Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) provides behavioral training and play-based relationship enhancement. By focusing on both the child and the parent, PCIT offers a dyadic approach to address behavioral concerns, making it a direct coaching resource for many families.
Therapy
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Foundations of PCIT
Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for children aged 2-7, originally developed by Sheila Eyberg in the 1970s, to address behavioral and emotional difficulties.
PCIT is conducted by direct coaching of parent–child interactions from a trained therapist. Live skills coaching of the parent during parent–child interactions is the hallmark of PCIT. For both the CDI and PDI phases, the principles and skills are introduced in one teaching session with the caregiver(s) alone. In subsequent coaching sessions, after a homework review, therapists coach each parent–child dyad in turn. In clinic-based PCIT, coaching is done via a wireless earphone through a one-way mirror. The parent and child interact in the therapy room while the therapist coaches from an adjacent room behind the one-way mirror.
How Does PCIT Work?
PCIT operates in two primary phases:
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Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): In this phase, parents are coached to use specific skills to improve their relationship with their child. The emphasis is on creating a warm, secure attachment, using techniques from play therapy. Parents are taught to follow their child's lead in play, to provide descriptive praise, and to ignore minor misbehaviors. The goal here is to increase the child's self-esteem and feelings of security within the parent-child relationship.
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Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): The second phase equips parents with techniques to set clear, consistent limits and to manage behavior. Here, parents are trained to give clear, direct commands and to apply consistent consequences (such as timeout) when directives are not followed. This phase emphasizes increasing the child's compliance and decreasing negative behaviors.
What are the Benefits?
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Improved Behavioral Skills: PCIT gives parents tangible skills that can be employed in day-to-day interactions, leading to increased confidence in parenting and decreased stress levels.
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Direct Communication: Parents learn to communicate with their children more effectively and understand their needs better.
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Roots of Behavior: Instead of solely focusing on the child's behavior, PCIT addresses the root causes and involves the child's caregiver in the process, leading to change.
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Decreased Family Stress: As negative behaviors diminish and relationships within the family unit improve, the overall home environment becomes less tense and more harmonious.
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Evidence-Based Outcomes: Data from studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PCIT in reducing child behavior problems, improving the quality of the parent-child relationship, and reducing parental stress and depression.
Who is PCIT Useful for?
PCIT is most effective for families who need concrete skills for parenting children between 2-7 years old exhibiting behavioral concerns. This includes, but is not limited to, defiance, temper tantrums, and aggressive behavior.
However, as with any therapy, individual results can vary. It is always recommended to consult with a trained therapist or counselor to determine if PCIT or a different form of therapy is the right fit for your family.