Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a proven parent training intervention that teaches caregivers (biological parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, etc) specific behavior management techniques as they play with their child. PCIT focuses on improving the caregiver-child relationship and increasing children’s positive behaviors. PCIT is a particularly effective treatment backed by 20 years of research. Live coaching is the primary method of caregiver training in PCIT. Caregivers are coached in specific play therapy and discipline skills by the therapist through an earpiece while the therapist observes the caregiver and child.

Over the past three years, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has adapted PCIT for traumatized children. Through our partnership with the NCTSN, a team of clinicians at the Trauma Center has been extensively trained in use of PCIT with traumatized children and their caregivers. We are currently pleased to be able to offer this intervention at no cost to a limited number of parents and caregivers of traumatized children aged 2-10. This opportunity is available to families willing to participate in a multi-site outcome evaluation of PCIT sponsored through the NCTSN initiative and overseen nationally by our colleague Dr. Frank Putnam at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. For more information about this opportunity see the links below for child service providers and caregivers.

• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Fact Sheet
• Information for Providers
• Information for Parents and Caregivers

For participant screening, contact: Kristina Konnath, LICSW (617) 232-1303 x306