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How It Works & Who It’s For

PCIT is delivered in two phases:
 

  1. Child-Directed Interaction (CDI):
    Focuses on strengthening the parent-child bond through praise, reflection, and child-led play. Parents learn how to reinforce positive behavior while reducing attention to disruptive actions.
     

  2. Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI):
    Teaches parents effective discipline strategies, including clear commands, structured time-outs, and consistency. These tools help manage challenging behaviors with calm and confidence.
     

Sessions take place in a specially equipped room, where the therapist observes the interaction and coaches the parent in real time. Progress is tracked using validated behavioral assessments, and treatment continues until families reach mastery of the skills.

PCIT is typically completed in 12–20 sessions, depending on the family's pace and consistency.

PCIT is ideal for families who:

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  • Have a young child (typically ages 2–7) exhibiting externalizing behaviors

  • Feel overwhelmed by power struggles, tantrums, or parenting stress

  • Want to learn structured, evidence-based parenting strategies

  • Seek to rebuild trust and connection with their child

  • Are looking for an alternative to medication for behavior management

  • Have been referred by a pediatrician, school counselor, or behavioral specialist
     

This therapy empowers parents to be the primary agent of change, supported by expert coaching in a safe and effective format.

Conditions We Support

Learning the ABCs

PCIT is specifically designed to support families navigating behavioral, emotional, and relational challenges, including:

  • Frequent temper tantrums or outbursts

  • Noncompliance and oppositional behavior

  • Aggression toward family members or peers

  • Difficulty following directions or rules

  • Disruptive behavior at home, school, or daycare

  • Parent-child relationship strain or lack of bonding

  • Trauma-related behaviors in young children

  • Early signs of ADHD or emotional dysregulation
     

It is also effective for adoptive families, foster placements, and parents seeking early intervention for at-risk children.

Father Teaching Child Bicycle

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Strengthening parent-child relationships through live coaching and proven behavioral strategies

Psychological testing is a structured and evidence-based process used to evaluate an individual’s cognitive abilities, emotional health, behavioral functioning, and learning profile. These evaluations are administered, scored, and interpreted by licensed professionals with clinical expertise.

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Each assessment integrates test results with a comprehensive review of psychological, medical, educational, and personal history to ensure accuracy and relevance. Testing is never used in isolation but as part of a complete diagnostic process that informs treatment planning, academic support, or legal documentation.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to improve the quality of the parent-child relationship while reducing behavioral problems in young children. PCIT combines elements of attachment theory and behavioral psychology and is most commonly used with children between the ages of 2 and 7 who display disruptive or oppositional behaviors.

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Unlike traditional talk therapy, PCIT involves live coaching—parents interact with their child while a trained therapist observes and provides real-time guidance through an earpiece. This hands-on approach helps parents learn and apply positive discipline techniques, emotion regulation skills, and consistent communication strategies in the moment.

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PCIT not only improves child behavior but also increases parental confidence and strengthens emotional connection within the family.

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