Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment designed for children who are struggling with behavioral or emotional challenges. PCIT empowers parents and caregivers with the skills to manage difficult behavior while strengthening their relationship with their child.
Using live coaching and structured strategies, parents learn to support their child with warmth, consistency, and confidence.
We offer multiple versions of PCIT to meet the unique needs of children ages 2 through 10, including adaptations for anxiety and selective mutism.
Is PCIT Right for My Child?
We recommend PCIT if your child is experiencing:
- Frequent tantrums or meltdowns
- Aggression or defiance
- Difficulty following directions
- Separation anxiety or extreme worry
- Selective mutism or trouble speaking in public
- Disruptive behavior at school or home
- Parenting stress or power struggles
If any of these sound familiar, PCIT may be the right fit for your family.
How Does PCIT Work?
PCIT includes two main phases, delivered through weekly or biweekly sessions with live parent coaching:
- Connecting Phase (Child-Directed Interaction or CDI): This phase focuses on repairing and strengthening parent-child interactions. Parents learn how to connect with and motivate their child through research-supported strategies. This phase helps reinforce positive behaviors, reduces negative attention-seeking, improves emotion regulation, and helps children become more motivated to cooperate and please their caregiver. It also reduces the chance of parents unintentionally reinforcing challenging behaviors.
- Correcting Phase (Parent-Directed Interaction or PDI): This phase focuses on setting clear expectations and following through with calm, consistent consequences. Parents are coached on how to give effective instructions, manage defiance, and reduce power struggles, all while preserving the emotional connection built in the first phase.
Live coaching is provided through an earpiece, allowing the therapist to guide parents in real time while they interact with their child.
Sessions are tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals.
Types of PCIT We Offer
We are proud to offer several versions of PCIT to support families across developmental stages and emotional needs:
✅ Standard PCIT (Ages 2–7)
Best for children with tantrums, defiance, or aggressive behavior.
This traditional form of PCIT is the most researched and widely used. It focuses on emotional connection and consistent parenting tools to improve behavior at home and in the community.
✅ PCIT Adapted for Older Children (Ages 8–10)
For school-age children with persistent behavior challenges.
This version adapts core PCIT strategies for older kids, using more age-appropriate language and goals while still involving caregivers in live coaching.
✅ PCIT for Anxiety (PCIT-CALM)
Designed for children with anxiety, including separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, and social fears.
This model incorporates exposure therapy and parent coaching to help children face fears in small, supported steps. Parents are taught how to coach their child through brave behaviors and reduce avoidance.
✅ PCIT for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM)
For children who are verbal at home but silent in public or school settings.
This specialized model blends PCIT with exposure-based techniques. Parents are coached in real time to support their child in gradually speaking in new settings without pressure or fear.
Why PCIT Is So Effective
- Backed by over 40 years of research
- Involves parents directly in the change process
- Helps reduce parenting stress and improve confidence
- Builds strong, healthy parent-child relationships
- Effective for a wide range of challenges: behavioral issues, ADHD, anxiety, selective mutism, trauma
What to Expect from the Process
- Initial intake and goal setting
- Weekly PCIT sessions
- Live coaching with therapist support
- Parent skill-building and practice between sessions
- Progress tracking and adjustments over time
Most families notice meaningful changes within 12 to 20 sessions, though this varies based on the child’s needs and family goals.
Common Questions About PCIT
What if my child refuses to participate?
Therapists are trained to meet children where they are and adapt the approach accordingly. We build engagement gradually and supportively.
What if my child does not display the problem behaviors we see at home or school in session?
This is very common. Many children behave differently in structured or unfamiliar settings like a therapy room. The PCIT model anticipates this and is designed to still be highly effective. Your therapist will help set up situations that gently bring out the behaviors we need to address, or will rely on your real-life observations and coaching practice at home to guide progress. Even when a child appears “perfect” during sessions, the skills you’re learning are working behind the scenes to create positive change across environments.
Does PCIT work for ADHD?
Yes, PCIT is highly effective for children with ADHD, especially when combined with support for emotional regulation.
Is this therapy or parenting coaching?
PCIT is both—it’s a therapy that actively involves parents as the key change agents for their child.
Can both parents attend sessions?
Yes. We encourage both caregivers to participate when possible for consistency and support.
Do you offer virtual PCIT?
Yes. Telehealth options are available depending on your location and your child’s needs.
Let’s Work Together to Support Your Child
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our team is here to guide you with tools that work, support that feels empowering, and a plan that fits your child.