Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Developed by Dr. Sheila Eyberg
PCIT International was created to promote fidelity in the practice of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy through well-conducted research, training, and continuing education of therapists and trainers. By creating an interface between the scholarly activities of PCIT researchers and the expertise of front-line clinicians, PCIT International promotes healthy family functioning.
PCIT International was founded by the developer of PCIT, Dr. Sheila Eyberg. It is the only organization that offers therapist and trainer certification processes approved by the developer of the intervention.
For Parents
PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems.
The decision to whether PCIT is the most appropriate treatment for you and your child is between you and your mental health professional.
PCIT is conducted through “coaching” sessions during which you and your child are in a playroom while the therapist is in an observation room watching you interact with your child through a one-way mirror and/or live video feed. You wear a “bug-in-the-ear” device through which the therapist provides in-the-moment coaching on skills you are learning to manage your child’s behavior.
Desired outcomes of the first phase of treatment in PCIT include:
- Decreased frequency, severity, and/or duration of tantrums
- Decreased activity levels
- Decreased negative attention-seeking behaviors (such as whining and bossiness)
- Decreased parental frustration
- Increased feelings of security, safety, and attachment to the primary caregiver
- Increased attention span
- Increased self-esteem
- Increased pro-social behaviors (such as sharing and taking turns)
Desired outcomes of the second phase of treatment in PCIT include:
- Decreased frequency, severity, and/or duration of aggressive behavior
- Decreased frequency of destructive behavior (such as breaking toys on purpose)
- Decreased defiance
- Increased compliance with adult requests
- Increased respect for house rules
- Improved behavior in public
- Increased parental calmness and confidence during discipline
Experienced Practitioners
Resources
http://www.pcit.org/