Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in Los Angeles
Our certified PCIT clinicians are ready to work with you and your child.
What is PCIT?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a scientifically proven treatment modality for children between 2-7 years old. PCIT works by empowering parents to improve a child’s behavior through methods that rely on the parent-child relationship. PCIT helps target:
oppositionality
defiance
anger
aggression
tantrums
difficulty listening/complying
In PCIT, the parent is coached in real time in the appropriate strategies. At WaveMind, your therapist will communicate with you throughout the session using a blutetooth earpiece.
PCIT sessions can take place via our remote video platform or in-person at our clinic in West Los Angeles.
How Does PCIT Work?
Relationship Enhancement
In the first phase of PCIT, parents and children are taught to work together towards common goals.
Compliance Strategies
In the second phase of PCIT, parents learn effective strategies to manage their child’s behavior through appropriate discipline.
The benefits of PCIT
Children treated through PCIT are much more likely to see positive outcomes.
More Likely to Improve
Studies have proven that evidence-based treatments are more likely to lead to positive outcomes.
Faster Recovery
Designed to be faster than traditional methods. Start seeing results in your child in weeks, not years.
Reduced Reoccurence
Children being treated for anxiety and behavior disorders are less likely to see symptoms reoccur.
PCIT for Toddlers (PCIT-T)
The WaveMind Clinic also has trained clinicians in PCIT for toddlers (PCIT-T) (12-30 months old).
PCIT-T utilizes play therapy and teaches listening practice skills, and implements novel components for the special needs of toddlers, including specific procedures for promoting the attachment relationship and emotion regulation in both the caregivers and children.
PCIT-T is beneficial to aid with:
Tantrums
Aggression (e.g., hitting, biting, pinching)
Fussiness (e.g., screaming, whining, crying)
Anger, frustration, head-banging
Attachment difficulties (e.g., rejection of parent, difficult to comfort)
Separation anxiety or withdrawal from parent
Developmental concerns (e.g., autistic behaviors, language problems)
Parental stress (e.g., anxiety, dissatisfaction, difficulty coping, lack of confidence)
FAQs
How long does PCIT last?
PCIT normally lasts 12-20 sessions, although there is no standard time frame for treatment.
How is PCIT different from other therapy styles?
The main difference is that In PCIT, parents receive live coaching while interacting with the child. Graduation from treatment is based on mastery of the skills learned.
What technology do I need for virtual PCIT?
In order for sessions to be effective, parents must have a phone with a wired or bluetooth headset, a separate laptop or tablet, and an internet connection fast enough for video chat.
The Research
PCIT is backed by rigorous clinical studies proving its effectiveness in managing child behavior.
Internet-delivered, family-based treatment for early-onset OCD: A pilot randomized trial
Jonathan S. Comer, Jami M. Furr, Caroline E. Kerns, Elizabeth Miguel, Stefany Coxe, R. Meredith Elkins,Aubrey L. Carpenter, Danielle Cornacchio, Christine E. Cooper-Vince, Mariah DeSerisy, Tommy Chou, Amanda L. Sanchez, Muniya Khanna, Martin E. Franklin, Abbe M. Garcia, and Jennifer B. Freeman
Comer JS, Furr JM, Miguel EM, Cooper-Vince CE, Carpenter AL, Elkins RM, Kerns CE, Cornacchio D, Chou T, Coxe S, DeSerisy M, Sanchez AL, Golik A, Martin J, Myers KM, Chase R.
Vigerland S, Lenhard F, Bonnert M, Lalouni M, Hedman E, Ahlen J, Olén O, Serlachius E, Ljótsson B
Maral Jolstedt, Brjánn Ljótsson, Sandra Fredlander, Tomas Tedgård, Anna Hallberg, Anki Ekeljung, Jens Högström, David Mataix-Cols, Eva Serlachius, and Sarah Vigerland