Therapy Services for Young Children with Emotional & Behavioral Challenges
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps children understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. For young kids, we use playful, developmentally appropriate strategies—like stories, games, and visuals—to help them:
Recognize and talk about their emotions
Learn coping skills for anxiety, anger, or frustration
Practice problem-solving and calming techniques
We also involve parents in the process so you can support these skills at home and feel confident in helping your child navigate big emotions.
More information on CBT can be found at:
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for young children (ages 2–8) who are experiencing behavior problems, frequent tantrums, defiance, or emotional difficulties.
PCIT is a structured program that typically lasts 12–20 weeks and is split into two phases:
Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): You’ll learn positive communication and play-based strategies to strengthen your relationship with your child and increase cooperation.
Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): You’ll be taught how to give effective instructions, set clear expectations, and manage challenging behaviors calmly and consistently.
What makes PCIT unique is that you’re coached live during sessions—through an earpiece or from behind a mirror—so you can apply new skills in the moment and feel confident doing it at home. This real-time feedback helps families make meaningful progress faster.
Parents often tell us that PCIT not only changes their child’s behavior—it transforms the way they can confidently and calmly respond to their child.
Learn more about PCIT at pcit.org
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is an evidence-based intervention that helps children address the negative effects of trauma, including learning basic coping skills, processing their trauma memories, overcoming problematic thoughts and behaviors, and making meaning from their experiences. Dr. Hughes particularly specializes with children under the age of 10 who have experienced trauma. Please visit https://www.nctsn.org/interventions/trauma-focused-cognitive-behavioral-therapy for more information.
