Parent-Child Interaction Training (PCIT)

This training model is for parents who desire to have greater skills in dealing with the behaviors of their young child. It is designed to assist parents and their children from 3-7 years of age. PCIT is an interactive, hands-on model that utilizes technology to enhance the skills of both parents and children. The interaction between a parent and their child is video taped while a coach assists the parent behind a one-way mirror. The coaching provided to the parent is useful in developing positive parenting skills.

Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) is a research based, best practice treatment for parents whose children, as a result of sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse, have serious behavior problems. PCIT provides structured, supportive education that focuses on improving the parent's communication, play and discipline skills. The goals of treatment are:

• 1. improve and enhance the relationship between the parent and child
• 2. decrease the child's behavior problems through positive discipline
• 3. increase the skill levels and abilities of the parent
• 4. decrease the stress of the parent, which allows the parent to provide support and nurturance to the child.

PCIT combines one-on-one "coaching" for parents by a trained PCIT provider using structured child-parent play activities. The coach uses a two-way mirror to observe and provide continual, real-time feedback, directions and encouragement through a discreet radio receiver that the parent wears behind her/his ear. The program is mastery-based; in 12 to 20 weekly sessions, parents practice specific play, communication, and discipline skills, with the help of the coach.

Similar programs in Washington state that offer PCIT include Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress (HCSATS), Children's Response Center (CRC), and Auburn Youth Resources (AYR). Keri Newport, KCSARC's Family Services Manager, provides PCIT Coach training and consultation to many agencies across the state. KCSARC provides PCIT free of charge to families. We also provide PCIT and PCIT Coach Training in Spanish.

Next Training Opportunity

Call Keri Newport at 425-282-0338 to find out when the next PCIT training is scheduled.

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