PARENT CHILD INTERACTION THERAPY (PCIT) ROADMAP
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What is PCIT?
Parent Child Interaction Therapy is an evidence treatment that improves the relationship of caregivers and children through play. PCIT trainers help parents decrease negative attention-seeking behaviors, improve role model self-regulation and increase cooperation using positive parenting techniques.
History: During the 1970's, Sheila Eyberg created this evidence-based treatment program designed to instill positive parenting relationships. PCIT addresses issues resulting from ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and CD (Conduct Disorder). It involves play and behavioral therapy. What makes it different from other services is that it provides direct coaching to parents/caregivers in real time to support them and build their confidence. PCIT International offers training and oversees implementation.
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How does it work?
PCIT is conducted through weekly "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. Parents are offered phone support between sessions and after treatment completion.
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​What are the benefits?
PCIT is effective in helping children who have anxiet, depression, ADHD and dealing with life changing situations like parental divorce. PCIT increases better behavior, social skills improvement, increases language, improve play skills, builds child's self-esteem, and strengthens the parent/child relationship. The main goal was to fine tune a person's parenting style away from being too authoritative or too permissive by focusing on interaction patterns and being assessment driven. It helps parents enjoy their child and allows the child to use play as a coping skill to help relax them.
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What goals can I expect?
This therapy is a two stage process starting with Child Direct Interaction (CDI). This is the relationship enhancement phase where the parent follows the lead of the child playing. In Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) caregivers are taught the PRIDE skills:
Praise: Tell the child exactly what you like: "I love how you are sharing the toys with me."
Reflect: Repeating what your child said to improve their speech.
Imitate: Copying what the child is doing to reinforce taking turns. As the child draws a picture, you say you are drawing the same thing.
Describe: Saying what they are doing to help with attention.
Enjoy the time together.
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Phase 2 is the Parent Direct Interaction (PDI) which is the discipline phase where parents learn clear communication, problem solving, and consistency.
Parents fill out an individualized assessment before every session to document progress. Sessions typically last 45-60 min once a week. A trainer will equip the parent with an ear piece so that directions are given that only the parent can hear. Often sessions are video or audio taped so the team can discuss strategies. Parents are asked to play 5 minutes with their child using the recommended techniques. PCIT Therapy lasts 2-4 months. For this therapy to be effective, parents need to be committed to the program. If the parent isn't motivated, the data will reflect this. The parent/child graduates from the program with mastery and confidence of parenting skills and the child's behavior falls in the normal range according to the data. Upon successful completion of the PCIT program, the positive results are lasting. Trainers are available for parents post graduation to answer questions to help maintain skills.
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Children enjoy the positive attention from parents and being to make changes in their behavior really quickly.
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Recommended ages: Children between 2-7 yrs old with disruptive behaviors like difficulty staying seated, taking turns, playing quietly, defiance, temper tantrums ad annoyance of others.
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Trained Providers:
KidsPeace Outpatient
Corinne Falgares, Supervisor
Call: 610-799-8910
Email: corinne.falgares@kidspeace.org
Website: https://pcit.ucdavis.edu/find-a-provider/united-states/3008/kidspeace-outpatient/
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​TIP: If after school sessions aren't available, please check with your school district to see if you can pull your child out for the session, request that it be in his/her IEP and request a written excuse to bring to school when you drop your child offer after the therapy.