Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for children ages 2-7 years old that significantly improves parent-child relationships and decreases disruptive behavior.

PCIT has 2 distinct phases:

• The Child-Directed Interaction: In the first phase of PCIT, you learn how to be your child’s play therapist. We teach you play therapy skills that improve behavior and social skills in young children. Then, we support you by watching you play with your child and coaching you, right in the moment, so that you learn skills quickly and we can help you manage challenging behavior. When something goes wrong, we’re here to help you know what to do. When something goes well, we’re here to help you reinforce it!

• The Parent-Directed Interaction: The second phase of PCIT is about teaching you and your child a very consistent discipline sequence that helps your child learn to follow directions. You learn how to clearly communicate with your child without yelling and still have your child listen to you. We’re right here with you, coaching you, when discipline gets tough.

PCIT is helpful to families struggling with a range of concerns including:

• Children with oppositional behaviors

• Children who can’t control their emotions

• Children diagnosed with attention problems

• Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Children getting in trouble at school/daycare

• Children who are going through changes in the family (for example, new sibling)

• Children who have experienced traumatic events

• Children with low self-esteem

• Children who are anxious

• Children who are struggling socially