What is Parent Child Interaction Therapy?
Margaret “Maisy” Kelley, M.S.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a modality of therapy focused on strengthening the parent-child relationship and reducing problematic or attention seeking behaviors.
Treatment for PCIT is highly structured. There are two key phases: Child Directed Interaction and Parent Directed Interaction.
Phase 1: Child Directed Interaction (CDI)
CDI is primarily “child led” play focused on creating a strong foundation to prepare for the remainder of treatment. During CDI, parents are taught core skills and techniques to embrace play from the child led perspective. One example of how we create this environment is eliminating parents use of commands and questions in conversation with the child in the therapeutic setting. Parents are also walked through ways to nurture behavioral change in their child while maintaining personal composure and withdrawing attention from the targeted behaviors.
To move forward to the next phase, adult participants must reach a certain level of skill mastery as measured by the therapist.
Phase 2: Parent Directed Interaction (PDI)
PDI is where parents are able to start reintroducing commands in a progressive approach. Consequences, a time-out sequence, is introduced here as well. The time-out sequence is a direct and predictable consequence for the child to address defiant and oppositional behavior. Sessions for this phase are, again, highly structured. Each session of this phase is slightly different to introduce challenges and boost efficacy of the program.
First, we reintegrate play-based commands. Oliver, please hand me the blue truck.
Second, we add in clean up commands. Please put the blue truck in the box.
Third, we introduce real life commands. Oliver, please get a tissue so we can wipe your nose.
Fourth, we implement house rules. These are individually tailored to each family and become a consistent rule in the home that is to be followed with no reminders.
Fifth, and final, we practice PCIT in the public setting.
How is success measured?
1. Parent mastery of skills
2. Child’s rate of compliance to effective commands given by parent
3. A measurable decrease in the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory from pre-assessment to post-assessment.
Once the above criteria has been met, you and your child have graduated!
Book a free 15 minute consultation with me to see if PCIT is appropriate for your family.