Psychiatrists in Massachusetts

PCIT is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective across domains, including for children with behavioral problems, those on the autism spectrum, and those who have experienced early childhood trauma. Further, studies have found that the skills developed through PCIT benefit not only the child in therapy but also siblings, as the parent internalizes lessons learned in sessions and is able to incorporate them into interactions with other family members.

The duration of treatment depends on the specific challenges clients face. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes long, and treatment lasts, on average, between 12 and 20 sessions. Factors that influence treatment duration include how regularly a client attends treatment, how much progress is achieved between sessions, the particular skills that need development, and the extent to which the parent and therapist see improvement.

PCIT is among the therapy types best suited for video sessions. Therapists are able to communicate with parents with essentially the same ease, and by observing the parent and child at home in their normal environment, the therapist may gain additional insight into their interactions, as the child will have their normal toys and may feel more comfortable and act more naturally than they would in a therapist’s room.

In addition to the skills parents develop through the treatment, PCIT has also been shown to reduce frustration, stress, and depression in parents and promote confidence and a sense of calm when dealing with their children. The desired outcomes of PCIT include a reduction in defiant and aggressive behavior by children and an improvement in communicating their feelings productively, complying with parental instruction, and behaving according to parents’ rules. Growth in these areas can be a relief for parents.