Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
An Overview
Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, PCIT for short, is an evidenced-based approach designed for young children (and their caregivers) between the ages of 2-7 who are experiencing behavioral problems.
PCIT evolved from integrating two prominent but theoretically distinct child treatments, Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy, and retained the essential therapeutic elements of each. Both play and behavior therapy had unique strengths. One was the emotional calm produced by the play therapy experiences. However, the calming effects of play therapy are a function of the bond that develops between therapist and child. These positive interactions are often lacking in parent-child relationships. When a child is experiencing challenging behavior, parents feel overwhelmed. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy helps parents to feel confident in successfully handling these moments. Teaching parents play skills has benefits, but parents also need the skills/tools provided by behavior-focused parent training to set appropriate limits and reve coercive discipline.
Evidence-Based Validation
PCIT is now one of the most prevalent empirically supported, evidenced-based practices worldwide for treating families with young children. This modality has repeatedly demonstrated effectiveness in improving parent-child relationships and reducing disruptive behaviors.
Real-Time Feedback
PCIT is unique in that caregivers are provided with live coaching sessions. The clinician observes the caregiver and child during play and provides live, in-the-moment coaching through a live video feed/bug in the ear. PCIT can even be done virtually, in the comfort of your home! Caregivers also complete daily homework and use a weekly behavior scale to track behaviors and measure progress.
“The overarching goal of PCIT is to strengthen the relationship between a child and their caregiver.” – Daniela Nogales, LCPC.
The Two-Phase Process
In the first phase, CDI (Child Directed Interactions), we provide you, the caregiver, with tools to increase appropriate behaviors and positive interactions. By using therapeutic play skills and differential attention, you’ll see an improvement in parent-child relationships, parenting skills, and social skills and improve the child’s self-esteem. We use an acronym (PRIDE) to remember these essential therapeutic play skills: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, and Enjoy.
Once caregivers have a strong foundation in CDI skills, we move to the second phase, PDI (Parent Directed Interaction). During this phase, caregivers learn to set limits with fairness, consistency, and predictability – a way that feels good for the caregiver and the child!
With consistency in attending weekly sessions and daily HW completion, treatment length can be from 12-20 weeks (could be more or less). Families graduate from PCIT when caregivers have met mastery in both sets of skills, report behaviors to be within normal limits on a behavior rating scale, and, most importantly, report confidence in managing behaviors.
Typical referral Concerns:
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Target Population:
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Disruptive and challenging behavior concerns can get better. Call us to discuss how PCIT can help you and your family!
Daniela Nogales
Daniela Nogales, LCPC, has received specialized training in PCIT. It also supports parents in learning skills to help their children learn to manage their feelings and behaviors so parents can feel more confident no matter what their child’s behaviors might be in the moment. Daniela offers virtual and in-person sessions (in the office or at home) to best support individuals and their families.
Call us for details and assistance setting up an evaluation and care at (240) 252-3349.
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