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Parent Child Interaction Therapy

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidenced based treatment for children between the ages of 2 and 7 with difficult to manage behaviors.  Many children who benefit from this treatment exhibit

  • Hyperactivity

  • Impulsivity

  • Aggression

  • Defiance

  • Frequent tantrums

  • Difficulty getting along with others

 

Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder are great candidates for this treatment.

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WHO BENEFITS

  • PCIT aims to improve the quality of the parent-child relationship and parent-child interaction patterns

  • Treatment begins with a two session assessment including in depth clinical interview and observation of parent-child interactions

  • PCIT includes two parent-only sessions to teach the core PCIT skills

  • The first teaching session immediately follows the assessment and the second teaching session occurs mid-way through treatment

  • All other sessions include both parent and child

  • While parent and child play together in the playroom, Dr. Lewis provides in vivo coaching from behind a one-way mirror, through a bug-in-the-ear device    

  • Treatment is tailored to the needs of each child and family

  • On average treatment lasts 12-14 sessions

  • Families graduate from treatment when parents report significant improvement in their child’s behavior

  • Sessions are scheduled every 1-2 weeks

TREATMENT EXPECTATIONS

  • Dr. Lewis studied with Dr. Sheila Eyberg, the creator of PCIT, while in graduate school at the University of Florida

  • Dr. Lewis is a certified PCIT therapist

TRAINING
MORE INFO

For more information about PCIT, please visit www.pcit.org

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