
Parent Child Interaction Therapy
(PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based behavioral therapy treatment program for young children (ages 2-7) who are experiencing emotional or behavioral regulation difficulties. PCIT is a parent-led treatment that seeks to empower parents of young children to respond to child behavior problems consistently, calmly, and confidently with scientifically-proven strategies.
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Who is recommended for PCIT?
PCIT is recommended for children who exhibit behavioral challenges related to a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as ADHD or autism, as well as child anxiety disorders and depression. Though, a diagnosis is not needed for children to benefit from PCIT – many parents seek out PCIT based on a desire to learn new ways to support their child’s emotional needs and implement developmentally-appropriate discipline strategies in the home.​​


How does PCIT work?
PCIT includes two treatment phases. In the first phase, parents learn strategies to increase positive behaviors through modeling, positive reinforcement, and selective attention. In the second phase, parents learn new ways to help children accept limits and boundaries, follow directions, and respect house rules.
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At the beginning of each of the two phases of PCIT, parents can expect to meet for parent-only sessions with their clinician to learn the relevant parent-child interaction skills. Then, parents will participate with their child in “coaching” sessions, during which parents practice their PCIT skills while their clinician observes and provides real-time feedback (through a bug-in-the-ear headphone system). Real-time coaching is a unique aspect of PCIT that increases parent effectiveness and confidence in implementing the strategies with their child.
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Where do you do PCIT?​
Brighter Outlook offers PCIT sessions both in-person at our office and via telehealth. Your clinician will help advise on which modality is recommended given your child’s needs and treatment goals. Research and our clinical experience do indicate that PCIT can be effectively delivered virtually.
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How long does PCIT last?​
Generally, PCIT can be completed in 12-20 sessions with consistency in treatment attendance and homework completion. Children with neurodevelopmental differences may require a longer course of treatment and additional tailoring to meet their unique needs. Importantly, the goal of PCIT is for parents to graduate from treatment once they feel confident managing their child’s behavior through effective implementation of PCIT skills and improvement in child emotional and behavioral regulation.


PCIT Adapted for Older Children (Ages 7-10)
We offer Parent-Child Interaction Therapy adapted for children older than the standard PCIT protocol, specifically children ages 7-10. This program includes modifications made to the treatment to account for developmental changes including a check-in with the child at the start of coaching sessions, adapted use of child-directed play skills, and adaptation of the discipline phase to increase child buy-in and collaboration to meet treatment goals.