Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a modality where therapists work with parents or caregivers while they are interacting with their child. The child may be present but the psychoeducation and skills development is geared toward the parent. PCIT is usually offered to parents with children who are 2-7 years old.
PCIT typically begins with a parent-only session to discuss the therapy modality and key concepts that will be in play once the child is brought to session.
Then the parent is given a chance to play with their child while the therapist watches remotely and provides unobtrusive feedback. Traditionally, the parent would play with their child in a room with a one-way mirror and feedback would be given via a small earbud. With modern technology, some therapists can provide PCIT using a cellular phone camera and provide feedback via a bluetooth earbud.
Repeating themes of PCIT are:
1. Actions that show your child that you are paying attention and care about what they are doing
2. Making clear and direct requests that your child can easily follow
3. Avoiding ambiguous statements that leave children unsure what to do
4. Praising and describing wanted behaviors, so that children can learn what behaviors are appreciated
5. Understanding that children need only simple feedback to realize their behavior is unwanted, like 3-minute timeouts
Traditional language about PCIT usually states the modality's goal is to encourage wanted behaviors and extinguish unwanted behaviors.
In my opinion, it is frequently much simpler than that. The challenge for most adults is learning how to navigate the shift between speaking with other adults, to speaking to a child with a much simpler communication style who is also just learning how many behavioral expectations exist.
PCIT allows for a safe, monitored environment to try new communication styles, while also receiving real-time feedback on what comes naturally and what might be worth trying next.
Comments