Photo of April Sotelo Greninger, Marriage & Family Therapist in 98020, WA
April Sotelo Greninger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCS
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98020
I have been in this field of psychotherapy for 25 years. I tend to be more pragmatic, excelling in the "Now What?" stage. I am solution-focused and action-oriented providing applicable skills and cognitive understanding. I have worked in two different private practices since my graduation from Seattle Pacific University back in 2006 before I started my own here in Edmonds, WA. So I have gleaned enough experience and confidence to provide you a mental health service you can trust. If you're interested in self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-disciple, I invite you.
I have been in this field of psychotherapy for 25 years. I tend to be more pragmatic, excelling in the "Now What?" stage. I am solution-focused and action-oriented providing applicable skills and cognitive understanding. I have worked in two different private practices since my graduation from Seattle Pacific University back in 2006 before I started my own here in Edmonds, WA. So I have gleaned enough experience and confidence to provide you a mental health service you can trust. If you're interested in self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-disciple, I invite you.
(425) 448-4524 View (425) 448-4524
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.