Parent Child Interaction Therapy- PCIT
PCIT is a specialized therapy designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties, and their families. PCIT teaches parents/caregivers to manage their child’s difficult behaviors, while increasing their positive behaviors. PCIT works with the child and parent(s)/caregiver(s)together to improve behavior and reduce parenting stress. PCIT consists of weekly sessions conducted in 2 treatment phases: Child-Directed Interaction and Parent-Directed Interaction. Parent(s)/ caregiver(s) are given specific skills to work on at home throughout the week.
How PCIT works
PCIT is an exceptionally effective treatment backed by over 50 years of research. Live coaching is a hallmark of PCIT. The therapist observes the caregiver and child together, then provides coaching on the PCIT skills. Care- givers and therapists work together to manage challenging child behaviors.
Who is served?
Children ages 2 1⁄2 to 7 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
- Difficulty staying seated
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of play skills and/or social skills
- Aggression towards others