treating behavior problems

There are several options for treating behavior problems in children, all of which heavily involve the parent(s) or caregiver(s).
  • Parent Management Training
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Individual Therapy with the Child (will still heavily involve parent)

We are happy to discuss all of these options with you and let you know which we think will be the most helpful for your family.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) 

PCIT is an evidence-based treatment originally developed for young children with disruptive behaviors and their caregivers. PCIT is used with children ages 2-7 who have ADHD or other disruptive behavior problems such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Adaptations of PCIT can also be helpful for young children experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression (PCIT-SM and PCIT-CALM).

PCIT is a two phase treatment:
  1. The first phase (the Child Directed Interaction-CDI) involves strengthening the relationship between the child and caregiver and showing the adult how to reinforce the child's positive behaviors. For the first phase of treatment the parent is taught skills that play therapists use with young children based on attachment theory as well as positive reinforcement skills drawn from behavior theory. 
  2. The second phase (the Parent Directed Interaction-PDI) involves setting limits and following a structured and consistent procedure when the child is non-compliant. Skills taught in the second phase are based on behavior theory. 
Sessions involve the caregiver and child meeting together with the therapist acting as a live coach to the parent. This is often done from behind a one-way mirror, via electronic means, but can also be done outside of the office setting using computers or in the home. Mastery criteria are set as a measure of when a family is ready to move from one phase of treatment to the next, and when the family is ready to graduate from treatment.

PCIT for older children (ages 7-10)
We offer an adaptation of the original version of PCIT with adjustments made for developmental changes as children get older. This is still a two phase treatment involving CDI and PDI as well as live parent coaching.