The Marshall University Psychology Clinic is expanding its therapy offerings by providing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy or PCIT, is a short-term, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families.
PCIT teaches caregivers to manager their child’s difficult behaviors, while increasing their positive behaviors. PCIT works with the child and caregiver together to improve behavior and reduce parenting stress. PCIT consists of weekly sessions conducted in two treatment phases.
- Child-Directed Interaction (CDI).
Caregivers are taught the PRIDE skills: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe and Enjoyment. These skills promote positive child behaviors.
- Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI)
Caregivers learn to use effective commands and discipline procedures. The PCIT therapist helps caregivers manager their child’s behaviors in many settings.
Dr. Jennifer Tiano is a certified trainer in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy at the Psychology Clinic. She says being able to offer this service to the Huntington and Marshall community is important.
“PCIT is an effective treatment that helps strengthen the relationship between caregivers and their young children,” Tiano said. “The Marshall University Psychology Clinic has a large group of students who have been trained in this program. We are very excited to offer these much-needed services to the families in our area.”
The Marshall University Psychology Clinic is run by the Department of Psychology to serve as a training facility for graduate students enrolled in the clinical psychology program at Marshall University. The clinic provides high quality, low cost psychological services to individuals on the campus and from the local community. The psychology clinic provides psychotherapy, psychological assessment, group psychotherapy and educational workshops.
For questions about the qualifications for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy or to make an appointment with the clinic, call 304-696-2772 or visit www.marshall.edu/psych/clinics/campus-psychology-clinic/.