OFFERING IN-PERSON AND ONLINE COUNSELING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PCIT
I’ve read lots of books and tried many techniques. What makes PCIT different?
I’ve read lots of books and tried many techniques. What makes PCIT different?
I’ve read lots of books and tried many techniques. What makes PCIT different?
The two-way mirror and live-coaching through a blue-tooth-like electronic device allow therapists to intervene directly in the moment. Therapists are able to provide parents with immediate support, feedback and rationale as they are coached in the use of the PCIT interventions. Treatment is tailored to the specific needs of each child and parent based on clinical assessment. PCIT is a successful treatment that is strongly supported by decades of research. It has been proven that as a result of PCIT, parents learn more effective parenting techniques, the behavior problems of children decrease, and the quality of the parent-child relationship improves. Once parents learn the therapeutic skills, they can apply the techniques to all of their children throughout their lives.
What if my child doesn’t misbehave during the therapy sessions?
I’ve read lots of books and tried many techniques. What makes PCIT different?
I’ve read lots of books and tried many techniques. What makes PCIT different?
No problem. Although some children are on their best behavior during the initial sessions, they soon relax and show their challenging behaviors. It is also important to note that during times when acting-out behaviors are not occurring therapeutic work is still being accomplished. It can actually be very helpful if your child behaves well during the first couple of sessions.
My child has the problem, why do I need to participate in treatment?
I’ve read lots of books and tried many techniques. What makes PCIT different?
My child has the problem, why do I need to participate in treatment?
Parents (or significant caregivers) are the most influential people in their child’s life. PCIT therapists provide parents with specific skills to effectively manage their child’s problematic behaviors. Long after treatment has been completed, parents are able to use the PCIT techniques in situations that come up as their children grow into new developmental stages.
Can more than one parent or caregiver participate in PCIT?
I have more than one difficult child, can I bring both to the session?
My child has the problem, why do I need to participate in treatment?
Yes! This is the most ideal situation. The more consistently the skills are used with the child (by all caregivers involved), the more quickly behaviors will change. Additionally, many parents find it helpful to go through treatment together as they can support each other in the learning and use of the therapeutic skills. In two-home families, the participation of both parents helps to modify behaviors more quickly and to reduce parenting conflict between homes.
I have more than one difficult child, can I bring both to the session?
I have more than one difficult child, can I bring both to the session?
I have more than one difficult child, can I bring both to the session?
PCIT sessions typically focus on one parent and one child at the onset of treatment, however once the basic therapeutic skills are acquired, other children or caregivers can join the sessions. The goal of treatment is for parents to eventually use the PCIT techniques in “real-life” settings as well as in the sessions. Including other family members in sessions is a part of this generalization process.
Do I have to commit to the full course of treatment?
I have more than one difficult child, can I bring both to the session?
I have more than one difficult child, can I bring both to the session?
No. Families are free to end treatment, or take a break, at any time. However, it is strongly recommended that the full course of treatment be completed so that treatment gains can be maintained and to help prevent behavioral relapses.
Is the cost of the PCIT sessions really worth it?
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.
cLINICAL RESEARCH SUPPORTING pcit
Improvements in Child Behavior
A review of 17 studies that included 628 preschool-age children identified as exhibiting a disruptive behavior disorder concluded that involvement in PCIT resulted in significant improvements in child behavior functioning. Commonly reported behavioral outcomes of PCIT included both less frequent and less intense behavior problems as reported by parents and teachers, increases in clinic- observed compliance, reductions in inattention and hyperactivity, decreases in observed negative behaviors such as whining or crying, and reductions in the percentage of children who qualify for a diagnosis of disruptive behavior disorder (Gallagher, 2003).
Benefits for Parents and Other Caregivers
Examining PCIT effectiveness among foster parents participating with their foster children and biological parents referred for treatment because of their children’s behavioral problems, researchers found decreases in child behavior problems and caregiver distress for both groups (Timmer, Urquiza, & Zebell, 2005).
Usefulness in Treating Multiple Issues
Adapted versions of PCIT also have been shown to be effective in treating other issues such as separation anxiety, depression, self-injurious behavior, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and adjustment following divorce (Johnson, Franklin, Hall, & Preito, 2000; Pincus, Choate, Eyberg, & Barlow, 2005).
PCIT WAS RANKED 1 OF 3 "BEST PRACTICES" IN TREATING CHILDREN WHO HAVE SUFFERED FROM PHYSICAL ABUSE
The Findings of the Kauffman Best Practices Project to Help Children Heal From the Effects of Child Abuse. Click below to read the report.