Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

A man and two children sitting on the floor, playing with colorful wooden blocks on a rug in a living room. Shelves with decorative items are in the background.

What is PCIT

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidenced-based treatment program for families with children between the ages of 2 to 7 years old who are experiencing social, behavioral, and/or emotional difficulties. PCIT is considered the gold standard treatment by national expert panels for children who have any of the following challenges:

  • frequent temper tantrums

  • defiance-refusing to follow directions,

  • verbal and/or physical aggression,

  • destruction of toys and/or family belongings,

  • backtalk or sassing adults,

  • whining or crying for no apparent reason,

  • constantly seeking attention,

  • hyperactivity,

  • interrupting others,

  • short attention span,

  • difficulty with behaviors at home/school

Upset child crossing arms while woman points in the background

PCIT therapy is implemented in two phases: (1) the Child-Directed Interaction Phase (CDI) where parents develop child-centered interaction skills to enhance the parent-child relationship; and (2) the Parent-Directed Interaction Phase (PDI) where caregivers learn additional behavior management skills. PCIT gives equal attention to the enhancement of the parent-child relationship, and the development of caregivers' behavior management skills.

​During the first phase of PCIT therapy (the Child-Directed Interaction Phase), the golden rule is for the caregivers to "follow the child's lead." Children are encouraged to lead the play activity while their caregivers follow along using the PRIDE skills. The CDI Phase of PCIT aims to enhance the parent-child relationship by maximizing positive communication, attention, and imitation during child-led play. 

​In the second phase of PCIT therapy (the Parent-Directed Interaction Phase), caregivers learn to use effective commands and implement additional behavior management strategies for any remaining challenging behaviors (e.g., aggression, destruction). The overall goal for PDI is to create a supportive home environment by helping caregivers become consistent, predictable, and follow through with behavior management skills

Benefits of Child-Directed Interaction Phase

Benefits of PCIT

  • Decreases frequency, severity and/or duration of tantrums

  • Decreases negative attention-seeking behaviors (e.g. whining, bossiness)

  • Decreases parental frustration

  • Increases feelings of security, safety, and attachment to the caregiver

  • Increases attention span

  • Increases self-esteem

  • Increases pro-social behaviors (e.g. sharing and taking turns)

Benefits of Parent-Directed Interaction Phase

  • Decreases frequency, severity and/or duration of aggressive behavior

  • Decrease frequency of destructive behavior

  • Decrease defiance

  • Increase compliance with adult request

  • Improve behavior in public and in the home

  • Increase parents’ confidence and ability to implement discipline in a calm and effective manner

PCIT Around The Way

I delivery PCIT in various way to fit the needs of every family!

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A child and an adult playing with a toy train set on a carpet in a bright room, with a teepee, framed art, and stuffed animals in the background.

Virtually (iPCIT)

In Home

  • I provide PCIT in two formats:

    • Telehealth PCIT (statewide in DC, VA, NC & SC)
    Telehealth sessions are $150 per session (insurance or private pay, depending on your plan).

    • In-home PCIT (Sanford area)
    For families near Sanford, NC, I offer PCIT in your home so you can participate from the comfort of your own space. In-home sessions also allow me to really see how your child responds in their natural environment. In-home PCIT is $200 per session and is private pay only, available within approximately a 15‑mile radius of Sanford, NC.

    If you’re not sure which option is right for your family, we can talk it through together during a free consultation and decide what feels like the best fit.

  • Text me! (984-368-1606)

    Email works great, too.

    Prefer a quick call? Feel free to ring me. If I’m with a client and can’t answer, just leave a voicemail and I’ll get back to you soon.