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PCIT for Professionals:
Frequently Asked Questions

Kid with glasses looking confused while reading a book. She has question marks above her

Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) by clinicians. The list below represents the most commonly asked questions about PCIT by professionals. However, the following questions/answers may not address your specific questions.

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If you have additional questions, or need any assistance with registering for PCIT training, please do not hesitate to call or email. We are happy to help!

What is Parent Child Interaction Therapy?

Parent Child Interaction Therapy - also known as PCIT - is a short-term, specialized intervention designed for caregivers and their young children (ages 2-7) who are experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral difficulties. Please visit our What is PCIT page for more detailed information on Parent Child Interaction Therapy.

What is PCIT

PCIT is effective for what symptoms?

Research on Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has demonstrated significant improvements for the following emotional and/or behavioral symptoms:

  • Frequent temper tantrums

  • Defiance - refusing to follow directions

  • Difficulties with attachment

  • Verbal and/or physical aggression

  • Destruction of toys and/or family belongings

  • Backtalk or sassing adults

  • Whining or crying for no apparent reason

  • Hyperactivity

  • Interrupting others

  • Short attention span

  • Behavioral difficulties at school, preschool, and/or daycare

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Click here to see more details on specific PCIT research studies.

PCIT & Symptoms

PCIT is effective for what disorders?

Research on Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has demonstrated significant improvements for the following social, emotional, and behavioral disorders:

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Conduct Disorder

  • Children Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

  • Child Diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

  • Childhood Trauma

  • Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Separation Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism)

  • Intellectual Challenges

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (Caregiver-Child Attachment Concerns)

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Click here to see more details on specific PCIT research studies.

PCIT & Disorders

How do I become a PCIT Therapist?

The 5 Steps to Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Certification are:

  1. Completion of an initial 40 hour PCIT Training (see options below)

  2. Participation in PCIT Consultation Calls

  3. PCIT Case Video Review

  4. Completion of 2 PCIT Cases

  5. Submit Your PCIT Certification Application

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We currently have 3 Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Training options:

  1. Live, Virtual PCIT Training (via Zoom)

  2. Online (Self-Paced) PCIT Training

  3. In-Person PCIT Training

 

The content across PCIT training formats remains the same, simply select the option from our PCIT Training Calendar that works best for your learning style, availability, and budget. If you have additional questions about PCIT Training, please review our PCIT Training Frequently Asked Questions page, or please call or email us. We are happy to help!

How do I become a PCIT Therapist

Where can I find a list of Upcoming PCIT Trainings?

A list of upcoming Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) trainings can be found here.

Upcoming PCIT Trainings

What toys do I need for PCIT?

Click here for a list of commonly used toys in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). 

PCIT Toys
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