Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
PCIT is an exceptionally effective treatment backed by over 20 years of research. Live coaching is the primary method of caregiver training in PCIT. Caregivers are coached in specific play therapy and discipline skills by the therapist through an earpiece while the therapist observes the caregiver and child.
Who can benefit from PCIT?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a parent training intervention that teaches caregivers specific behavior management techniques to use as they play with their child. PCIT sessions are generally 60 minutes long, and focus on improving the caregiver-child relationship and increasing children’s positive behaviors. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy averages from 12-16 sessions and focuses on two basic interactions: Child Directed Interaction (CDI) and Parent Directed Interaction (PDI). During CDI, parents are taught to follow their child's lead to improve the parent-child relationship and increase desired behavior through the use of attention. During PDI, parents learn to use effective commands and specific behavior management techniques as they play with their child. PCIT is fun for both the parent and child. Parents generally see marked improvement in 3-4 sessions.