Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists in Vista, CA
My name is Christine Dougherty and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade. My focus areas include; working with adolescents, adults, and families. My theoretical approach often depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common approaches I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. I encourage clients to start from where they are and break down large goals into smaller more attainable parts.
My name is Christine Dougherty and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade. My focus areas include; working with adolescents, adults, and families. My theoretical approach often depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common approaches I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. I encourage clients to start from where they are and break down large goals into smaller more attainable parts.
Hi,
there are a lot of great therapists to choose from, but for the moment, you and I have landed on the same page. If your looking for what makes me different, I've been around a few years and have been through a lot. I get it. I am also trained as a trauma therapist and have a specialized training in couples therapy. I work with families, individuals, couples and children. My only goal is help you feel better, I do that through holding space for you during the hard stuff and challenging you to think differently about possible solutions. I am warm and kind, but I will tell it like it is when you need to hear it.
Hi,
there are a lot of great therapists to choose from, but for the moment, you and I have landed on the same page. If your looking for what makes me different, I've been around a few years and have been through a lot. I get it. I am also trained as a trauma therapist and have a specialized training in couples therapy. I work with families, individuals, couples and children. My only goal is help you feel better, I do that through holding space for you during the hard stuff and challenging you to think differently about possible solutions. I am warm and kind, but I will tell it like it is when you need to hear it.
Whether a family needs help managing difficult situations with their child’s school in the IEP process, assessments for autism, ADHD, Learning disabilities, or in adaptive domains, I am able to write and explain the comprehensive reports. My background in early childhood education also allows me the skills to provide counseling and play therapy for children, starting as young as 2 years. I want to work with children and their families to appreciate and understand one another so that home is a place of peace and calm, and so children feel understood and excited to learn at school.
Whether a family needs help managing difficult situations with their child’s school in the IEP process, assessments for autism, ADHD, Learning disabilities, or in adaptive domains, I am able to write and explain the comprehensive reports. My background in early childhood education also allows me the skills to provide counseling and play therapy for children, starting as young as 2 years. I want to work with children and their families to appreciate and understand one another so that home is a place of peace and calm, and so children feel understood and excited to learn at school.
Life seems intense, overwhelming, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and exhaustion are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and leave behind feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion. You want to figure out a way to get through the week (the day!) and the next. You want relief. You want to be understood. Let's talk. Your first phone consultation is free.
Life seems intense, overwhelming, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and exhaustion are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and leave behind feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion. You want to figure out a way to get through the week (the day!) and the next. You want relief. You want to be understood. Let's talk. Your first phone consultation is free.
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.
More Therapists Nearby
The parent-child relationship is vital, so I aim to include you, the caregiver, as much as is possible and appropriate during treatment.
My work is primarily with children who have behavioral challenges, trauma history, depression, anxiety, or who struggle in school or social settings. I also work with parents who struggle to connect with their children. I believe caregivers are vital to the child's success.
The parent-child relationship is vital, so I aim to include you, the caregiver, as much as is possible and appropriate during treatment.
My work is primarily with children who have behavioral challenges, trauma history, depression, anxiety, or who struggle in school or social settings. I also work with parents who struggle to connect with their children. I believe caregivers are vital to the child's success.
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.
Bernard approaches his practice with deep compassion and a keen therapeutic prowess. Working extensively with clients from diverse identities and cultural backgrounds, he demonstrates a strong affinity for aiding those in need. His professional journey encompasses diverse clinical environments, including community outreach, school-based interventions, Outpatient care, and Intensive Outpatient clinics. Bernard's integrative approach seamlessly blends techniques and interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Positive Parenting, and Strategic Therapy.
Bernard approaches his practice with deep compassion and a keen therapeutic prowess. Working extensively with clients from diverse identities and cultural backgrounds, he demonstrates a strong affinity for aiding those in need. His professional journey encompasses diverse clinical environments, including community outreach, school-based interventions, Outpatient care, and Intensive Outpatient clinics. Bernard's integrative approach seamlessly blends techniques and interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Positive Parenting, and Strategic Therapy.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relational stress, or major life transitions. Many feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and are seeking support to better understand themselves and improve their relationships. I help clients move forward by providing a warm, grounded, and collaborative space tailored to their needs. I integrate EMDR and Brainspotting to address trauma at the brain-body level, along with practical coping tools to support emotional regulation, insight, and lasting change.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relational stress, or major life transitions. Many feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and are seeking support to better understand themselves and improve their relationships. I help clients move forward by providing a warm, grounded, and collaborative space tailored to their needs. I integrate EMDR and Brainspotting to address trauma at the brain-body level, along with practical coping tools to support emotional regulation, insight, and lasting change.
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.
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.
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. Many of us aren't. We all have a story and I value holding a space for you to honor that story. To process that experience, to rework that negative thought or feeling that causes stagnancy. Stagnancy in love, stagnancy in friendship, in work, and in the desired evolution of self. We all seek to control but what does that mean, and is there space? The deepest form of understanding will come from processing and reprocessing; evaluating and reevaluating an experience until we conclude an awareness of the experience that fits into our new schema, our new direction, our new trajectory.
