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What is PCIT?

About

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a parent training intervention that teaches caregivers specific behavior management techniques for use with their child. PCIT is for young children ages 2-8 with emotional and behavioral problems. PCIT emphasizes improving the quality of caregiver-child relationships and interactions.

Father and Son Playing

Goals of PCIT

Enhances the relationship between the parent and child by:

  • Promoting effective behavior management techniques

  • Increasing children’s ability to manage frustration and anger

  • Building children’s self-esteem and self-confidence

  • Improving children’s listening skills and ability to comply with parental requests

Who Benefits from PCIT?

  • PCIT is designed for children between the ages of 2 ½ and 8 years who exhibit disruptive behaviors such as:

  • Trouble listening to adult requests and/or arguing with adults

  • Can’t sit still or play alone

  • Has difficulty taking turns

  • Throws temper tantrums, hits or kicks others/destroys things

  • Diagnosis may include ADD/ADHD, Oppositional Defiant disorder, the victim of physical abuse or trauma

  • Children experiencing family disruptions or foster care placement

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