Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

PCIT stands for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. It is one of the most effective treatments for disruptive behaviors, noncompliance, or aggression in young children (developmental level of 3-7 years). It emphasizes changing parent-child interaction patterns and building on caregivers' relationship their child. Caregivers are taught the specific skills that mental health professionals use to improve child behavior.

Who is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for?

Children who are having difficulties with any of the following:

  • Aggression
  • Noncompliance
  • Tantrums
  • Hyperactivity
  • Self-injurious behavior
  • Whining, swearing, sassing
  • Anxiety
  • Low mood, withdrawn
  • Effects of chronic trauma
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder and the behaviors described above

PCIT is not appropriate for individuals with acute trauma, children whose receptive language level is below 3 years of age, or a caregiver who is unable to regularly attend sessions and practice skills with their child at home.

PCIT  Goals
  • Enhancing the relationship you have with your child
  • Learning to play with your child and modeling age-appropriate play skills
  • Teaching your child new ways to manage and reduce frustration and anger
  • Teaching parents new ways to respond to child’s behavior, now and in the future
  • Helping your child listen and follow directions the first time you tell them to do something
  • Increasing how often your child shows us appropriate behavior
  • (If relevant) increase sharing, use of language

The PCIT Roadmap

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What do the sessions look like?

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PCIT is divided into two parts.  The first part (Child Directed Interaction, or CDI) focuses on enhancing the relationship between you and your child, learning appropriate play skills, and determining how much of your child’s behavior can be changed with positive attention. The second part (Parent Directed Interaction; PDI) focuses on teaching your child to listen to and follow directions, using developmentally appropriate techniques to deal with your child’s behavior, and problem solving.  Parents will learn specific behavior management techniques while playing with their children.