Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems. PCIT is conducted through “coaching” sessions during which you and your child are in a playroom while the therapist is in an observation room watching you interact with your child through a one-way mirror and/or live video feed. You wear a “bug-in-the-ear” device through which the therapist provides in-the-moment coaching on skills you are learning to manage your child’s behavior.
PCIT is done across two treatment phases. The first phase of treatment focuses on establishing warmth in your relationship with your child through learning and applying skills proven to help children feel calm, secure in their relationships with their parents, and good about themselves.
Desired outcomes of the first phase of treatment in PCIT include:
- Decreased frequency, severity, and/or duration of tantrums
- Decreased activity levels
- Decreased negative attention-seeking behaviors (such as whining and bossiness)
- Decreased parental frustration
- Increased feelings of security, safety, and attachment to the primary caregiver
- Increased attention span
- Increased self-esteem
- Increased pro-social behaviors (such as sharing and taking turns)
Desired outcomes of the second phase of treatment in PCIT include:
- Decreased frequency, severity, and/or duration of aggressive behavior
- Decreased frequency of destructive behavior (such as breaking toys on purpose)
- Decreased defiance
- Increased compliance with adult requests
- Increased respect for house rules
- Improved behavior in public
- Increased parental calmness and confidence during discipline
Suggested Toys for CDI
- Building Blocks
- Legos
- Tinker Toys
- Magnetic Blocks
- Lincoln Logs
- Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head
- Crayons and Paper
- Chalkboard and Colored Chalk
- Erector Set
- Play Sets such as Farms, Houses, Grages
Toys to Avoid During CDI
Additional FTTC Services to Boost PCIT Results
PCIT works fastest when parents also have support for their own stress and communication. Consider:
Individual Counseling
Space for caregivers to unpack stress, trauma, or burnout so PCIT coaching sticks.
Group Counseling
Practice calm-body, calm-voice skills and share strategies with other parents.
Family & Couples Therapy
Align caregiving styles, reduce conflict, and create consistent follow-through across households.
Forward-Facing Trauma Therapy
Practical, future-oriented techniques that help parents regulate and coach effectively at home.
Virtual Reality Therapy
Child-friendly, therapist-guided practice for tolerating stressful settings (stores, classrooms, waiting rooms).
Build your PCIT toolkit—ask about a coordinated FTTC + TTS plan.