the parent behind a one way mirrored window while the parent and child play.  With this model, the parent can practice the skills until they have reached mastery.  PCIT typically lasts from 14-20 sessions.  Each session lasts approximately 1 hour.

The first half of PCIT consists of the Relationship Enhancement component. Parents are taught and coached how to decrease negative aspects of the relationship with their child and to develop consistently positive and supportive communication.   

The second half of PCIT consists of the Strategies for Compliance component. Parents are taught and coached the elements of effective discipline and child management skills. Parents learn and acquire specific skills, practice these skills until mastery is achieved and the child's behavior has improved. 

The most appropriate referrals are children between the ages of 2-8 years who are exhibiting some challenging behaviors. PCIT is ideal for children with behavioral issues such as aggression, non-compliance, defiance and temper tantrums. These behaviors may be related to attachment issues, reunification with their caregiver, trauma history, ADHD/ADD, ODD, anxiety, mood disorders, disruptive behavior disorders and adjustment issues, just to name a few.  PCIT is most effective with young children and their parents/caregivers who want to improve their relationship with their children. 

Consider the financial and emotional costs of your child's challenging behaviors. Many parents complain that disruptive behaviors cost them valuable time and energy, both at home with daily power struggles and at work with having to take personal time to address issues with their child’s school or daycare. PCIT is not only an investment in a better relationship with your child, but an opportunity to reduce your own level of stress. Compared to other therapeutic interventions, PCIT has been found to be more effective in a shorter amount of time. PCIT is typically completed in 15-20 sessions, unlike other treatments that may continue for over a year with unclear progress.