Courtney Hale / Getty Images
What Is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?
PCIT Treatment Plan
PCIT is conducted in two phases.
First, the therapist emphasizes building a positive relationship between the parent and child.
Courtney Hale / Getty Images
In turn, the child trusts the parent to meet their needs.
The goal is to show improved behavior in the child and healthier, more regulated responses from the parent.
During a PCIT session, the therapist guides positive interaction between the parent and child.
It also requires homework between sessions, so ongoing commitment to this is essential.
Your childs pediatrician may also have a list of providers that they recommend for your specific concerns.
If there are no providers near you, dont panic!
Feelings ofdefensivenesscan get in the way of treatment, and even the best parents need support sometimes.
Your therapist will give you information about their process and the specific details of your treatment plan.
Open communication is key for progress, so bring any questions or concerns that you have.
Thomas R, Abell B, Webb HJ, Avdagic E, Zimmer-Gembeck MJ.Parent-child interaction therapy: a meta-analysis.Pediatrics.
2017;140(3):e20170352.
2019;50(2):340-352.
2021;50(3):411-426.
2020;24(1):160-176.
2020;7(2):79-95.