Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically-supported treatment for young children with behavioral difficulties. It is used to treat children (ages 2-7) with concerns such as:
- Difficulty following directions
- Talking back to parents/teachers
- Aggression toward parents, siblings and/or other children
- Rude, sassy, oppositional/defiant behavior
- Hyperactivity
- Attachment/relationship difficulties between parent and child
PCIT is effective because of its unique approach. The therapist coaches parents how to respond to their child in the moment. In PCIT, parents learn how to motivate children to want to listen, how to give effective directions and how to follow through with appropriate consequences. During the course of treatment, the child’s behaviors should improve and the parent-child relationship will become more positive and rewarding.
