“The kids who need the most love
will ask for it in the most unloving ways.”
-Russel Barkley
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
What is PCIT Therapy?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (or PCIT) is a short-term, evidence-based therapy for kids who have trouble with following directions, low frustration tolerance, tantrums, and/or disruptive behavior. In PCIT, parents learn how to communicate with their child in a therapeutic way, and successfully help them learn to follow directions using a calm voice. By practicing the skills, parents are able to build-up their children’s self esteem, frustration tolerance, and compliance, as well as feel more confident in their own ability to navigate challenging behaviors at home. PCIT-certified therapists provide live coaching for parents through a “bug-in-the-ear” system, and serve as a supportive guide for how to respond to a child’s negative behaviors. Most families need 12 to 20 coaching sessions to graduate and bring the child’s behavior back into an acceptable range.
Who is PCIT Therapy for?
Difficulty taking turns
Breaking or damaging property
Easily annoyed or angered
Being spiteful or vindictive
Purposefully annoying others
Blaming others for their mistakes
Oppositional behavior or defiance
Difficulty staying seated & playing quietly
PCIT was designed for children ages 2 to 7 years old, but the approach can be tailored for some children up to age 11. PCIT has been proven effective for children with any of the following challenges:
Difficulty following directions the first time asked
Relationship challenges with parent
Emotional dysregulation/ tantrums
Low frustration tolerance