PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy)

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children with emotional and behavioral disorders that emphasizes improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns. PCIT is typically used with children between the ages of 2 and 7 and their parents or caregivers.  

In PCIT, parents are taught specific skills to establish a nurturing and secure relationship with their child while increasing their child's pro-social behavior and decreasing negative behavior. PCIT therapists coach parents during interactions with their child to teach these new parenting skills. These skills are designed to strengthen the parent-child bond, decrease harsh and ineffective discipline control tactics, improve child social skills and cooperation, and reduce child negative or maladaptive behaviors.  

PCIT is a short-term treatment that typically lasts about 12-16 weeks. It is conducted in a clinic or office setting, and parents and children attend weekly sessions together. In each session, parents are coached by the therapist as they interact with their child in a playroom. The therapist provides immediate feedback and support to help parents learn and use the new skills effectively.  

PCIT has been shown to be effective in reducing child behavior problems such as defiance, aggression, and tantrums. It has also been shown to improve parent-child relationships and increase positive parenting skills. PCIT is a recommended treatment for children with disruptive behavior disorders, and it is also recognized by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP).