Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems.
Dr. Mann conducts evaluations for PCIT in her office in Solana Beach, CA. In some cases where no diagnostic clarity is being requested, a telehealth-based assessment can be conducted for those not living in the area. At this time, she only provides follow-up visits for PCIT through telehealth.
What is PCIT?
PCIT is a unique early childhood intervention characterized by "parent coaching" sessions whereby Dr. Mann observes each parent interacting with their child through a live video feed. Parents wear a Bluetooth device which allows Dr. Mann to give in-the-moment coaching to improve parenting skills which manage disruptive behaviors.
What can I expect from this intervention?
There are two treatment phases in PCIT. The first phase of treatment focuses on establishing warmth in your relationship with your child through learning and applying skills proven to help children feel calm and secure in their relationship, and good about themselves. You will learn how to manage behaviors through selective and positive attention alone.
Desired outcomes of the first phase:
Decreased frequency, severity, and/or duration of tantrums
Decreased activity levels
Decreased negative attention-seeking behaviors (such as whining and bossiness)
Decreased parental frustration
Increased feelings of security, safety, and attachment to the primary caregiver
Increased attention span
Increased self-esteem
Increased pro-social behaviors (such as sharing and taking turns)
In the second phase of treatment, you will learn direct discipline approaches to improve compliance. This phase will equip parents with tools to manage the most challenging behaviors while remaining confident, calm, and consistent in your approach. In this phase, you will learn proven strategies to help your child accept limits, comply with your directions, respect house rules, and demonstrate appropriate behavior in public. Desired outcomes of the second phase:
Effective limit setting
Increased compliance
Desired decreased frequency, severity, and/or duration of aggressive behavior
Decreased frequency of destructive behavior (ie. breaking toys on purpose)
Decreased defiance
Increased compliance with adult requests
Increased respect for house rules
Improved public behavior
Increased parental calmness and confidence during discipline
With consistent attendance and homework completion, PCIT can be completed within 12-20 sessions, though treatment is not time-limited. Treatment is considered complete when you have mastered both sets of skills and rate your child's behavior within normal limits on a behavior rating scale.
