Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Strengthening Your Parent-Child Relationship

Experience an Evidenced-Based Approach to Parenting

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically supported therapy model designed to teach parents new skills to reduce disruptive behaviors while strengthening the parent-child relationship.   Being a parent is challenging, especially when we want to respond to our children in a confident, calm, and patient way when they experience big feelings that may lead to defiance, tantrums and aggressive behavior. You don’t want to yell at your child or threaten to take a toy away, yet you’re exhausted because nothing else seems to work.

What Makes PCIT Effective?

What makes PCIT effective is having your therapist guide you through situations in real time with your child, and providing feedback regarding progress, and improvement in your child’s behavior.

PCIT sessions take place with the parent and child in the playroom, while their therapist is coaching the parent from behind a one-way observation mirror in the next room. The parent is able to hear the therapist using bug-in-the ear technology.

Want to Learn More About PCIT?

For additional parent resources visit pcit.org

“PCIT helped me improve my relationship with my son and provided me with the tools to help me react in the best manner for a given situation. Nicole was fabulous to work with and you can tell she truly cares about patients. I HIGHLY recommend PCIT to any parent that is struggling with their child’s behavioral issues”

A.R. PCIT Testimonial

Santa Rosa, CA

Nicole Douglas Parent Child Interactive Therapy.

Phrases of Treatment:

  • The first phase of treatment is called Child-directed interaction (CDI), usually lasting between 5-7 sessions. Parents meet with the therapist for an initial “Teach” session without their child present, in order for them to learn the CDI skills prior to practicing them in session, and at home with their child. During this phase of treatment, parents use positive parenting skills to increase and reinforce the positive and prosocial behaviors you would like to encourage your child to use more often, while decreasing attention for disruptive behaviors.
  • The second phase of treatment is called Parent-directed interaction (PDI), usually lasting between 5-7 sessions. This phase builds on the foundational skills you learned in the CDI phase, and is about helping your child learn to comply with directives from their parents.

Trusted Guidance

I love guiding parents and caregivers through new ways of interacting with their child, and witnessing the results in positive child behaviors, as well as an increased sense of connection between family members.

Make an Appointment