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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
What is PCIT?
PCIT works with children and parents to improve the caregiver-child relationship and help parents learn skills needed to manage difficult behaviors. PCIT has been extensively researched in over 100 studies and has been shown to consistently help decrease children’s behaviors, increase listening, and improve family relationship.
How does PCIT work?
1. PCIT works wonderfully using an on-line video platform or in-person using the “bug in ear” technique.
2. There are two phases to PCIT. Phase 1: The therapist serves as a coach for parents to increase positive and supportive communication with their child to strengthen the relationship. Phase 2: Parents learn and practice effective discipline and teaching skills.
Who participates in PCIT?
PCIT is designed for parents who are overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling confused about their child’s behaviors. This therapy was created for kids between 2 and 7 years old, however can be adapted for younger or older children. PCIT works with children demonstrating behaviors including: difficulty in school or childcare settings, struggling to follow directions, whining or arguing, temper tantrums, talking back to or defiant towards caregivers, swearing or using inappropriate language, and/or aggression towards peers, siblings, or adults.
What are the benefits of PCIT?
Parents often report feeling more confident as caregivers and having more positive connections with their child. Children learn how to improve cooperation, appropriately express their feelings, transition more easily, and enjoy connecting with others.
Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
What is Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)?
CPP and other forms of play therapy can help children and their caregivers heal after stressful or traumatic events by processing through play and reflection.
What happens during CPP and play therapy?
1. Foundational Phase: We spend time meeting with caregivers to understand the family’s needs and challenges, strengths and values, and history and experiences. Then, we make a plan for how CPP may help your family.
2. Core Treatment: We meet once a week with the caregiver and child. We often use toys because young children show feelings and thoughts through play. We help caregivers and children understand each other, talk and play about difficult experiences, respond to difficult feelings and behaviors, and create a family story that leads to healing.
3. Wrapping Up: We celebrate changes families have made and talk about how caregivers made changes happen. We consider how endings and goodbyes may bring up different feelings and talk about what will be needed in the future.
What are the benefits of CPP?
Caregivers often report feeling less stressed and having more positive connections with their child. Caregivers often notice an improvement in their child’s mood, learning, behaviors, trauma symptoms, and relationships with caregivers.
IFS for Kids & Adolescents
IFS for Kids & Adolescents
What is IFS for kids?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps children and teens understand the different “parts” of themselves — such as worried, angry, perfectionistic, playful, or protective parts. Rather than viewing these parts as problems, IFS helps young people approach them with curiosity, compassion, and understanding.
What happens in IFS therapy?
IFS therapy is tailored to a child’s developmental stage and may include play, art, storytelling, and conversation. Children and teens learn to recognize emotions, understand their inner experiences, and build healthier ways of responding to stress, anxiety, big feelings, and challenges in relationships or school. Parent sessions may also be included to support connection and understanding at home.
What are the potential benefits of IFS with kids?
IFS can help children and adolescents:
Improve emotional regulation
Reduce anxiety and overwhelm
Build confidence and self-compassion
Strengthen relationships and communication
Better understand behaviors and emotions
The goal of IFS is to help children feel more connected, capable, and understood — both within themselves and in their relationships with others.
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