Being a parent is HUGE challenge. Parents seek my help to coach them to learn and practice positive behavior shaping strategies. One of the ways we do this is by employing an evidence-based modality know as Parent Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT.
PCIT addresses mood and behavior for children ages 2-7. PCIT is suitable for adverse reactions of children related to post-divorce adjustment, trauma, and attachment related concerns. PCIT places emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns. (from www.pcit.org). PCIT outcome research has demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements in the conduct-disordered behavior of young children. After treatment, children's behavior is within the normal range. In addition to significant changes on parent ratings and observational measures of children's behavior problems, outcome studies have demonstrated important changes in the interactional style of mothers and fathers in play situations with the child.
Parents show an increase in reflective listening, physical proximity, and pro-social verbalization, and decreases in sarcasm and criticism of the child after completion of PCIT. Research has demonstrated significant changes on parent's self-report measures of personal distress, and loss of parenting control. Consumer satisfaction studies have show that parents are highly satisfied with the process and outcome of treatment at its completion (from www.pcit.org). PCIT is designed to be completed between 10 and 14 sessions with booster sessions scheduled as needed.