Parent Child Interaction Therapy

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence based treatment protocol designed for children ages 2 to 7 years and their parent(s) or caregiver(s). It is a highly interactive, directive behavioral therapy that has been shown in a robust, long-term body of international research to strengthen attachment and build trust and connection between parent(s) and child.

PCIT has been shown to help children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Behavior Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, anxiety, mood, and traumatic disorders. PCIT also addresses attachment difficulties. Engaging in PCIT can develop and strengthen attention, emotional regulation, and cooperation.

How can PCIT sessions help my family?

Parent(s) or caregiver(s) are taught traditional play therapy skills and behavior management skills as a critical portion of treatment. Parent(s) or caregiver(s) learn and practice in real time during sessions supported by live coaching by the psychotherapist. Between weekly session, parent(s) or caregiver(s) are expected to practice these skills at home daily in between weekly sessions.

There are two phases of PCIT that together create a sense of trust, safety, warmth, connection, and mutual respect between the parent(s) or care giver(s) and child.

Child Directed Interaction (CDI) is all about relationship building and strengthening to solidify the sense of connection and security between parent(s) and child. This strengthening of connection is the foundation we help to firmly secure for decreasing tantrums and power struggles.

Parent Directed Interaction (PDI) focuses on building and strengthening parents’ or caregivers’ behavior management tools to restore a healthy power balance between parent(s) or caregiver(s) and child. PDI is designed to help children learn and practice following directions and accepting limits, referred to as minding, until it becomes a habit.

PCIT is complete when both phases are delivered, proficiency of both sets of skills is demonstrated, and behavioral issues are no longer clinically significant. A typical course of PCIT may be 20-30 sessions. Parent(s) or caregiver(s) are incentivized to remain active in the course of treatment. The success of PCIT and the length of each phase (number of sessions) is dependent upon homework completion. When families participate in the full PCIT Protocol, and they commit themselves fully to their homework, studies show repeatedly that behavior and parent(s) or caregiver(s)/child relationships improve dramatically!

What is an Evidence Based Treatment (EBT) model, and what does that mean for my provider?

Evidence Based Treatment (EBTs) protocols are highly structured, specialized therapy modalities that can be replicated and studied to determine how effective they are at creating the change we are looking for. PCIT is an evidence-based treatment model with over two decades of research confirming its success at building a sense of trust, safety, warmth, connection, and mutual respect between parent(s) and children.

Maureen has been working with children with trauma, attachment issues, anxiety, mood, and behavioral disorders since 2003. Prior to her training in PCIT, Maureen had been trained for over a decade in attachment theory, developmental trauma, and its applications to parent(s) or caregiver(s)/child relationships.

In 2017, Maureen participated in 59 hours of training through PCIT International, provided by certified trainers who are faculty at the Center for Child and Family Health in Durham, NC. Over the following three years, Maureen received clinical supervision with a certified PCIT trainer every two weeks and completed the full International PCIT protocol with two families under his supervision. Maureen is highly trained in PCIT and has learned to deliver the model with the highest level of fidelity to the internationally recognized standard model. Maureen continues monthly case consultations with a group of PCIT providers, under the guidance of a PCIT certified trainer. Maureen is currently eligible for International PCIT certification.

Parent(s) or caregiver(s) coaching

Parenting or being the primary care giver to a child can be our greatest joy and our biggest challenge. Parenting children and adolescents can be complicated by our own experiences in life, messages we received from our families of origin, shifting cultural expectations, developmental crises, and the general uncertainty and vulnerability of lacking clear cut answers. In general, parent(s) and caregiver(s) are doing the very best they can with the resources they have to provide opportunities, support, and a positive future for their children.

Maureen is able to apply her knowledge of Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experience (DARe), Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) and some of the behavioral and attachment principles of Parent Child Interaction Therapy and Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) to support parent(s) or caregiver(s) in their pursuits to connect with and enhance their relationships with their children, whether their children are school aged or in their mid-life. She is able to help parent(s) and caregiver(s) to identify their concerns about their children and their relationships and to provide a developmental context and strategies to connect with, repair relationships with, and effectively guide their children.

If you are a parent or caregiver who would benefit from an informed analysis of the issues before you and guidance or coaching informed by two decades of training and experience, we welcome you to reach out for consultation. It is never too late to repair and redirect the relational course.

What steps should I take if I think PCIT or Parent Coaching would be a good fit for me?

If you are interested in receiving more information or seeking any of these services, please reach out to our practice by completing the Request an Appointment form. A provider from Obsidian Care Collective will respond to you and schedule a no cost phone consultation to discuss these options with you.