Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Research Laboratory

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) works with parents (including caregivers) and children together to promote healthy child development and parent-child relationships.

PCIT, an evidence-based treatment, may “look” different from typical psychotherapy in that parents and children are seen together during most sessions and parents receive live coaching from their therapist. There is also a home-practice component, where families practice their skills outside of the therapy sessions.

This research project has been approved by Gallaudet University’s Institutional Review Board.

Who Can Benefit From PCIT?

PCIT is used for children between the ages of 2 and 6 with behavioral concerns, impulsivity, hyperactivity, oppositional behavior, and difficulty following parental instructions.

PCIT has been shown to decrease disruptive behaviors, improve language, and increase positive interactions between the parents/caregivers and their child.

How Long Does the Therapy Process Take?

The amount of time in PCIT depends on each family because each family is unique. The process will move forward only if the parents, child, and therapist feel that improvements have been noted. Generally, PCIT occurs for 10 to 20 one-hour weekly sessions.

How Do I Get Involved?

Researchers in Psychology programs are currently adapting PCIT and studying its use with families that have one or more deaf members. As part of this research program, these services are offered at no charge to families.

We do ask families to commit to attending weekly sessions at Gallaudet University.

For more information about PCIT and whether or not it is a fit for your family, contact us.

PCIT in the News

“Have a kid who’s out of control? A new therapy offers a kind of parental empowerment,” The Washington Post