Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Behavioral disorders are common in young children with 10 percent experiencing a mental or behavioral health condition annually. In the U.S., this translates to millions of children experiencing significant daily challenges at home or school. 

Children’s Service Center provides Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based program that addresses a wide range of behavioral challenges in 1- to 7-year-olds – with or without the presence of a diagnosed mental or developmental disorder. 

PCIT provides parents and their children with effective strategies and skills to improve family relationships. It focuses on multiple areas including emotion regulation, behavior management, listening skills, and language development. Treatment has been successful for a variety of concerns such as tantrums, separation anxiety, and language issues. It also helps parents who may be struggling with discipline and setting limits, or those trying to help children adjust to significant changes in the family.

If your child is acting out and challenging parental authority, the cause may be biological, psychological, or social factors. PCIT can help with any persistent or extreme behavior, including:

  • Refusing or defying adult requests
  • Losing temper easily
  • Purposely annoy others
  • Stealing or destroying things
  • Starting fights or hurting others
  • Have trouble staying seated or playing quietly
  • Have trouble taking turns 
  • Tantrums 
  • Aggression (hitting, biting, pinching)
  • Fussiness (screaming, whining, crying)
  • Anger, frustration, head banging
  • Attachment difficulties (rejection of parent, difficult to comfort)
  • Separation anxiety from parent
  • Withdrawal from a parent
  • Developmental concerns (such as autistic behaviors, language problems)
  • Parental stress (anxiety, dissatisfaction, difficulty coping, lack of confidence)
  • History of child abuse or neglect

Criteria

  • Children ages 1 to 7 with persistent or extreme behavioral challenges. 
  • The participating caregiver may be a biological or adoptive parent, a family caregiver, legal guardian, or grandparent. Caregivers are the heart of the program. PCIT cares for caregivers.

Goals & Activities

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy has two primary goals:

  • To enhance a positive relationship between caregiver and child
  • To promote effective behavior management and discipline techniques

To accomplish these goals, PCIT is conducted through 12 to 20 weekly sessions (in person; telehealth available) that use two types of interactions:

Child-Directed Interaction

  • The parent/caregiver follows the child’s lead
  • PRIDE skills: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, Enthusiasm
  • Ignore annoying behavior
  • Control dangerous behavior

Parent-Directed Interaction

  • Parents learn how to help their children behave
  • Parents learn how to help children listen

Family therapy sessions, meeting bi-weekly, are recommended during distinct treatment phases.

How well does PCIT work?

PCIT has demonstrated clinical improvements in the behavior of pre-school-aged children. Research shows children’s behavior is usually within the normal range after 12 to 20 weekly sessions. Parents and other caregivers report being highly satisfied with the treatment process and results. Positive changes reported include:

  • Improved communication between parents and children
  • Improved listening skills
  • Fewer family disruptions
  • Better attention skills on the part of the child
  • Improved compliance with parent’s direction and requests
  • Improved language development
  • Enhanced social skills

Most importantly, children participating in PCIT with their parents or other caregivers increase their chances of reaching their full potential.

Locations

Hazleton

Honesdale

Tunkhannock

Wilkes-Barre

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