Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based parenting skills training program that involves parents engaging in direct interactions with their children. PCIT increases healthy family dynamics by targeting communication and effective discipline. The focus is placed upon changing negative patterns of interactions by combining nurturing with structured, effective, positive limit-setting.
PCIT is conducted in two phases. The primary goal of Phase I is to create or strengthen a positive, mutually rewarding relationship between the parent and the child. In Phase II the goal is to provide specific effective limit-setting skills for the parent to use in managing their child's behavior.
PCIT sessions include the parent(s) or caregiver(s) and one child between three and 12 years of age. The sessions are described as "coaching sessions" because the parent wears a small remote hearing device through which the therapist communicates spoken directions to the parent while watching the session from behind a two-way mirror. Our therapist has received extensive training as outlined by the National PCIT Advisory Board guidelines.