Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

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PCIT is a short-term, evidence based behavioral treatment program designed for parents of children ages 2-8 with "behavioral challenges".   This is not a typical counseling program just for your child. I work with you to help you with your child, to help transform your relationship, gain confidence with parenting a neurodivergent child or child with "behavior challenges", and learn skills to create a happier and healthier home environment. I use a home-based model, working directly with you and your child IN YOUR HOME.

 
Treatment is delivered in 2 phases and uses an active coaching approach to help YOU help your child. Typically, PCIT takes about 6-8 months meeting weekly. 

1. relationship enhancement: This phase is also called Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) and aims to teach you skills to strengthen the bond with your child, using language and specific attention to change negative attention seeking and disruptive behaviors. We most often see "behavior challenges" decline significantly just using this phase of skills.

Prior to moving to Phase 2 skills, we discuss and explore components of your child's "challenging behaviors" and try to discriminate between "can't" vs "wont". If we decide a behavior is occurring due to a lagging skill or offensive environmental stimuli, we will work to gether to meet their unique need. If we determine a behavior is a "wont", we then move on to Phase 2.

2. discipline/compliance training: This phase is also called Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI) and teaches parents a concrete discipline system AND helps you teach your child how to comply.