Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists in Encinitas, CA
I work with children, teens, and families struggling with anxiety, big emotions, and behavior challenges like shutdowns, irritability, or defiance. Parents often come in feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to help, I support you in creating a calmer home, improving communication, and strengthening connection. I also work with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration, including LGBTQ+. My goal is to help your child feel more confident and regulated, while giving you practical tools to support lasting change at home.
I work with children, teens, and families struggling with anxiety, big emotions, and behavior challenges like shutdowns, irritability, or defiance. Parents often come in feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to help, I support you in creating a calmer home, improving communication, and strengthening connection. I also work with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration, including LGBTQ+. My goal is to help your child feel more confident and regulated, while giving you practical tools to support lasting change at home.
Working through difficult experiences and emotions can be challenging. It can be even harder to make desired changes in ones life when certain patterns have been established for so long. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and supported throughout this process. By creating a comfortable and lighthearted environment, individuals, families, and couples are able to gain some reprieve from the difficulties they are experiencing. This allows change to begin to occur in the lives of my clients.
Working through difficult experiences and emotions can be challenging. It can be even harder to make desired changes in ones life when certain patterns have been established for so long. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and supported throughout this process. By creating a comfortable and lighthearted environment, individuals, families, and couples are able to gain some reprieve from the difficulties they are experiencing. This allows change to begin to occur in the lives of my clients.
I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, parent-child interaction, life transitions, and postpartum support.
I work with clients facing ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, autism, life transitions, and motherhood challenges. Using DBT, CBT, ERP, and play therapy, I provide practical tools and support in a warm, collaborative way to help clients manage emotions, build skills, and thrive in daily life.
I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, parent-child interaction, life transitions, and postpartum support.
I work with clients facing ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, autism, life transitions, and motherhood challenges. Using DBT, CBT, ERP, and play therapy, I provide practical tools and support in a warm, collaborative way to help clients manage emotions, build skills, and thrive in daily life.
You know your child (or maybe it's you) is smart, sensitive, and working hard to hold it all together, but something's not clicking. Maybe it's anxiety that shows up as stomachaches or meltdowns. Maybe it's the exhausting effort of masking to fit in, followed by burnout no one else sees. Maybe it's a teen who feels like they don't know who they are anymore, or a young adult navigating the leap into independence with more self-doubt than confidence.
You know your child (or maybe it's you) is smart, sensitive, and working hard to hold it all together, but something's not clicking. Maybe it's anxiety that shows up as stomachaches or meltdowns. Maybe it's the exhausting effort of masking to fit in, followed by burnout no one else sees. Maybe it's a teen who feels like they don't know who they are anymore, or a young adult navigating the leap into independence with more self-doubt than confidence.
Michele La Porte Downey
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, MAC, LMFT, Master, Life
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complex cycle of mood disorders or addiction within your family? My practice is a creative sanctuary designed for those who need a roadmap through the healthcare maze to find the best possible care for themselves or their loved ones. Using a solution-oriented, 12-step based approach, I specialize in unique, intervention-based programs tailored to your family's specific needs and budget. Whether through my recovery groups or individual, couples, and marriage therapy, we will work together to restore balance and hope.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complex cycle of mood disorders or addiction within your family? My practice is a creative sanctuary designed for those who need a roadmap through the healthcare maze to find the best possible care for themselves or their loved ones. Using a solution-oriented, 12-step based approach, I specialize in unique, intervention-based programs tailored to your family's specific needs and budget. Whether through my recovery groups or individual, couples, and marriage therapy, we will work together to restore balance and hope.
Play Therapy and PCIT keep the work developmentally appropriate, while a Strength-Based lens ensures kids feel capable, not broken.
I work with children and teens who feel things deeply, may be anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling to put words to what's going on inside. They're often bright and sensitive, but big emotions get in the way of friendships, school, and home life. If you're on the outside of your child's inner world, sensing that something isn't right but unsure what they need, you're in the right place. I'm here to help your child feel understood, build real coping tools, and find their way back to themselves. I also work closely with families throughout the process, because the most meaningful change happens both inside and outside the therapy room.
Play Therapy and PCIT keep the work developmentally appropriate, while a Strength-Based lens ensures kids feel capable, not broken.
I work with children and teens who feel things deeply, may be anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling to put words to what's going on inside. They're often bright and sensitive, but big emotions get in the way of friendships, school, and home life. If you're on the outside of your child's inner world, sensing that something isn't right but unsure what they need, you're in the right place. I'm here to help your child feel understood, build real coping tools, and find their way back to themselves. I also work closely with families throughout the process, because the most meaningful change happens both inside and outside the therapy room.
At The Village Lighthouse, we know that learning and development look different for every child, teen, and adult. Whether your child is struggling in school or you're seeking answers about your own learning or emotional needs, we’re here to help guide the way.
Our team includes Licensed Educational Psychologists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), allowing us to support not only learning needs but also emotional well-being. We specialize in working with trauma and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices.
At The Village Lighthouse, we know that learning and development look different for every child, teen, and adult. Whether your child is struggling in school or you're seeking answers about your own learning or emotional needs, we’re here to help guide the way.
