Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based approach designed to support the behavioral and emotional needs of young children by focusing on the most important relationship in their lives—the connection between child and caregiver. PCIT is typically used with children between the ages of two and seven and is backed by extensive research supporting its effectiveness.

Young children often communicate their needs through behavior, especially when they do not yet have the words or skills to express what they are feeling. This can sometimes show up as defiance, tantrums, difficulty listening, or other challenging behaviors that create stress within the home.

PCIT works to improve communication, strengthen the parent-child relationship, and increase parent confidence while reducing disruptive behaviors. Through guided sessions, caregivers learn practical, research-supported skills that can be used both in and outside of therapy.

At The Refuge Center, your PCIT-trained therapist will work with you and your child using a combination of play-based interactions and behavioral strategies. These sessions are designed to increase emotional regulation, decrease stress, and build a stronger, more secure connection between you and your child.

PCIT has also been shown to be effective across diverse family structures and for children and families who have experienced trauma, offering a supportive and structured path toward meaningful change.