What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

  I-PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children, ages 2 to 8, who display behavioral problems. I-PCIT is conducted through "coaching" sessions during which you and your child play and interact together while the therapist coaches you from a remote location. You wear a "bug-in-the-ear" device (usually a wireless/Bluetooth headphone) through which the therapist provides real time coaching on skills to manage your child's behavior.

PCIT involves two treatment phases. The first phase focuses on establishing warmth in your relationship with your child through learning and applying skills proven to help children feel calm, secure in their relationships with their parents, and good about themselves. This phase also aims to improve child behavior by teaching parents positive attention skills.   

The second phase equips you to manage the most challenging of your child's behaviors while remaining confident, calm, and consistent in your approach to discipline. In this phase, you will learn proven strategies to help your child accept your limits, comply with your directions, respect house rules, and demonstrate appropriate behavior in public.      

•  Decreased: 
  • frequency, severity, and/or duration of tantrums
  • activity levels
  • negative attention-seeking behaviors (such as whining and bossiness)
  • parental frustration
• Increased:
  • feelings of security, safety, and attachment to the primary caregiver
  • attention span
  • self-esteem
  • pro-social behaviors (such as sharing and taking turns)

• Decreased:
  • frequency, severity, and/or duration of aggressive behavior
  • frequency of destructive behavior (such as breaking toys on purpose)
  • defiance
• Increased:
  • compliance with adult requests
  • respect for house rules
  • appropriate public behavior
  • parental calmness and confidence during discipline