Gallaudet University
Who We Are
Our Work
Overview
News & Stories
Feb 7, 2023
Feb 3, 2023
Upcoming Events
November 11, 2022
November 17, 2022
November 19, 2022
University Wide Events
No Communication Compromises
Areas of Study
Schools
Programs
Changing the world
Research
Community & Innovation
Research Experiences & Services
Your Journey Starts Here
Study
Learn
Undergraduate Support
Information
Tools & Resources
Explore Our Campus
Connect
Discover
Influence
Dec 9, 2022
Quick Links
Labs
Units
Donate
Departments
Projects
Support
News & Events
Meet the Team
FAQs
Testimonials
Contact
GU
/
Psychology
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Research Laboratory
Email Us
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Have a kid who’s out of control? A new therapy offers a kind of parental empowerment,” The Washington Post
Professor
Lori Day