Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based, time-limited treatment approach that was first developed to treat disruptive behavior disorders in youth between the ages of two and seven years old. PCIT has well-documented efficacy in reducing disruptive behavior and improving parent-child relationships for young children. In numerous studies, PCIT has resulted in decreased hyperactivity and inattention, increased compliance, and decreased numbers of youth who meet criteria for a disruptive behavior disorder.
How does PCIT work?
The goal of PCIT is to impart play and behavioral therapy skills onto parents and care providers. This treatment approach first teaches and then coaches parents on the use of behavioral and play therapy techniques to help promote a positive relationship and reduce disruptive behaviors. After an intake is completed, parents first meet with the clinician to learn specific strategies. In subsequent sessions they practice using these strategies in play with their child. The clinician uses a bug-in-the ear device to provide coaching and feedback to parents during these play interactions. While these skills are first practiced while the parents are playing with their children, they are then generalized to scenarios outside of play. The use of parent coaching is incredibly important for work in this early age group, as parents and other care providers are needed to be the agents of behavioral change.
What other conditions is PCIT used to address?
Given challenges of applying cognitive behavioral treatments to young children, PCIT has been adapted for the treatment of anxiety disorders in youth between the ages of two to six. These adaptations have proven effective given the developmental appropriateness of this approach, the ability of helping parents become the agents of change, and in addressing anxiety related defiance. These adaptations have been shown to reduce youth symptoms of separation anxiety, selective mutism, specific phobias, and social anxiety.