Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT, is one of the most effective programs for managing oppositional and defiant behaviours in children 7 years and younger. PCIT integrates attachment theory and behaviour modification techniques to help parents regain confidence in their ability to positively and effectively parent their child.
PCIT treatment is done with both the parent and child present. While the parent interacts with the child, PCIT-trained therapists coach him/her using a bug-in-ear device to give real-time feedback from behind a one-way mirror.
There are two phases involved in PCIT. The first phase is called Child-Directed Interaction (CDI). In this phase, parents are coached to use play therapy skills with the child in order to improve the quality of the parent-child relationship and increase appropriate child behaviours.
The second phase of treatment is called Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), which aims to increase the child’s compliance. In this phase, parents are taught to give clear, effective commands that work, and to set appropriate limits to increase child compliance.
Decades of research finds that PCIT improves children’s behaviour problems and parent’s skills, increases compliance, and improves overall family functioning. Parents who have completed PCIT report high levels of satisfaction with the program and greater confidence in managing their children’s behaviours. Learn more about PCIT at: PCIT International

Our Current Programs

Standard & Enhanced PCIT

These are the individually delivered PCIT programs for children aged 2.5- to 6.9-years-old. We also specialise in delivering an enhanced version of PCIT designed for children with limited prosocial emotions (low empathy, remorselessness, insensitivity to punishment, and low motivation).
Internet-Delivered PCIT

We offer Internet-delivered PCIT via teleconferencing for families who are unable to come to the clinic, including those living in rural or remote areas.
School-Based PCIT

Our outreach clinic based at Ingleburn Public School provides PCIT to children within a school setting,involving families and teachers in Sydney’s South West. School-based PCIT is currently being offered as part of a clinical research trial. It is being provided free of charge to eligible families.
PCIT-EI

PCIT-Early Intervention is a brief version of PCIT designed for infants and toddlers from 12-months to 2.4-years-old with emerging behavioural concerns