Our team includes Licensed Educational Psychologists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), allowing us to support not only learning needs but also emotional well-being. We specialize in working with trauma and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices.
Members of our team hold active certifications in TF-CBT, EMDR, and PCIT.
We help kids, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety gain the confidence they need to put themselves out there and build healthy relationships. Our clients struggle just like you and your kids do. Despite being bright, academically high achieving, and able to seemingly balance it all, life is still hard. When they first come in, they are in a relentless cycle of never feeling “good enough” and are stuck comparing themselves to everyone else. They may start their day with reserved hope as they head to school, and come home a total wreck. You are doing your best, but you don’t always know the right thing to say.
Members of our team hold active certifications in TF-CBT, EMDR, and PCIT.
We help kids, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety gain the confidence they need to put themselves out there and build healthy relationships. Our clients struggle just like you and your kids do. Despite being bright, academically high achieving, and able to seemingly balance it all, life is still hard. When they first come in, they are in a relentless cycle of never feeling “good enough” and are stuck comparing themselves to everyone else. They may start their day with reserved hope as they head to school, and come home a total wreck. You are doing your best, but you don’t always know the right thing to say.
I am a strengths based, trauma focused therapist specializing in grief & loss, PTSD, and feeling stuck and overwhelmed by past negative experiences and beliefs. I work with clients ranging in age from adolescents to seniors utilizing EMDR and family systems therapy.
I am a strengths based, trauma focused therapist specializing in grief & loss, PTSD, and feeling stuck and overwhelmed by past negative experiences and beliefs. I work with clients ranging in age from adolescents to seniors utilizing EMDR and family systems therapy.
I believe that every individual possesses immense potential for growth, healing, and self-discovery. I am committed to providing a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I am passionate about helping individuals harness their inner strength, overcome obstacles, and achieve peak performance in their chosen fields. Whether you're an athlete, artist, musician, or professional striving for excellence, I am here to support you on your path to success. Together, we can unlock your full potential and help you reach new heights of mental strength and satisfaction.
I believe that every individual possesses immense potential for growth, healing, and self-discovery. I am committed to providing a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I am passionate about helping individuals harness their inner strength, overcome obstacles, and achieve peak performance in their chosen fields. Whether you're an athlete, artist, musician, or professional striving for excellence, I am here to support you on your path to success. Together, we can unlock your full potential and help you reach new heights of mental strength and satisfaction.
I specialize in anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and issues within the parent-child relationship.
I have fourteen years of experience serving adults, children, and families with a variety of presenting problems. Issues most often addressed in my practice relate to: Anxiety, Panic, and Avoidance; Depression; Traumatic Experience; and Parenting.
I specialize in anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and issues within the parent-child relationship.
I have fourteen years of experience serving adults, children, and families with a variety of presenting problems. Issues most often addressed in my practice relate to: Anxiety, Panic, and Avoidance; Depression; Traumatic Experience; and Parenting.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescent, children and their families. I have worked both in the outpatient hospital environment and in the Del Mar School district. In addition to my private practice work I am active with KidsTurn San Diego, a nonprofit organization helping families navigate the process of divorce.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescent, children and their families. I have worked both in the outpatient hospital environment and in the Del Mar School district. In addition to my private practice work I am active with KidsTurn San Diego, a nonprofit organization helping families navigate the process of divorce.
Welcome! We all want to live life as our best selves, but that can be especially challenging during difficult times. I have over 25 years of experience helping children, teens, families, adults and couples build on their strengths and get clear about what they want for their futures. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I also utilize art therapy, Brainspotting (a brain based therapy that helps clients identify, process and release emotional and physical pain) and the Nurtured Heart Approach (a relationship based model that helps people focus on their successes rather than their failures, thereby increasing their Inner Wealth.)
Welcome! We all want to live life as our best selves, but that can be especially challenging during difficult times. I have over 25 years of experience helping children, teens, families, adults and couples build on their strengths and get clear about what they want for their futures. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I also utilize art therapy, Brainspotting (a brain based therapy that helps clients identify, process and release emotional and physical pain) and the Nurtured Heart Approach (a relationship based model that helps people focus on their successes rather than their failures, thereby increasing their Inner Wealth.)
I work with children and teens, young adults (college students and recent graduates), couples, and families. Some come seeking support for a child, others facing school stress and life transitions, and others hoping to reconnect as a family. However you arrive, I start by meeting you where you are. No two clients are the same, so I begin by understanding you. Therapy is built on trust and collaboration, and together we can figure out what's going on and what healing and growth might look like for you.
I work with children and teens, young adults (college students and recent graduates), couples, and families. Some come seeking support for a child, others facing school stress and life transitions, and others hoping to reconnect as a family. However you arrive, I start by meeting you where you are. No two clients are the same, so I begin by understanding you. Therapy is built on trust and collaboration, and together we can figure out what's going on and what healing and growth might look like for you.
