Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

HDC Therapist Casey Ladd, MSW, LICSW, LMFT describes Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in a recent training she did for the Duluth area’s “Thrive Initiative”. Thank you, Northland Foundation, for your support on this important project!

View Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Brochure

What Is PCIT?

Parent Child Interaction Therapy was developed over 30 years ago. It has helped hundreds of families with a young child whose behaviors are difficult to manage. In this treatment, families participate in weekly sessions that provide training for parents on how to manage their child’s behavior while improving their relationship with their child.

Who Can Benefit From PCIT and Why?

PCIT is designed for parent(s) or caregiver(s) with a child who is 2-7 years old and has challenging and disruptive behaviors. By learning specialized parenting skills, the parent can manage their child’s behavior more effectively while at the same time strengthening the parent- child bond. Overall PCIT helps parents and children experience less stressful and more enjoyable time together.

PCIT has been successful with:

• oppositional/defiant problems
• aggressive behaviors
• Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder (ADHD)
• severe temper tantrums
• the impact of abuse/neglect
• exposure to alcohol/drugs before birth

What Do Parents Say About PCIT?

• “My child’s behavior has improved so much! But when she does misbehave, I know exactly what to do.”
• “It was wonderful to see my child grow and know I was helping him be a good person. I learned new ways to play with him that make being together so much more fun.”
• “As a parent, everyone’s always trying to give you advice. The PCIT therapists, they don’t just give you advice, they teach you skills. Things that work. I’m so grateful for that.”
• ‘What I love about PCIT is how you learn to focus on the positive things your child does. It was amazing to see how well he responds to that. I didn’t realize how powerful my positive attention is for my kids.”

Child Directed Interaction

Parent Directed Intervention

Where does HDC offer PCIT?

The Human Development Center currently has eleven licensed therapists trained in PCIT. It is currently offered in three locations:

• Duluth
• Spirit Valley
• Cloquet

To make an appointment or get more information please call: Duluth/Spirit Valley-218-728-4491 or Cloquet-218-879-4559.

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