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PlayfulLeigh Psyched

Parent Child Interaction Therapy

PlayfulLeigh Psyched Bubble Wand Logo

Trauma Therapy and Parent Coaching for Infants, Toddlers, and Adults

Online throughout DC, Maryland, Virginia, Missouri, Florida, and California.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Team

Dr. LaTrice L. Dowtin PCIT Therapist
PCIT
Therapist
Trainer

PCIT is a short-term effective treatment for children with emotional and behavioral concerns ages 2 to 7 years. PCIT coaches caregivers using researched approaches to enhance the parent-child relationship. Parents learn ways to promote desired behaviors in their child. This method tends to reduce parental stress and increases child language, too! PCIT consists of weekly 50-minute sessions in two phases. And, child and parent get special playtime together! Most families graduate within 12-18 weeks. 

Khamara Harris Black Therapist
PCIT
Therapist
Trainee
Parent-child interaction
African American Child with arms crossed

Child-Directed

Interaction

CDI

Parent-Directed

Interaction

PDI

Latinx Deaf Family and Child with Down Syndrome
Adult using ASL with a child

Caregivers are taught the PRIDE skills: 

Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe and Enjoyment. These skills promote positive child behaviors. 

Caregivers learn to use effective commands and discipline procedures. The PCIT therapist helps caregivers manage their child’s behaviors in many settings. 

What are the two treatment phases of PCIT?

  • Skills are acquired rapidly by caregivers, as they practice in the moment with therapist support.

  • Therapists provide caring support as caregivers gain confidence and master their skills.

  • Therapists provide immediate feedback about strategies to manage the child’s challenging behaviors.

The therapist observes the caregiver and child together using a webcam while providing live coaching of PCIT skills either on screen (for deaf parents) or using a headset or a bluetooth earbud in the parent's ear (for hearing parents). Parents report feeling more comfortable in their ability to manage their child's behaviors because they get live coaching while they are home. This approach helps parents successfully continue with healthy behavior management strategies long after PCIT graduation!

Struggling with intense early childhood behaviors is overwhelming. It leaves you feeling like you are not a good enough parent. The truth is, your child's intense behaviors did not come with a manual. Fortunately, Dr. Dowtin is a leader in early childhood development and she is training Ms. Khamara to be highly skilled and well-versed to help you enhance your relationship with your child. Together, you will learn how to support your child's behavioral and emotional needs while increasing your child's prosocial behaviors. Schedule your intake today.

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