Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
in Los Angeles
As a specialized therapy designed for young children (typically ages 2-7 years) and their caregivers, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) focuses on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing negative interaction patterns.
At Child & Family STEPS, I offer PCIT to help families learn effective strategies to foster healthier communication, enhance emotional connection, and reduce challenging behaviors.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss if PCIT is right for your family’s needs.
Why Choose Child & Family STEPS for PCIT?
- Child-Focused Expertise: I am a certified PCIT provider and in-house trainer. I specialize in working with children from infancy through early childhood (ages 0-8 years). My experiences and training ensure that the unique needs of young children and their families are always front and center.
- Comfortable, Safe Environment: Child & Family STEPS is designed to be warm, welcoming, and child-friendly. We strive to create a positive atmosphere where kids feel free to explore, play, and be themselves.
- Individualized Approach: No two families are exactly alike. I tailor the PCIT process to fit your specific goals, parenting style, and child’s developmental needs.
- Ongoing Support: From the initial evaluation to maintenance sessions, you’ll have consistent support and resources to foster lasting success.
What to Expect in Our PCIT Sessions
1. Assessment & Goal Setting: We begin with an evaluation of the child’s behavior and parent-child interactions. Together, we identify specific goals, such as improving compliance, reducing tantrums, or fostering more positive interactions.
2. Relationship Enhancement (Child-Directed Interaction): In the initial phase, the focus is on building warmth and connection. Parents learn skills like praise, reflection, and description during play, which helps children feel validated and supported. Parents also learn strategies to help children learn when they can and cannot have parent’s attention, based on behaviors that parents would like to see increased or decreased, respectively.
3. Increased Compliance (Parent-Directed Interaction): Once the relationship is strengthened, we work on effective discipline strategies to set clear limits and promote positive behaviors. We will also address issues such as managing public behaviors and supporting sibling relationships.
4. Real-Time Coaching: During each session, I will coach you through use of headphones as you interact with your child. This immediate feedback helps you master the strategies and quickly address any challenges that arise.
5. Maintenance & Graduation: When parents consistently demonstrate effective use of the skills and the child’s behaviors show improvement, we move to the graduation phase, equipping you with the tools to maintain your progress at home.
FAQs about Child Therapy
What is PCIT?
PCIT is an evidence-based, short term intervention that uses real-time coaching to guide parents (or other caregivers) in learning and practicing new interaction skills. At Child & Family STEPS, Dr. Holly observes the parent-child interaction and provides live, immediate feedback that helps parents fine-tune their responses and strengthen the positive aspects of the parent-child relationship.
Who Can Benefit From PCIT?
- Children ages 2-7 years (though it can be adapted for slightly older or younger children in certain cases)
- Families experiencing tantrums, aggressive behaviors, defiance, or ADHD-related challenges
- Caregivers looking to strengthen their bond with their child and improve overall communication
- Parents who want to learn new techniques to support emotion regulation and positive behavior in their child
What are the Key Benefit of PCIT?
- Enhanced Parent-Child Bond: By focusing on positive, nurturing interactions, PCIT helps create a solid foundation of trust and security.
- Effective Behavior Management: You will learn to use consistent, predictable strategies that help reduce disruptive behaviors and increase cooperation.
- Real-Time Support: This unique “bug-in-the-ear” coaching model provides immediate, customized feedback as you practice new skills.
- Long-Lasting Impact: Many families find that the strategies learned in PCIT lead to continued success and smoother communication well beyond therapy.