Parent Child Interaction Therapy
PCIT
PCIT
Parent Child Interaction Therapy
PCIT is a short-term, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families. PCIT teaches caregivers to manage their child’s difficult behaviors, while increasing their positive behaviors. PCIT works with the child and caregiver together to improve behavior and reduce parenting stress.
How do you know PCIT is right for you?
Tired of getting calls from school about your child's behavior?
Is your child not listening to you on purpose?
Embarrassed about your child's behavior out in public?
Feeling overwhelmed by your child's tantrums?
Having difficulty managing your child's challenging behaviors?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, PCIT might be right for you and your family!
What is PCIT?
PCIT is an evidence based treatment for children ages 3-8 with behavioral problems. It is conducted through "coaching" sessions during which you and your child are in a playroom while the therapist is in an observation room watching you interact with your child through a one-way mirror and/or live video feed. You wear a "bug-in-the-ear" device through which the therapist provides in-the-moment coaching on skills you are learning to manage your child's behavior.
PCIT is done across two treatment phases. The first phase of treatment focuses on establishing warmth in your relationship with your child through learning and applying skills proven to help children feel calm, secure in their relationships with their parents, and good about themselves. The second phase of treatment will equip you to manage the most challenging of your child's behaviors while remaining confident, calm, and consistent in your approach to discipline. In this phase, you will learn proven strategies to help your child accept your limits, comply with your directions, respect house rules, and demonstrate appropriate behavior in public.
Meet Our PCIT Therapists
PCIT is a 12-20 week therapy program that involves the entire family. Sonoma County Counseling is happy to offer PCIT to families using insurance. Sliding scale fees range from $200-150 per session.
Marie Nersesian, LMFT
Owner & Clinical Director
Marie Nersesian is PCIT certified through PCIT International. Marie enjoys working with families using the PCIT treatment program beacuse it gives parents a clear and concise skill set to use to help with their child's difficult behavior and in return gives the child a loving and pretictable outcome for their behaviors. Marie is always impressed with the PCIT protocol's ability to work with a variety of family situations and child behaviors. There is something for everyone with PCIT! Marie is Sonoma County Counseling's PCIT coordinator and Within Agency Trainer.
Shawna Bell, LMFT
PCIT and EMDR trained
Shawna believes that PCIT is a wonderful way to help parents connect with their children, build trust and confidence, and bring back the joy of parenting! She enjoys the process of coaching and encouraging parents as they learn skills to better understand and support their child as they learn how to listen and regulate their behavior.
