What is PCIT?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a specialized therapy program developed by Sheila Eyberg, PhD. It is designed to treat young children with behavior problems, such as defiance, aggression, or tantrums. PCIT involves working with parents and their young children to improve the quality and consistency of parent-child interactions, to improve child compliance, and to reduce disruptive behavior.

PCIT is the gold-standard treatment for disruptive behavior in early childhood. What distinguishes PCIT from other forms of treatment for disruptive behavior disorders is the active coaching component. While other forms of treatment involve education and instruction regarding effective parenting techniques, in PCIT parents practice these skills while receiving live, active coaching by their PCIT therapist.

PCIT is conducted in two phases. During the first phase, called Child-Directed Interaction, parents learn and then subsequently practice play therapy skills which are designed to enhance the parent-child relationship, improve children's social skills, and encourage positive behaviors, all while decreasing attention-seeking behaviors. The second phase, Parent-Directed Interactions, involves learning and practicing structured and effective techniques for disciplining child misbehavior. During this phase, parents learn how to give commands, use time-out as an effective punishment, and enforce the rules of their home.

PCIT is often a short-term treatment, with some families requiring as few as twelve 60-minute treatment sessions. Numerous research studies have shown strong evidence supporting PCIT as an effective and efficient treatment for children with disruptive behavior, with child behavior improvement remaining long after treatment has ended.

PCIT has been adapted to treat anxiety disorders and various other early childhood challenges. PCIT is also an evidence-based treatment for trauma and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Adaptations of PCIT include: