Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists in San Diego, CA
Joel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who helps individuals, couples and families empower themselves in finding solutions to struggles ranging from communication and interpersonal issues to depression, anxiety and PTSD. His expertise in formulating personalized approaches to mental health draws from his years of experience as a private practice clinician in the greater Los Angeles area and his past experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care, a litigator in California state and federal courts, and a journalist.
Joel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who helps individuals, couples and families empower themselves in finding solutions to struggles ranging from communication and interpersonal issues to depression, anxiety and PTSD. His expertise in formulating personalized approaches to mental health draws from his years of experience as a private practice clinician in the greater Los Angeles area and his past experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care, a litigator in California state and federal courts, and a journalist.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Not directions. Just tools for your winding unknown.
Hello, I'm Lito De Luca.
My approach is focused on your needs, with a flexible framework that adapts to your personal journey. When you're ready, we explore, we seek, and we discover the unspoken "what" and the avoided "something."
Not directions. Just tools for your winding unknown.
Hello, I'm Lito De Luca.
My approach is focused on your needs, with a flexible framework that adapts to your personal journey. When you're ready, we explore, we seek, and we discover the unspoken "what" and the avoided "something."
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I provide child-focused, family-oriented, trauma-informed therapy. I work with children, adolescents, and families to address emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges while strengthening connection, resilience, and growth. I value building a trusting therapeutic relationship and tailoring the process to your unique needs. My goal is to help you feel supported, empowered, and understood.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I provide child-focused, family-oriented, trauma-informed therapy. I work with children, adolescents, and families to address emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges while strengthening connection, resilience, and growth. I value building a trusting therapeutic relationship and tailoring the process to your unique needs. My goal is to help you feel supported, empowered, and understood.
Graduated Summa Cum Laude with MS from SDSU; Additional post license training in Parent-Child Interaction & Play Therapy; Gottman Method; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Exposure and Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Confused? Stressed? Frustrated? Depressed? Need help with your relationship, your kids or other life challenges? Sometimes we all just need a compassionate, caring person to listen and provide informed and appropriate feedback and guidance. I believe that 90% of therapy's effectiveness is in choosing the right person. You either "click" with your therapist, or you don't. If you find a good match, you are half-way there! Please call me for a free telephone consultation, so we can discuss your concerns to see if I am a good fit for your particular needs. I look forward to your call.
Graduated Summa Cum Laude with MS from SDSU; Additional post license training in Parent-Child Interaction & Play Therapy; Gottman Method; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Exposure and Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Confused? Stressed? Frustrated? Depressed? Need help with your relationship, your kids or other life challenges? Sometimes we all just need a compassionate, caring person to listen and provide informed and appropriate feedback and guidance. I believe that 90% of therapy's effectiveness is in choosing the right person. You either "click" with your therapist, or you don't. If you find a good match, you are half-way there! Please call me for a free telephone consultation, so we can discuss your concerns to see if I am a good fit for your particular needs. I look forward to your call.
We are experienced, empathic San Diego therapists providing evidenced-based counseling to Children, Teens and Adults in San Diego and throughout California to help you Improve, Grow, and Heal.
We provide In Person sessions throughout San Diego County in Mission Valley, El Cajon, Scripps Ranch, University City, and Escondido for your convenience. Our appointments range from weekdays to evenings and weekends, and can be in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, Mandarin, Polish and French.
We are experienced, empathic San Diego therapists providing evidenced-based counseling to Children, Teens and Adults in San Diego and throughout California to help you Improve, Grow, and Heal.
We provide In Person sessions throughout San Diego County in Mission Valley, El Cajon, Scripps Ranch, University City, and Escondido for your convenience. Our appointments range from weekdays to evenings and weekends, and can be in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, Mandarin, Polish and French.
Also, as a clinician who values working with children with behavioral difficulties, I provide quality Parent-Child Interaction Therapy ( PCIT) to restore the parent-child relationship for children 2-7 years old.
As a parent of a toddler, I also wrestle with the highs and lows of raising a strong child. Daily I refer back to my PCIT skills, based in decades of behavioral research, to provide positive praise, clear directions, and firm boundaries. I aim to provide parents in similar situations with evidence-based methods to enhance the parent-child relationship.
Also, as a clinician who values working with children with behavioral difficulties, I provide quality Parent-Child Interaction Therapy ( PCIT) to restore the parent-child relationship for children 2-7 years old.
As a parent of a toddler, I also wrestle with the highs and lows of raising a strong child. Daily I refer back to my PCIT skills, based in decades of behavioral research, to provide positive praise, clear directions, and firm boundaries. I aim to provide parents in similar situations with evidence-based methods to enhance the parent-child relationship.
I’m passionate about helping individuals, children, and families build healthier relationships and navigate life's challenges. I've been working with children and families for over a decade and have a background in early childhood development. I work with children, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, and relationship difficulties. I'm passionate about helping young clients process big emotions, strengthen their sense of self, and build meaningful connections in a safe, creative, and developmentally appropriate way.
I’m passionate about helping individuals, children, and families build healthier relationships and navigate life's challenges. I've been working with children and families for over a decade and have a background in early childhood development. I work with children, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, and relationship difficulties. I'm passionate about helping young clients process big emotions, strengthen their sense of self, and build meaningful connections in a safe, creative, and developmentally appropriate way.
I obtained doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. My license qualification is a Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently, in my private practice, I work with individuals, children, and adolescents, and administer psychotherapy for couples and families. Diagnosis of ADHD for all populations utilizing Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), PE, Behavioral Modification for children and adolescents, working with adolescents experiencing acculturation issues, Parenting Skills, Couples & Family developmental communication strategies, and attachment realignment.
I obtained doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. My license qualification is a Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently, in my private practice, I work with individuals, children, and adolescents, and administer psychotherapy for couples and families. Diagnosis of ADHD for all populations utilizing Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), PE, Behavioral Modification for children and adolescents, working with adolescents experiencing acculturation issues, Parenting Skills, Couples & Family developmental communication strategies, and attachment realignment.
Maybe you've been carrying something heavy for a long time — anxiety that won't quiet down, past trauma that keeps showing up in your relationships, or a quiet depression that makes everything feel harder than it should. Maybe you're a woman who has spent so long taking care of everyone else that your own needs have become invisible. Or maybe you're not sure who you are anymore and that loss of self is scarier than anything. Whatever brought you here, know this: you don't have to figure it out alone, and there is nothing wrong with you for struggling.
Maybe you've been carrying something heavy for a long time — anxiety that won't quiet down, past trauma that keeps showing up in your relationships, or a quiet depression that makes everything feel harder than it should. Maybe you're a woman who has spent so long taking care of everyone else that your own needs have become invisible. Or maybe you're not sure who you are anymore and that loss of self is scarier than anything. Whatever brought you here, know this: you don't have to figure it out alone, and there is nothing wrong with you for struggling.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
For more than 23 years, I have been passionate about helping children, teens, adults, and families understand the “why” behind emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. As Founder of San Diego Kids First and a Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor at UC San Diego, I have spent 21 years supervising Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellows while also mentoring psychologists and educating professionals who support children and families. My goal is to combine compassion, clinical expertise, and practical solutions that help every child and teen reach their full potential.
For more than 23 years, I have been passionate about helping children, teens, adults, and families understand the “why” behind emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. As Founder of San Diego Kids First and a Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor at UC San Diego, I have spent 21 years supervising Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellows while also mentoring psychologists and educating professionals who support children and families. My goal is to combine compassion, clinical expertise, and practical solutions that help every child and teen reach their full potential.
Over 20 years of my practice, I have seen almost every issue stems from our self-concept. The relationship we have with our self-concept prevents our ability to achieve our full potential and happiness. I can help you find the attention and honor you deserve first, then tackle your particular challenges at the present time. "Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life" -J. K. Rowling
I offer virtual sessions in CA and in person sessions Saturday morning and Monday in San Diego, CA.
Over 20 years of my practice, I have seen almost every issue stems from our self-concept. The relationship we have with our self-concept prevents our ability to achieve our full potential and happiness. I can help you find the attention and honor you deserve first, then tackle your particular challenges at the present time. "Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life" -J. K. Rowling
I offer virtual sessions in CA and in person sessions Saturday morning and Monday in San Diego, CA.
I’ve spent many years working in children’s mental health, with a strong focus on attachment work, parenting support, and improving emotional regulation. I have a deep understanding of the pain points that children and families often face, particularly when dealing with trauma, attachment issues, and adverse life experiences. I recognize that children communicate in a variety of different ways and meet their needs through an array of therapeutic modalities, such as play therapy, expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and internal family systems therapy.
I’ve spent many years working in children’s mental health, with a strong focus on attachment work, parenting support, and improving emotional regulation. I have a deep understanding of the pain points that children and families often face, particularly when dealing with trauma, attachment issues, and adverse life experiences. I recognize that children communicate in a variety of different ways and meet their needs through an array of therapeutic modalities, such as play therapy, expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and internal family systems therapy.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
I help people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or lost in self-doubt regain confidence and clarity through personalized, evidence-based therapy. I understand that life’s pressures from work, relationships, or personal expectations can feel like too much to handle alone. That’s why I create a supportive, nonjudgmental space for you. I work with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, stress, self-doubt, pressure, and relationship conflicts.
I help people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or lost in self-doubt regain confidence and clarity through personalized, evidence-based therapy. I understand that life’s pressures from work, relationships, or personal expectations can feel like too much to handle alone. That’s why I create a supportive, nonjudgmental space for you. I work with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, stress, self-doubt, pressure, and relationship conflicts.
Couples: Reconnect & feel intimate again using holistic & energetic techniques.
The Love Therapy Method first reconnects you to yourself: Self-Love, understanding, acceptance & alignment are key. When you love & accept yourself, your energy naturally relaxes leading to easy, flowing, effective communication in all relationships. Non-verbal communication can silently come off as criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, or contempt - John Gottman's precursors to break-ups if not addressed. Self-Love is the solution: using energetic, spiritual, holistic methods including mindfulness, meditation, biofeedback, somatic therapy & tantra.
Couples: Reconnect & feel intimate again using holistic & energetic techniques.
The Love Therapy Method first reconnects you to yourself: Self-Love, understanding, acceptance & alignment are key. When you love & accept yourself, your energy naturally relaxes leading to easy, flowing, effective communication in all relationships. Non-verbal communication can silently come off as criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, or contempt - John Gottman's precursors to break-ups if not addressed. Self-Love is the solution: using energetic, spiritual, holistic methods including mindfulness, meditation, biofeedback, somatic therapy & tantra.
One of my specialites is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, which is an intensive treatment program designed for children ages 1-8 years old and their parents.
I have a general practice, in which I treat a variety of clients with many different challenges. I help my clients overcome their struggles, by finding better ways of coping and adjusting to these challenges. I can help clients make changes within themselves and with their relationships with others. There is always hope for change.
One of my specialites is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, which is an intensive treatment program designed for children ages 1-8 years old and their parents.
I have a general practice, in which I treat a variety of clients with many different challenges. I help my clients overcome their struggles, by finding better ways of coping and adjusting to these challenges. I can help clients make changes within themselves and with their relationships with others. There is always hope for change.
Welcome! At San Diego Youth Psychology (SDYP), we specialize in neurodiversity-affirming psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Our focus includes Autism, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorder evaluations, helping clients identify diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans. Each evaluation is personalized using gold-standard measures, ensuring that the unique needs of every client are met with care and precision.
Welcome! At San Diego Youth Psychology (SDYP), we specialize in neurodiversity-affirming psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Our focus includes Autism, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorder evaluations, helping clients identify diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans. Each evaluation is personalized using gold-standard measures, ensuring that the unique needs of every client are met with care and precision.
You've spent years feeling like everyone else was handed an operating manual you never got - at work, in relationships, in ordinary daily life. Maybe you already have a diagnosis, or maybe you're just suspecting you should.
I don't treat ADHD or autism as something to fix. They're not broken versions of a "normal" brain but simply a different way of being wired, and most of the day-to-day struggle comes from a mismatch between how that brain works and what school, work, or family life is asking of it.
My goal is to give you tools and strategies that help make that mismatch easier to live with.
You've spent years feeling like everyone else was handed an operating manual you never got - at work, in relationships, in ordinary daily life. Maybe you already have a diagnosis, or maybe you're just suspecting you should.
I don't treat ADHD or autism as something to fix. They're not broken versions of a "normal" brain but simply a different way of being wired, and most of the day-to-day struggle comes from a mismatch between how that brain works and what school, work, or family life is asking of it.
My goal is to give you tools and strategies that help make that mismatch easier to live with.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- 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.