Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is now available at West Maui Counseling Center with Dr. Stephanie 
Napoli, a Clinical Child Psychologist. PCIT is a proven therapy approach that makes parenting (and being parented) way more fun and much less stressful! PCIT aims to change negative interactions into positive, fulfilling exchanges that bond you and your child to one another. Research suggests that gains made in PCIT help your child at home and school, can even help untreated children in the home, and are largely maintained at least 3-6 years after treatment completion.*
There are two areas of focus in PCIT: 1) child-directed interactions, where the caregiver is taught play therapy techniques to empower the child in fun ways, and 2) parent-directed interactions, where the caregiver is taught effective behavior modification techniques to teach and implement consequences in a loving manner. Turn those frowns upside down, Mom and Dad! Every correction now leads to ten fewer down the road.
The child-directed interactions give your child the attention she wants, build her self-esteem, and demonstrate that you are consistently available and acting for her benefit.
These objectives are the foundation for a child to feel comfortable following a parent’s directions. Caregivers will be taught how to give directions in a way that children will listen and how to provide immediate consequences that are meaningful to the child. Positive reinforcement is primary, but the effective use of Time Out is also taught as needed.
PCIT sessions are held in Dr. Napoli’s office for an hour each week, typically for 12-20 weeks. Parents or caregivers are shown the skills, taught the skills, and then, later in therapy, coached as they practice the skills with their children. Home Play Sessions of 5-15 minutes per day strengthen parents’ skills, strengthen the parent-child bond, and reinforce new, more effective parenting interactions. For appointment information, please call West Maui Counseling Center at 808-280-4192 or visit us online at www.westmauicounselingcenter.
*References
1.McNeil, C.B., et al. Parent-child interaction therapy with behavior problem children: generalization of treatment effects to the school setting. Journal of Child Clinical Psychology. 1991;20: 140-151.
2.Brestan, E. V., et al. Parent-child interaction therapy: Parents’ perceptions of untreated siblings.
Child and Family Behavior Therapy. 1997;19: 13-28.
3.Eyberg, S.M., et al. Parent-child interaction therapy with behavior problem children: One and two year maintenance of treatment effects in the family.Child and Family Behavior Therapy. 2001;23: 1-20.
