Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Transform parent-child relationships into lasting change.
Caregivers of children with behavioral and/or emotional difficulties try everything to improve family life and often feel hopeless. PCIT can facilitate the change you are looking for.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based, short-term therapy designed to improve the relationship between parents and children. It addresses behavioral issues (e.g., temper tantrums, breaking things, fidgeting, difficulty sharing, refusing to listen) and teaches all parents (biological, foster, adoptive) how to improve their parenting skills.
This innovative therapy focuses on enhancing communication, building positive interactions, and helping parents manage challenging behaviors in children ages 18 months to 10 years. PCIT is often used with children aged 2 to 7 who are having trouble with being disobedient, aggressive, throwing tantrums, and not listening. There are also versions of PCIT for younger children, older children, and sad or anxious children.
PCIT is also one of the first treatments for ADHD and ADHD-like behaviors recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
How does PCIT work?
PCIT is a short-term therapy, but the length of treatment can vary. Most families finish PCIT within 12 to 20 weeks.
Through structured coaching, PCIT empowers parents with the tools they need to create a stronger, healthier family dynamic.
PCIT is different from other parenting programs because it focuses on real-time coaching. Parents and children engage in therapeutic play sessions while a trained therapist provides guidance and feedback through an earpiece.
This unique approach helps parents gain immediate insight into their child’s behavior, teaching them to respond with clear, consistent, and nurturing reactions.
The therapy is divided into two phases.
- Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): The first phase focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship. Parents learn how to engage with their children in a way that fosters positive behavior and trust.
- Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): The second phase focuses on improving discipline skills. Parents are coached on how to give clear, effective commands and manage misbehavior calmly and consistently.
What are the benefits of PCIT?
Unlike other programs, PCIT offers live, in-the-moment coaching, allowing parents to practice and refine their skills immediately. This ensures faster and more effective learning.
Parents will see improved behavior as their children learn to regulate their behavior, which leads to fewer tantrums, defiance, and emotional outbursts. They will gain increased confidence as they gain the tools and confidence to handle demanding situations calmly and consistently.
A stronger parent-child bond will form. Parents will develop a deeper connection with their children through positive, quality interactions.
The long-term results produce lasting improvements in family dynamics, creating a foundation for ongoing success.
Is PCIT right for your family?
PCIT is especially effective for families dealing with:
- Behavioral challenges, including defiance, tantrums, and aggression,
- Emotional dysregulation such as anxiety, difficulty with frustration tolerance, and mood swings,
- Parent-child relationship difficulties due to miscommunication or a lack of positive interactions.
PCIT is ideal for children ages 2-7 but can also benefit parents of children as young as 18 months up to age 10.
Get started today!
If you are ready to transform your relationship with your child and address challenging behaviors, PCIT could be the solution you have been looking for. I am here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today by email, maria@mariapistorio.com, or phone, (267) 469-0321, to schedule a free consultation or learn how PCIT can help your family thrive.