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. Many of us aren't. We all have a story and I value holding a space for you to honor that story. To process that experience, to rework that negative thought or feeling that causes stagnancy. Stagnancy in love, stagnancy in friendship, in work, and in the desired evolution of self. We all seek to control but what does that mean, and is there space? The deepest form of understanding will come from processing and reprocessing; evaluating and reevaluating an experience until we conclude an awareness of the experience that fits into our new schema, our new direction, our new trajectory.
You smile and try to be helpfully nice, you are really trying and failing. Though you try your best to be there for others, it feels as if no one is really there for you or for those you love. No one is listening, no one sees you, or understands you. You are at a dead end and in dire need of tender care. Peace and quiet, love and laughter. Bonds that unite and relationships that matter. Imagine such a life? Suffering is a part of living but only to a point, not this jagged line tearing you and those you care about apart. Despair lurks in your bedroom at night and at dawn. You awaken to another doomsday, another struggle session.
You smile and try to be helpfully nice, you are really trying and failing. Though you try your best to be there for others, it feels as if no one is really there for you or for those you love. No one is listening, no one sees you, or understands you. You are at a dead end and in dire need of tender care. Peace and quiet, love and laughter. Bonds that unite and relationships that matter. Imagine such a life? Suffering is a part of living but only to a point, not this jagged line tearing you and those you care about apart. Despair lurks in your bedroom at night and at dawn. You awaken to another doomsday, another struggle session.
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.
Hi! My name is Lynn Shim and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with clients in California via telehealth. I believe that therapy can provide a safe space for growth, healing, and understanding. I am a compassionate and non-judgmental support who collaborates with you to help reach your goals and strengthen your self-worth. I also focus on empowering you toward greater self-identity in the midst of cultural differences, family influences, and intergenerational trauma.
Hi! My name is Lynn Shim and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with clients in California via telehealth. I believe that therapy can provide a safe space for growth, healing, and understanding. I am a compassionate and non-judgmental support who collaborates with you to help reach your goals and strengthen your self-worth. I also focus on empowering you toward greater self-identity in the midst of cultural differences, family influences, and intergenerational trauma.
Here at Hilber Psychological Services, 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 therapy in Japanese, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, in Mission Valley, Rancho San Diego, Scripps Ranch and Escondido.
Here at Hilber Psychological Services, 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 therapy in Japanese, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, in Mission Valley, Rancho San Diego, Scripps Ranch and Escondido.
I have 30 years of clinical experience in a multitude of settings, including all phases of patient care, from an initial assessment to developing a course of treatment and altering the course as indicated with input from the patient. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences, pursued a graduate degree, and earned a Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology at National University, San Diego, CA. My experience is expansive developmentally with regard to age as well as the condition for which the person is seeking care.
I have 30 years of clinical experience in a multitude of settings, including all phases of patient care, from an initial assessment to developing a course of treatment and altering the course as indicated with input from the patient. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences, pursued a graduate degree, and earned a Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology at National University, San Diego, CA. My experience is expansive developmentally with regard to age as well as the condition for which the person is seeking care.
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.
Finding the right support for your child or seeking clarity about your own neurodivergence can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering if autism, ADHD, or anxiety explains the challenges you or your child are facing, especially if well-developed masking strategies are keeping those struggles hidden from the outside world. Whether you are seeking a neurodivergence-affirming assessment or targeted therapy for your child, I am here to help you navigate this journey with clarity, validation, and compassion.
Finding the right support for your child or seeking clarity about your own neurodivergence can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering if autism, ADHD, or anxiety explains the challenges you or your child are facing, especially if well-developed masking strategies are keeping those struggles hidden from the outside world. Whether you are seeking a neurodivergence-affirming assessment or targeted therapy for your child, I am here to help you navigate this journey with clarity, validation, and compassion.
I believe I am able to help clients because, I learned how to talk less and listen more. No one in my family was a therapist. My father thought I should become a physician or accountant; learn a 'real' skill. I went through college with no idea of what I wanted to become and when I finished close to 3 years of schooling, noticed I had more units in psychology than any other subject. It wasn't intentional but the classes I took in personality, family systems, child development and abnormal behavior all made sense to me. I entered San Francisco State intending on becoming a journalist or a writer.
I believe I am able to help clients because, I learned how to talk less and listen more. No one in my family was a therapist. My father thought I should become a physician or accountant; learn a 'real' skill. I went through college with no idea of what I wanted to become and when I finished close to 3 years of schooling, noticed I had more units in psychology than any other subject. It wasn't intentional but the classes I took in personality, family systems, child development and abnormal behavior all made sense to me. I entered San Francisco State intending on becoming a journalist or a writer.
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists Searches for Vista
- Carlsbad
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Murrieta
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Temecula
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.