At Gordon Therapy Group, located on the Upper West Side of New York, we specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a highly effective and evidence-based treatment for children aged two to seven. Our expert psychologists use PCIT to tackle behavioral and emotional challenges, improving the parent-child relationship and fostering healthier family dynamics.
What is PCIT?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a structured and short-term therapy that enhances parenting skills and modifies parent-child interactions to address child behavior problems. The therapy involves live coaching for parents using real-time feedback, helping them manage their child’s behavior through play therapy and behavioral techniques. PCIT has shown significant success in reducing disruptive behaviors like tantrums and defiance, and it’s especially beneficial for conditions such as ADHD and anxiety.
At Gordon Therapy Group, we deliver PCIT services either in person or through teletherapy using phone and video tools. We provide parents with immediate support while they practice new techniques with their children. We offer flexible PCIT training to meet your family’s needs.
Our own Sara Morgenstern interviewed PCIT expert Steven Kurtz about the benefits of PCIT. Watch to learn more about what PCIT can do for you.
Why Choose PCIT at Gordon Therapy Group?
- Evidence-Based Approach: PCIT is backed by extensive research and has been proven to reduce disruptive behaviors, improve children’s social skills, and enhance the parent-child relationship. It is particularly effective for issues such as defiance, tantrums, ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioral challenges.
- Experienced Clinicians: Our psychologists are trained in the latest PCIT techniques and are dedicated to continuous learning and applying the most current research to practice. This commitment ensures your family receives the best care tailored to your needs.
- Tailored to Families: We understand that every family is unique. Our PCIT treatment is personalized to address each family’s specific challenges, including issues such as ADHD, anxiety, and other emotional or behavioral difficulties. Our therapists work closely with you to develop practical and sustainable strategies for your everyday life.
- Supportive Environment: We strive to create an inclusive environment where all family members feel safe and valued. We are sensitive to the needs of diverse communities, including LGBTQ-IA and BIPOC families, ensuring our therapy practices are inclusive and equitable.
How PCIT Works
PCIT therapy is typically conducted in two phases:
- Phase 1: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) – In this phase, parents learn to use play therapy techniques to follow their child’s lead, enhancing the child’s emotional regulation and social skills. This phase emphasizes building a strong, positive relationship.
- Phase 2: Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI)—The second phase teaches parents discipline strategies to manage their child’s behavior. Parents learn how to give clear instructions and consistently enforce appropriate consequences, which helps reduce disruptive behaviors and boost parenting confidence.
Get Started with PCIT
Are you ready to transform your relationship with your child and improve your family dynamics? Contact Gordon Therapy Group today to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to mastering the skills you need to develop a loving and respectful family environment.
To learn more about PCIT or to start your journey with us, please contact us at info@gordontherapygroup.com or (917) 972-5671. Let us help you make lasting positive changes in your family’s life.
FAQ on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
1. What is a PCIT system?
A PCIT system refers to the structured approach and tools used during therapy sessions, including the bug-in-the-ear device through which therapists provide real-time feedback to parents as they interact with their children.
2. Is PCIT the same as ABA?
No, PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) and ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) differ. PCIT focuses on improving parent-child interactions and is specifically designed for young children with behavioral issues. ABA is a broader technique used primarily for autism spectrum disorders, focusing on reinforcing positive behaviors through a reward system.
3. Does PCIT work?
Numerous studies confirm that PCIT effectively reduces children’s behavior problems and improves the parent-child relationship. It is recognized for its strong evidence base in treating disruptive behavior disorders among young children.
4. What is the success rate of PCIT?
Research indicates that PCIT has a high success rate. Many studies show significant improvements in child behavior and parenting practices. Most families who complete PCIT see lasting changes in behavior and enhanced relationship quality.
5. What are the downsides of PCIT?
While PCIT is highly effective, it requires a significant time commitment from parents, which can be challenging for busy schedules. Additionally, the therapy’s intensity and the need for consistent parental involvement might be demanding for some families.
6. Is PCIT expensive?
The cost of PCIT varies based on the duration of treatment. Although Gordon Therapy Group does not accept insurance, we can provide you with invoices for each session to seek Out-Of-Network reimbursement for services from your insurance. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand the details of your particular out-of-network behavioral health coverage.
7. What type of parenting style does PCIT build?
PCIT helps parents adopt an authoritative parenting style characterized by warmth and sensitivity coupled with firmness. Parents learn to set clear expectations and enforce them consistently while maintaining a supportive and nurturing relationship.
8. Does PCIT use time out?
Yes, time out is used as a discipline technique in PCIT to address specific behaviors. The therapist coaches the parent to use Time Out in a manner that promotes learning of healthy emotion regulation instead of fear or distress.
9. How long does it take for PCIT to work?
The duration of PCIT typically ranges from 12 to 20 weeks, depending on the family’s specific needs and progress. Sessions are usually held weekly, and improvements can often be seen progressively throughout the therapy.
10. How long is time out in PCIT?
In PCIT, the time out is three minutes. This brief time is long enough to be a clear break from play but short enough to be manageable for young children.
11. What are the 5 PCIT PRIDE skills?
The 5 PRIDE skills in PCIT are Praise, Reflection, Imitation, Description, and Enthusiasm. These skills are taught to parents to help them interact positively with their children, enhancing their emotional and social development.
12. What does PCIT look like?
In-home PCIT sessions involve the therapist observing and coaching the parent via video-conferencing. Audio communication is done through the parent’s earbuds or wireless headphones so the child can’t hear the therapist’s coaching. Parents practice specific skills with their children in a playroom setting, receiving immediate feedback and guidance.
13. What are the benefits of PCIT therapy?
The benefits of PCIT include improved parent-child communication, reduced child behavior problems, improved social and emotion regulation skills, and stronger emotional bonds within the family. It effectively addresses various behavioral and emotional challenges in young children.