Creating Stronger Parent-Child Bonds Through PCIT and TCIT

Written by: Jaclynn Kuchta, PhD, LP, NCSP

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based intervention for children ages 2.5-7 who are exhibiting disruptive behaviors such as defiance, aggression, impulsivity, or hyperactivity. PCIT has been used since the 1970’s and has had numerous adaptations of the model to expand its effectiveness to other groups. However, despite PCIT’s impressive research base, some states are lacking the awareness, knowledge, and training to implement PCIT within their communities. One of those states is Georgia. According to pcit.org, there are 21 certified PCIT providers housed in the state of Georgia (not including telehealth options provided by clinicians in other states), which is a low number considering need for treatment, population, etc.

As mentioned above, numerous adaptations have been generated based on PCIT over the years and one of those, is Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT), which uses a teacher-student pair instead of the parent-child. This model has been shown to be effective in reducing disruptive behaviors within the classroom, while also providing teachers with tools in their toolbox to handle any challenges within the academic environment. Not only has TCIT been introduced to the United States, but it has been making its move worldwide. Dr. Jaclynn Kuchta, a licensed psychologist and within agency PCIT trainer at Pathways, specializes in PCIT and its adaptation, TCIT, and had the opportunity to observe and offer support for a TCIT training to clinicians in South Korea.

Dr. Kuchta and Marina Yearsovich, PCIT Program Manager at Pathways, have been working alongside global PCIT trainers and Amerigroup to train more clinicians in PCIT throughout the state and promote advocacy for better payment options through insurance companies. The hope is to train more clinicians throughout Georgia and implement unique ways to provide PCIT to the community, such as through TCIT. Any clinicians who are employed at Pathways and wish to be certified in PCIT, have the opportunity to be trained for free by Dr. Kuchta or Marina. If any teachers are interested in the TCIT model, please reach out to Dr. Kuchta at [email protected]​

For more information about PCIT, please visit pcit.org