PCIT
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a short-term, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families. PCIT teaches caregivers to manage their child’s difficult behaviors, while increasing their positive behaviors. PCIT works with the child and caregiver together to improve behavior and reduce parenting stress. PCIT consists of weekly sessions conducted in two treatment phases. Each phase typically last 6-8 weeks depending on family commitment to treatment.
How Does PCIT Work?
PCIT is an exceptionally effective treatment backed by over 30 years of research. Live coaching is a hallmark of PCIT. The therapist observes the caregiver and child together, then provide coaching on the PCIT skills. Caregivers and therapists work together to manage challenging child behaviors.
Advantages of Live Coaching:
- Skills are acquired rapidly by caregivers, as they practice in the moment with
- therapist support.
- Therapists provide caring support as caregivers gain confidence and master their skills.
- Therapists provide immediate feedback about strategies to manage the child’s challenging behaviors.
Who is PCIT for?
Children ages 2 ½ to 6 who display any or all of the following:
- Parent-child relational problems
- Refusal and defiance of adult requests
- Easy loss of temper
- Purposeful annoyance of others
- Destruction of property
- Difficulty staying seated
- Difficulty playing quietly
- Difficulty taking turns