Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

PCIT is a program where parents of children ages 2-7 are coached by therapists in behavior management and relationship skills to reduce child behavior concerns, increase positive parenting and improve parent-child relationships. Weekly sessions involve live coaching using earbud-type technology or same-room coaching. PCIT is done across two phases. The first phase focuses on establishing warmth in the parent child relationship. The second phase will give parents the tools to handle challenging behaviors while remaining calm and consistent. (Source: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, 2024.)

 

Primary Program Goals

Child-Directed Interaction Phase
  • Build close parent-child relationships
  • Foster warmth and security
  • Increase organizational and play skills
  • Decrease frustration and anger
  • Educate parents on teaching without frustration
  • Enhance self-esteem
  • Improve social skills (sharing, cooperation)
  • Teach communication with young children
Parent-Directed Interaction Phase
  • Teach discipline techniques for following directions and house rules
  • Decrease problematic behaviors with consistency
  • Build parental confidence in managing behaviors at home and in public

What Is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

For more information please contact Jessie Watrous