Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for children ages 2-7 years with disruptive behaviors and their parents. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Difficulty listening and following directions

• Tantrums

• Defiance/non-compliance

• Aggression

• Attention related concerns

• Behavior problems at school/daycare

 Treatment is completed in two phases.  Phase one focuses on using positive skills to increase wanted behaviors and build warm & healthy strong relationships. Phase two focuses on our evidence-based discipline protocol to help provide consistent and predictable discipline at home that is easy to follow through with.

PCIT differs from individual therapy in that it uses a “bug in the ear” and a one-way mirror in session. This allows parents and children one-on-one time in the playroom while the therapist coaches the parent on ways to address children’s behaviors. Parents build skills week to week to reach “mastery” before moving on to the next phase in treatment.

PCIT requires consistent attendance on a weekly to no less than a bi-weekly basis. The average length of treatment is 12-20 sessions and differs from family to family. We utilize data collected in session and the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory Scale to determine when treatment is complete.

If you are interested in PCIT and want to know more, please reach out to Leslie at leslie@thompsoncounselingllc.com.

For more information on PCIT, you can visit pcit.org.