Parent Child Interaction Therapy

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You are a parent/caregiver and you are feeling overwhelmed with your child’s temper tantrums, defiance, or aggressive behavior. You were so excited to be a parent but lately you have been questioning if you are doing something wrong or if this is how these early years are supposed to be. You look online for guidance but end up feeling more confused, frustrated, or feeling shamed as a parent (I’m never supposed to discipline them, what?).

If this sounds like you then you and your child may benefit from Parent Child Interaction Therapy.

What is PCIT?

PCIT is an evidence based treatment for children with emotional and/or behavioral concerns. It helps improve children’s skills of listening, following directions, understanding consequences, and strengthening parent-child connections.

PCIT was developed in the 1970's by Dr. Sheila Eyberg. Today, it is one of the most researched and scientifically successful parent training programs. PCIT is different from other parenting guidance in that it involves hands on learning. Parents/caregivers are coached while learning and practicing skills in session.

Who does PCIT help?

PCIT is considered the gold standard for children with many different challenges including:

  • Frequent temper tantrums

  • Defiance/refusing to follow directions

  • Verbal and/or physical aggression

  • Destruction of toys or belongings

  • Backtalk/sassing adults

  • Whining or crying for no apparent reason

  • Hyperactivity

  • Interrupting others

  • Short attention span

  • Difficulty with behaviors at school, preschool, or day care

FAQs about PCIT

  • PCIT is a time limited therapy and lasts approximately 12-20 appointments, based on families unique needs as well as skills practice between appointments. We will work together to make sure you feel confident using your new skills.

  • Many families start seeing positive changes early in treatment! It is recommended that even if you notice positive changes in the first part of treatment that you continue treatment for all of PCIT. It’s like an antibiotic - you may feel better at first but for the treatment to be fully successful you have to finish.

  • Parents/caregivers and the child. If there are 2 parents/caregivers then it is recommended that both attend appointments with the child. If there are special circumstances related to schedules, different households, or 3+ caregivers we can discuss and problem solve ahead of time.

  • PCIT appointments last between 50-60 minutes

  • Yes! PCIT can be done in an online setting. If doing PCIT online, we will talk about how to set up the home environment to make sure PCIT is done correctly.

  • Flowers Psychology is not in network with any insurance companies. Session fees are $250 for the first appointment and $200 for each follow up appointment.

I know it can feel like a big step to reach out to a psychologist but I try to make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know if I think PCIT will be a good fit for your family. If it’s not, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person.

Want to get to know more about me or my therapy style? Learn more about me here, check out the FAQs about therapy, or check out my blog