PCIT Therapy

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Parenting young children is both rewarding and challenging. When emotions run high, tantrums escalate, or power struggles feel never-ending, parents often feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) at Psychology Centre Newcastle is here to help.

PCIT is a gold-standard, evidence-based program shown to improve children’s behaviour, strengthen parent–child relationships, restore calm, and improve parenting confidence.

What Is PCIT?

PCIT is a structured, short-term behavioural therapy for children aged 2–7 years experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties. Unlike many parenting programs, PCIT offers live, real-time coaching: therapists guide parents during play or discipline moments via telehealth. This hands-on support helps parents quickly feel more confident and effective.

The Evidence for PCIT

Well-researched worldwide: PCIT has over 40 years of rigorous clinical trials and is recognised internationally as one of the most effective treatments for young children with disruptive behaviour.
Long-lasting results: Studies show improvements in child behaviour and parenting confidence are maintained months to years after therapy ends.
Broad impact: Beyond reducing tantrums and aggression, PCIT strengthens attachment, reduces parenting stress, and supports children’s emotional regulation.

How PCIT Works

PCIT is delivered in two core phases:

Child-Directed Interaction (CDI)

Parents learn to build warmth, security, and joy in the relationship.
Skills include praising, reflecting, imitating, and showing enthusiasm, while ignoring minor misbehaviours.
This lays the foundation for trust, cooperation, and emotional safety.

Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI)

Parents are coached to give clear, calm, effective instructions.
Children learn to follow directions and manage frustration.
Parents use consistent, non-confrontational consequences, reducing stress and conflict for the whole family.

Most families attend weekly sessions for 10–14 weeks, in clinic or via telehealth, receiving tailored support until mastery is achieved.

Who Benefits from PCIT?

PCIT is highly effective for children who:

Show tantrums, aggression, or defiance
Struggle with ADHD, impulsivity, or hyperactivity
Have difficulty following directions or coping with change
Experience separation anxiety, generalised anxiety, or attachment difficulties
Are you adjusting after trauma, loss, or family transitions
Need extra support with social skills and emotional regulation
Are autistic – PCIT supports improvements in social communication, reduces challenging behaviours, and helps parents navigate sensory or routine-related difficulties while fostering positive engagement.

Parents benefit too, gaining tools that are practical, evidence-based, and immediately useful in everyday life.

PCIT in Context at Psychology Centre Newcastle

At our clinic, PCIT is part of a broader commitment to evidence-based, family-centred care. We offer:

Collaborative support: Working alongside speech pathologists, occupational therapists, paediatricians, and schools to create consistent strategies across environments.
Complementary approaches: Including Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) for children with more complex behavioural needs.
Experienced team: Our psychologists, including senior PCIT-accredited clinicians, bring both deep clinical expertise and a passion for empowering families through research-backed therapies.
Specialist expertise: Our team includes clinicians with advanced training in PCIT. Jessica Warren, Senior Clinical Psychologist, has published peer-reviewed articles on PCIT and brings extensive expertise in delivering this internationally recognised therapy.

Getting Started with PCIT

Taking the first step is simple:

Contact Psychology Centre Newcastle on 1300 294 619 or send an enquiry through our website.
Ask your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan to access Medicare rebates.
Choose the option that suits your family, sessions in our Broadmeadow clinic or convenient telehealth coaching.

Reconnect. Rebuild. Thrive.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy at Psychology Centre Newcastle helps families move from chaos and conflict to calm, confidence, and connection, building strong foundations that last a lifetime.