Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Families in which parental substance abuse is an issue may face acting-out behavior from their children, that can often surface or increase as the parent goes into recovery. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) enables a therapist to work with a parent and child on strategies to resolve behavior issues, through active observation and coaching by the therapist using a mirrored observation window and an earpiece worn by the parent.

The PCIT program consists of two parts, a Relationship Enhancement component and a Discipline component. Within the Relationship Enhancement component, parents are taught and ‘coached’ how to decrease negative aspects of the relationship with their child and to develop consistently positive and supportive communication with their child. In the Discipline component, parents are taught and ‘coached’ the elements of effective discipline and child management skills. Within both components, parents are taught specific skills and given the opportunity to practice them—during therapy and at home—until mastery is acquired and the child’s behavior has improved.

Parents involved with CPS, who have custody of their child (or are very close to reunification), and have a child 2-7 years old exhibit acting out behavior, may qualify for this unique behavioral therapy. Ideal candidates will have a positive attachment to Strategies for Change and be dedicated to the process. Qualifying families should be referred to Strategies for Change Clinical Director for evaluation and suitability. Sessions take place in the PCIT room, North site.

Strategies for Change is working closely on this project with the UC Davis CAARE Center, a nationally recognized expert in the PCIT field.