Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (2-7 years)

PCIT is an evidenced-based treatment for young children with behavioral and emotional struggles. Specifically, PCIT works well for young children experiencing difficulty concentrating, trauma, trouble at school, separation anxiety, tantrums and other types of disruptive behaviors. PCIT is also excellent in helping young children adjust to changes in placement, (eg. foster care), or with new caregivers (eg. step-parents). There are also adaptations that work well for children who may be over 7 years old, but have developmental delays. Treatment focuses on improving the quality of the relationship between caregivers and the child while also focusing on effective discipline strategies. I coach from an observation window with a one-way mirror into the playroom, using a “bug-in-the-ear” system for communicating with parents as they play with their child. Concluding each session, we decide which skill to focus on most during daily 5-minute home practice sessions the following week. 

PCIT-Toddlers (9-36 months)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Toddlers is an interactive early intervention program that involves coaching parents while they interact with their 9 to 36 month old child(ren).

Similar to standard PCIT, caregivers are coded and coached in the use of therapeutic parenting practices proven to decrease problematic behaviors, improve children's language, and encourage young children to follow directions using a “bug-in-the ear” system. Central to the model is the understanding that difficult behaviors in toddlers are a sign of emotion dysregulation rather than deliberate defiance. It is with the assistance of a nurturing and sensitive caregiver that the child's capacity to manage emotion develops, and promotes the attachment relationship between parent/caregiver and child.