Parent-Child Interaction TherapyPCIT is a short-term, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families.
PCIT teaches caregivers to manage their child’s difficult behaviors, while increasing their positive behaviors. PCIT works with the child and caregiver together to improve behavior and reduce parenting stress. |
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PCIT consists of weekly sessions conducted in two treatment phases.
Child-directed interaction (CDI)
Caregivers are taught the PRIDE skills:
Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe and Enjoy.
These skills promote positive child behaviors.
Parent-directed interaction (PDI)
Caregivers learn to use effective commands and discipline procedures.
The PCIT therapist helps caregivers manage their child’s behaviors in many settings.
Child-directed interaction (CDI)
Caregivers are taught the PRIDE skills:
Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe and Enjoy.
These skills promote positive child behaviors.
Parent-directed interaction (PDI)
Caregivers learn to use effective commands and discipline procedures.
The PCIT therapist helps caregivers manage their child’s behaviors in many settings.
How does PCIT work?
PCIT is an exceptionally effective treatment backed by over 30 years of research. Live coaching is a hallmark of PCIT. The therapist observes the caregiver and child together, then provides coaching on the PCIT skills. Caregivers and therapists work together to manage challenging child behaviors.
Advantages of live coaching:
PCIT is an exceptionally effective treatment backed by over 30 years of research. Live coaching is a hallmark of PCIT. The therapist observes the caregiver and child together, then provides coaching on the PCIT skills. Caregivers and therapists work together to manage challenging child behaviors.
Advantages of live coaching:
- Skills are acquired rapidly by caregivers as they practice in the moment with therapist support.
- Therapists provide caring support as caregivers gain confidence and master their skills.
- Therapists provide immediate feedback about strategies to manage the child’s challenging behaviors.
Who is PCIT for?
Children ages two and a half to seven displaying any or all of the following behaviors:
Who are appropriate caregivers for PCIT?
Children ages two and a half to seven displaying any or all of the following behaviors:
- Parent-child relational problems
- Refusal and defiance of adult requests
- Easy loss of temper
- Purposeful annoyance of others
- Destruction of property
- Difficulty staying seated
- Difficulty playing quietly
- Difficulty taking turns
Who are appropriate caregivers for PCIT?
- Biological parents
- Foster parents
- Adoptive parents
- Legal guardian
- Grandparents
- Kinship caregivers
PTP extends our heartfelt gratitude to our PCIT teachers and mentors Dr. Cheryl McNeil at the University of West Virginia and Dr. Ashley Schdder at the University of Iowa. We would also like to thank Dr. Felipa Chavez at the Florida Institute of Technology for her consultation on PCIT Applications in Black Families.
For more information on PCIT visit the website for PCIT International.
For more information on PCIT visit the website for PCIT International.
