Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
A hands-on therapy for young children and their caregivers that strengthens connection, supports emotional regulation, and improves challenging behavior through live coaching in our specially designed PCIT play room.
What is PCIT?
PCIT looks like it's just playing. Why does it work?
PCIT doesn’t just address behavior. PCIT builds connection, confidence, and long-term change. By strengthening the caregiver-child relationship and teaching clear, predictable responses, children learn to follow directions, manage emotions, and understand expectations. Caregivers gain tools that feel doable, effective, and empowering.
Families often report:
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Calmer daily routines
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More enjoyable interactions
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Increased confidence in parenting decisions
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Stronger, more secure relationships
Who is PCIT for?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is designed for children ages 2–7 and their caregivers who are navigating challenging behaviors or big life transitions. PCIT is especially helpful for families dealing with concerns such as defiance, emotional outbursts, ADHD, anxiety, separation anxiety, and oppositional behaviors, as well as stress related to divorce or separation, new siblings, grief and loss, daycare or school transitions, and moving.
Providers work closely with caregivers who want practical support, clearer strategies, and a stronger connection with their child—without blame or judgment.
What does PCIT look like?
PCIT is a hands-on, evidence-based therapy that focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship while teaching effective behavior management skills. Caregivers receive real-time coaching during sessions, allowing them to practice new skills with their child while being supported by a trained therapist.
Through PCIT, parents learn how to:
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Increase cooperation and listening
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Reduce power struggles and challenging behaviors
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Set clear, consistent limits
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Respond calmly and confidently during difficult moments
This in-the-moment coaching helps skills stick, which makes them easier to use at home, in public, and at school.
PCIT FAQs
What makes PCIT different from traditional therapy?
PCIT is hands-on and interactive. Instead of only talking about strategies, caregivers practice skills with their child during sessions while receiving live coaching from the therapist. During sessions, caregivers and children interact together while the therapist coaches the caregiver in real time. Sessions focus on building connection first then learning effective and consistent behavior management strategies. This helps caregivers feel more confident and allows skills to transfer more easily into daily life.
What ages does PCIT help?
PCIT is designed for children ages 2 to 7 and their primary caregivers. Caregivers may include parents, grandparents, foster parents, or other consistent adults involved in the child’s care.
What concerns does PCIT help with?
PCIT is commonly used to support children experiencing:
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Defiance, refusal, or frequent tantrums
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ADHD-related challenges
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Anxiety or separation anxiety
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Emotional regulation difficulties
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Oppositional behaviors
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Adjustment to life changes such as divorce, new siblings, grief and loss, school or daycare transitions, or moving
Is PCIT only for parents who are doing something "wrong?"
Not at all. PCIT is not about blame. Many caregivers come to PCIT because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what to try next. PCIT provides structure, support, and tools that work, even for highly attentive and caring parents.
How long does PCIT last?
PCIT is a goal-oriented treatment, meaning families progress based on skill mastery rather than a set number of sessions. Most families complete PCIT within 14–20 sessions, though this can vary.
Is PCIT evidence-based?
Yes. PCIT is a well-researched, evidence-based treatment with strong outcomes for improving child behavior, strengthening caregiver confidence, and enhancing parent-child relationships.
What if my child is neurodivergent or has anxiety?
PCIT can be adapted to support children with ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodivergent needs. Sessions are paced thoughtfully, and caregivers are supported in using strategies that align with their child’s temperament and developmental level.