Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

PCIT is an evidence-based, specialized behavior management program designed for families with young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties. A strong body of research spanning 30 years supports the effectiveness of PCIT in the treatment of child disruptive behaviors with growing support for its use with families who have a history of child maltreatment and trauma.

With PCIT caregivers are taught skills by the clinician during sessions. They can use these skills to effectively manage their child’s behavior. PCIT also teaches caregivers discipline procedures that are backed by years of research so they are proven to be effective. Utilizing the techniques decrease the frequency and severity of tantrums, negative attention seeking behaviors, and parental frustration.

Caregivers report reductions in household stress and are able to generalize the skills they learn to all of the children in their household so it is effective for the whole family. Children display stronger attachment to their caregivers, increased attention span, self-esteem, and pro-social behaviors.

Caregivers become effective at setting limits and they see an increase in their child’s compliance to their directives. There is also a noticeable decrease in defiance and tantrums, along with an increase in respect for house rules. Improved public behavior, and parental confidence during discipline

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is for children ages 2.5-6.5 years old who are displaying any of the following: Relational problems with caregiver

• Difficulty in childcare/school Refusal/defiance of adult directives

• Easy loss of temper

• Negative attention seeking behaviors

• Aggressive or destructive behaviors

• Difficulty with impulse control

• Poor social skills like sharing/taking turns