Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Serving Florida and New York

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children exhibiting behavioral difficulties.

The determination of whether PCIT is the most suitable treatment for you and your child ultimately rests with your mental health professional.

PCIT is conducted during “coaching” sessions, wherein you and your child engage in play in a playroom while the therapist observes your interactions through a one-way mirror and/or live video feed. You wear a device that transmits audio feedback to the therapist, enabling them to provide in-the-moment guidance on skills you are learning to manage your child’s behavior.

PCIT is administered in two distinct treatment phases. The initial phase of treatment is dedicated to establishing warmth within the parent-child relationship through the acquisition and application of skills proven to facilitate children’s feelings of calmness, security in their parental relationships, and self-esteem.

Apple Psychological’s Objectives To The First Phase In PCIT

The primary objectives of the initial phase of PCIT are to:

– Reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of tantrums.
– Decrease the level of activity.
– Eliminate or minimize negative attention-seeking behaviors, such as whining and bossiness.
– Reduce parental frustration.
– Foster a sense of security, safety, and attachment to the primary caregiver.
– Enhance attention span.
– Boost self-esteem.
– Encourage pro-social behaviors, including sharing and taking turns.

The second phase of treatment will equip 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.

Apple Psychological’s Objectives To The Second Phase In PCIT

Here are the objectives we aspire to accomplish in the second phase of PCIT:

– Decrease the frequency, intensity, and duration of aggressive behavior.
– Reduce the occurrence of destructive behavior, such as intentionally breaking toys.
– Decrease defiance.
– Increase compliance with adult requests.
– Enhance respect for household rules.
– Improve behavior in public settings.
– Reduce parental stress and confidence during discipline.

With consistent attendance and completing homework assignments, PCIT can be completed within 12 to 20 sessions, although treatment is not time-limited. Treatment is considered complete when you have demonstrated proficiency in both sets of skills and your child’s behavior is rated within normal limits on a behavior rating scale.