Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapist for Toddlers (Ages 12-25 months) in Long Island City, NY, and New York, NY

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Toddlers, or PCIT-T, is a well-proven program designed for children aged 12-25 months and their caregivers. This initiative focuses on boosting emotional control and self-esteem in toddlers. It achieves this by teaching parents caring and helpful parenting methods. Parents learn effective ways to comfort their children during moments of strong feelings (like crying, whining, or frustration) and to reward positive behavior with attention.

These skills parents gain not only help with managing emotions but also create a strong, trustful bond between parent and child. This approach leads to better cooperation, language development, and less stress for parents.

PCIT-T includes teaching and coaching sessions. In teaching sessions, parents meet with their therapist one-on-one to learn specific parenting methods. Coaching sessions follow, with the therapist guiding parents through an earpiece from behind a one-way mirror. This quick feedback loop helps parents quickly learn and use parenting skills correctly in real-life situations.

PCIT-T has two main parts: Child Directed Interaction (CDI-T) and Parent Directed Interaction (PDI-T).

During CDI-T, parents learn positive parenting methods to enhance their child's behavior, language, and emotions. This includes the PRIDE skills (praise, reflect, imitate, describe, enjoy) from traditional PCIT, and the CARES model (come in, assist, reassure, emotional validation, soothe) that helps during intense emotions. There's also a version of CARES for parents, which teaches relaxation and positive self-talk techniques for challenging parenting moments.
In PDI-T, parents use an adapted parent-directed interaction. Children learn to follow directions using a tell-show-try again-guide method, with praise for attentive listening.

The length of PCIT treatment varies, based on parents' concerns and the skills needed to manage their toddlers' behavior. Generally, it takes around 8 to 12 sessions, twice a week when possible, to help parents master these skills.

We stand out as the only Manhattan center with one of the few clinicians nationwide formally trained in PCIT-T. We're committed to excellence, offering three specialized PCIT rooms with one-way mirrors. You can find our PCIT-T services at our West Side office: 107 West 82nd St, LL Suite 101. We also provide home-based services for caregivers who prefer learning at home. Just a note, PCIT-T payment is out-of-network.

Please download our PCIT-T flyer here: PCIT-T flyer v2

You can also learn more from the main website - http://www.pcit-toddlers.org

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Toddlers (PCIT-T)?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Toddlers, abbreviated as PCIT-T, is a highly effective program designed for children aged 12-25 months and their caregivers. It focuses on enhancing emotional control and self-esteem in toddlers by teaching parents nurturing and supportive parenting techniques. Parents learn effective ways to comfort their children during moments of strong emotions, such as crying, whining, or frustration, and to reinforce positive behavior with attention.

Who benefits from PCIT-T?
PCIT-T is beneficial for toddlers facing a range of challenges, including tantrums, aggressive behavior (such as hitting, biting, or pinching), fussiness (including screaming, whining, or crying), feelings of anger or frustration, head-banging, attachment issues (such as rejecting parents or difficulty feeling comforted), separation anxiety or withdrawal from parents, developmental concerns (e.g., autistic behaviors or language difficulties), and a history of child abuse and neglect. Additionally, it supports parents experiencing parental stress, including anxiety, dissatisfaction, coping difficulties, and a lack of confidence.

What can parents expect in PCIT-T sessions?
PCIT-T sessions consist of teaching and coaching components. In teaching sessions, parents meet individually with their therapist to learn specific parenting techniques. Coaching sessions follow, with the therapist guiding parents through an earpiece from behind a one-way mirror, providing immediate feedback on using parenting skills effectively in real-life situations.

What are the main components of PCIT-T?
PCIT-T comprises two primary parts: Child Directed Interaction (CDI-T) and Parent Directed Interaction (PDI-T). During CDI-T, parents acquire positive parenting techniques to improve their child's behavior, language, and emotional development. This includes PRIDE skills (praise, reflect, imitate, describe, enjoy) from traditional PCIT and the CARES model (come in, assist, reassure, emotional validation, soothe) for managing intense emotions. There's also a version of CARES for parents, teaching relaxation and positive self-talk techniques for challenging parenting moments. In PDI-T, parents use an adapted parent-directed interaction approach, teaching children to follow directions using a tell-show-try-again-guide method, with praise for attentive listening.

How long does PCIT treatment typically last?
The duration of PCIT treatment varies based on parents' concerns and the skills required to manage their toddlers' behavior. Generally, it takes around 8 to 12 sessions, ideally twice a week, to help parents master these skills.

Where can I access PCIT-T therapy, and what are the payment options?
We are unique as the only Manhattan center with one of the few clinicians nationally formally trained in PCIT-T. We are committed to excellence, offering three specialized PCIT rooms with one-way mirrors. You can find our PCIT-T services at our West Side office, located at 107 West 82nd St, LL Suite 101. We also provide home-based services for caregivers who prefer learning in their environment. It's important to note that PCIT-T payment is out-of-network.
We serve patients from Long Island City, NY, and New York, NY