Protected Roots Integrative (PRI) Treatment Center is a Joint Commission-accredited and DHCS-certified mental health facility in San Diego. PRI supports adolescents, young adults, and their families in achieving sustained mental health recovery and wellness by integrating academic medicine with community values. Our all-gender facility offers in-person and virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) treatment services. While we offer programs for young adults ages 18-35, PRI’s primary focus is working with adolescents aged 12-17 who have struggled with behavioral and emotional concerns throughout their adolescence.
Protected Roots Integrative (PRI) Treatment Center is a Joint Commission-accredited and DHCS-certified mental health facility in San Diego. PRI supports adolescents, young adults, and their families in achieving sustained mental health recovery and wellness by integrating academic medicine with community values. Our all-gender facility offers in-person and virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) treatment services. While we offer programs for young adults ages 18-35, PRI’s primary focus is working with adolescents aged 12-17 who have struggled with behavioral and emotional concerns throughout their adolescence.
Dr. Chris
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, C-DBT
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Hello, and firstly, kudos to you for taking the first steps (or more if returning to therapy) on reaching out for support! Whether it is part of your self-journey, or to connect with your family, partner, or spouse, it takes courage, vulnerability, and commitment to ask for help. This is especially true within the chaos of our lives and the social pressures to put on the multiple hats (Parent, Partner, Child, etc.) that we wear. Therapy for me is about caring for the human facing me, and offering the space where we can collaborate together to find your lost stories, while respecting each persons authentic experience of life.
Hello, and firstly, kudos to you for taking the first steps (or more if returning to therapy) on reaching out for support! Whether it is part of your self-journey, or to connect with your family, partner, or spouse, it takes courage, vulnerability, and commitment to ask for help. This is especially true within the chaos of our lives and the social pressures to put on the multiple hats (Parent, Partner, Child, etc.) that we wear. Therapy for me is about caring for the human facing me, and offering the space where we can collaborate together to find your lost stories, while respecting each persons authentic experience of life.
More Therapists Nearby
Are you feeling stuck or desperate? Do you feel like there is something blocking you from moving forward in life? My hope is that clients leave therapy knowing their strengths and having the tools to tackle future challenges. Whether that is to empower them to find new solutions to old problems, a better way of managing their anxiety or depression; or a whole new way of being in relationships. We all need to feel empowered in our own lives but often find road blocks that keep us from reaching our potential.
Are you feeling stuck or desperate? Do you feel like there is something blocking you from moving forward in life? My hope is that clients leave therapy knowing their strengths and having the tools to tackle future challenges. Whether that is to empower them to find new solutions to old problems, a better way of managing their anxiety or depression; or a whole new way of being in relationships. We all need to feel empowered in our own lives but often find road blocks that keep us from reaching our potential.
Are you feeling lost, unmotivated, and like nothing seems to be working?
Or are you a parent struggling to communicate with your kid?
Or are you in a relationship where you are not feeling heard?
Things can get better for you. Trust me on this!
Hi! I’m Michelle Webber, a high energy, licensed Therapist, Addiction Specialist and Life Coach with over 25 years of experience in Los Angeles. It takes courage to go forward, to harness your power within. We will work together to help you find a sense of peace and acceptance while you move forward in your life. Tell me your inner most fears, dreams, and goals. Nothing will shock me.
Are you feeling lost, unmotivated, and like nothing seems to be working?
Or are you a parent struggling to communicate with your kid?
Or are you in a relationship where you are not feeling heard?
Things can get better for you. Trust me on this!
Hi! I’m Michelle Webber, a high energy, licensed Therapist, Addiction Specialist and Life Coach with over 25 years of experience in Los Angeles. It takes courage to go forward, to harness your power within. We will work together to help you find a sense of peace and acceptance while you move forward in your life. Tell me your inner most fears, dreams, and goals. Nothing will shock me.
Do you want to uncover and understand the deeper parts of yourself - your wants and needs, values and beliefs, strengths and challenges? By exploring these elements together, we can gain insight into patterns and work towards addressing them effectively. My goal is to help you feel your best and to live a fulfilling life.
Do you want to uncover and understand the deeper parts of yourself - your wants and needs, values and beliefs, strengths and challenges? By exploring these elements together, we can gain insight into patterns and work towards addressing them effectively. My goal is to help you feel your best and to live a fulfilling life.
My name is Nicole Chatwin (LMFT 138-140) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting my clients through transition in a safe and comfortable setting. I work with individuals, young adults, and adolescents/teens and specialize in anxiety relief, divorce and separation support, school-based behavioral concerns, anger management, social and achievement anxiety, self-confidence and self-esteem building, ADHD/Autism/CD diagnoses support, college counseling, life transitions, and personal growth.
My name is Nicole Chatwin (LMFT 138-140) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting my clients through transition in a safe and comfortable setting. I work with individuals, young adults, and adolescents/teens and specialize in anxiety relief, divorce and separation support, school-based behavioral concerns, anger management, social and achievement anxiety, self-confidence and self-esteem building, ADHD/Autism/CD diagnoses support, college counseling, life transitions, and personal growth.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists Searches for Encinitas
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists
Does parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) work?
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.
How long does PCIT last?
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.
Can PCIT be done online?
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.
Does PCIT help parents?
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.


