Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Description

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is designed to improve the relationship and strengthen the bond between you and your child(ren) while addressing challenging behaviors. It is most often used with children aged 2 to 10 who struggle with self-regulation and emotional or behavioral problems. The initial focus is on building a warm, positive parent-child relationship.  You will learn specific skills to praise, reflect, and describe your child’s play without giving commands or correcting behavior. Later in therapy, you will learn how to give clear instructions, set boundaries, and use consistent consequences. The focus is on teaching you effective ways to manage your child’s emotional dysregulation, noncompliance, or aggression.

Symptoms

Many children don’t have the ability to identify or understand their big feelings and may be unable to communicate what they are experiencing or why. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) can help address a range of challenging behaviors and emotional difficulties. 

PCIT is particularly effective in treating:

• Disruptive Behavior Problems
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Emotional Dysregulation (Anger, Tantrums)
• Noncompliance
• Negative Attention-Seeking Behaviors
• Aggressive and Destructive Behaviors
• Parent-Child Relational Problems

Treatment

PCIT can help your child learn to recognize and manage their emotions, leading to less tantrums and improved coping skills. Your child can develop positive social behaviors through guided interactions to practice sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play.  Your child can learn to accept limits and boundaries by becoming more adept at understanding and respecting rules.  Your child can learn to follow directions by responding to clear commands by improving their ability to listen and comply with instructions. 

PCIT typically lasts between 12-20 sessions, depending upon your progress.

Parental Involvement

PCIT can help your child learn to recognize and manage their emotions, leading to less tantrums and improved coping skills. Your child can develop positive social behaviors through guided interactions to practice sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play.  Your child can learn to accept limits and boundaries by becoming more adept at understanding and respecting rules.  Your child can learn to follow directions by responding to clear commands by improving their ability to listen and comply with instructions.