Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a highly effective, research-supported therapy for children ages 2–8 who are experiencing behavior challenges such as tantrums, aggression, defiance, or emotional dysregulation. PCIT focuses on improving the parent-child relationship and building positive communication skills.
This structured program typically lasts 12–20 weeks and includes two main phases:
- Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): Learn to use positive attention and play-based strategies to strengthen your bond with your child and increase cooperation.
- Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): Gain skills in giving effective instructions, setting boundaries, and managing behavior with calm, consistent strategies.
What sets PCIT apart is real-time coaching: During sessions, our therapist guides you live through an earpiece or observation room, helping you apply techniques in the moment. This hands-on support accelerates progress and builds lasting confidence in parenting.
Parents often report that PCIT not only changes their child’s behavior—it transforms how they respond as a parent, creating a more peaceful and connected home.
Learn more about PCIT at pcit.org
PCIT NATIONALLY CERTIFIED PROVIDER
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Children
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven, evidence-based treatment that helps children understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. At Little Futures, we use age-appropriate, playful techniques—such as stories, games, and visuals—to make CBT engaging and effective for young children.
CBT helps children:
- Recognize and express their emotions in healthy ways
- Develop coping strategies for anxiety, anger, and frustration
- Build problem-solving and emotional regulation skills
Parent Management Training (PMT)
Parenting a child with frequent tantrums, defiance, or big emotions can feel overwhelming. Parent Management Training (PMT) is an evidence-based approach that helps parents learn effective strategies to reduce challenging behaviors, strengthen the parent-child relationship, and promote positive development.
At Little Futures, our therapists guide parents step-by-step through PMT, providing tools and coaching to make everyday parenting more calm, consistent, and effective.
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is an evidence-based, parent-based treatment designed to help children and teens struggling with anxiety, avoidance, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and related concerns.
Unlike traditional child-focused therapy, SPACE works directly with parents and caregivers, teaching them how to respond supportively to their child’s anxiety while gradually reducing family accommodations that may unintentionally reinforce avoidance.
Through practical strategies and guidance, parents learn to build their child’s confidence, encourage independence, and help them develop healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions—even when the child is hesitant or unwilling to participate directly in therapy.