Parent–Child Interaction Therapy(PCIT)
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Overview
Parent–Child Interaction Therapy is a structured behavioural parent training therapy for young children with disruptive behaviour. It uses live coaching to strengthen the caregiver–child relationship and improve behaviour through consistent, predictable responses.
What this therapy focuses on
Two phases: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) strengthens warmth and connection through coached play skills; Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI) improves behaviour through coached, consistent discipline strategies.
What sessions are usually like
Session length: 60 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Often time-variable until mastery criteria are met
Live coaching: therapist coaches parent through earpiece during real-time interaction
Daily home practice required
Session profile
Common uses and suitability
What problems it is commonly used for
Who this therapy may suit best
- Children roughly 2–7 years
- Caregivers able to attend weekly and practise daily
- Families where parent–child relationship is a key target
When it may need adapting or may not be suitable
- Active safeguarding concerns without stabilisation
- Severe parental mental illness without parallel support
- Neurodevelopmental needs may require adaptations, not exclusion
Where this therapy may not be enough
PCIT is designed for young children with disruptive behaviour. It is not a standalone treatment for child trauma, ADHD, or autism without adaptation.
What happens in therapy
PRIDE Skills
Five positive interaction skills: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, and Enjoy — practised during special play time.
Clear Commands and Follow-Through
Learning to give clear, calm instructions and following through consistently whether the child complies or not.
Mastery-Based Progression
You move to the next phase only when you’ve consistently demonstrated the skills — not based on a set number of sessions.
Evidence Base
Guideline support
Strong in many child behaviour pathways internationally.
Strength of evidence
Strong for disruptive behaviour in early childhood. Multiple RCTs demonstrate significant improvements in child behaviour and parenting practices.
Limitations
Requires specific training and coaching equipment. Mastery-based model means session numbers vary. Some families find the time commitment challenging.
Evidence claims by condition
PCIT helps parents and young children improve their relationship and reduce challenging behaviour.
Resources & Printables
For Children (6–11)
For Parents & Caregivers
PRIDE Skills One-Pager
A summary of the five PRIDE skills for CDI practice.
Daily Practice Tracker
A tracker for recording daily play practice.
Commands and Follow-Through Guide
A guide to giving clear commands and following through.
Tantrum Plan and Safety Steps
A plan for managing tantrums safely.
Practitioner & Training Notes
Typical professional background
Clinical psychologists, child therapists, and trained PCIT therapists.
Recognised training routes
Certified PCIT training with supervised cases and mastery demonstration. Training provided through PCIT International and affiliated organisations.
Registration considerations
PCIT International provides certification. Practitioners also registered with core professional bodies.
Source Registry
Open access; cite appropriately.
Last evidence review: January 2026. All sources are verified and checked on a scheduled cadence.