Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT is a unique, scientifically proven treatment for young children with disruptive behavior, anxiety, and selective mutism.
PCIT may be right for you if….
You keep getting phone calls from your child’s school about your their behavior
Your child has aggression, destruction, hyperactivity, inattention, defiance, or tantrums.
Your child seems extremely worried, anxious, or scared
Your child panics or has extreme tantrums whenever you need to be separated from them
Your child doesn’t speak at school or in other situations despite being very talkative at home.
Your school tells you that your child isn’t talking at school, even though they’re very talkative at home.
You love your child, but you feel guilty about being angry, overwhelmed, or resentful towards them.
How does it work?
PCIT is done across multiple treatment phases. In each treatment phase, there is a one-on-one training session where you will learn therapeutic skills to help with your specific concerns followed by weekly “coaching” sessions.
During in-person coaching sessions, you and your child are in a playroom while I am in my observation room watching you interact with your child through a one-way mirror. We will both wear "bug-in-the-ear" devices so that I can provide in-the-moment coaching on skills you are learning to help your child.
If we meet through telehealth coaching sessions, we will be on a video call together, and I will talk to you via headphones while you play with your child at home. I will be able to see you, but my camera will be turned off to prevent distracting your child.
Coaching can feel awkward at first, but I try to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible; I like to think of myself as your personal cheerleader!
An example of what PCIT coaching can look like.
Credit: Mariana Harms and CALM Santa Barbara
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How often do we meet?
PCIT involves meeting once a week for sessions that are usually 50 minutes long.
Do we have to do homework or practice at home?
Yes! PCIT does require daily practice from all primary caregivers that are in the home. In fact, caregiver practice and follow-through have been proven to be the number one predictor of success in PCIT. I think it’s amazing that you get to be such a critical part of your child’s progress! It’s a lot of hard work up front, but I believe you will be grateful in the long run that you did it.
Do all parents and/or caregivers have to be at each appointment?
In a perfect world, yes. However, I realize this is not often possible due to a number of reasons. As long all primary caregivers are practicing consistently and communicating with one another, PCIT will still work! It is recommended that every caregiver is able to attend at least every couple of weeks or so to maximize treatment effectiveness.
Does PCIT work?
Yes! PCIT is considered a “gold-standard” treatment for children because it has been scientifically proven in many scientific studies to be highly effective in helping families with their goals. Even in studies that followed up with families several years later, it was found that children who completed PCIT continued to have those same positive outcomes.
You can find a compilation of PCIT Research here:
Can PCIT be done online?
Yes! PCIT is often very effective via telehealth. I conduct my online sessions through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that is easy to use.
How long will PCIT take?
With consistent attendance and homework completion, PCIT can be completed within 12-20 sessions, though treatment is not time-limited. Treatment is considered complete when caregivers have mastered both sets of skills and rate the child's behavior as within normal limits on a behavior rating scale.
My child has Autism; will PCIT still work?
Yes, PCIT has been proven to work for neurodivergent and neurotypical children!
My child has Down Syndrome; will PCIT work for them?
Yes! I’ve worked with multiple children that have Down Syndrome that benefit from PCIT.
I’m interested in PCIT, but I don’t live in Greenville or the South Carolina Upstate area. Can we still do it?
Yes! Because PCIT can be provided online, you do not have to live near me in order to receive it. I can provide therapy via telehealth to you anywhere in South Carolina. You can also use the link titled “Find a PCIT Provider” below to see if there is another certified PCIT therapist near you.
If you do not live in South Carolina, you have the option of driving to Greenville to meet with me in person. I am less than an hour away from the borders of North Carolina and Georgia. You can also use this link to find a PCIT-certified provider near you:
Do you have more questions about PCIT or want to book an appointment?
Fill the contact form by clicking the button below and I will be in touch soon!
This form takes 2 minutes to complete, collects minimal personal information, is delivered directly to my secure platform, and does not obligate you to participate in therapy.
You can also reach out to me directly at madison@riverbendcounselingllc.com.
By filling out the contact form, you consent to me replying to you using the contact information you submitted.
This contact form is not meant for crises or emergencies. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, suicide, serious harm to others, or another mental health emergency, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call 911 if there is immediate danger.