01 / Emotions
Managing strong feelings
Difficulty regulating strong emotions or coping when things do not go as expected.
Children & caregivers / Oakdale, Minnesota
Parent–Child Interaction Therapy.
Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) helps caregivers learn practical skills while supporting children who experience emotional or behavioral challenges.
Understanding PCIT
Growing connection through guided interactions.
PCIT is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for young children, typically ages 2–7, who experience emotional and behavioral challenges. Caregivers participate directly in the treatment.
Milestone's therapists are also trained to use developmentally appropriate PCIT adaptations with children ages 8–11.
When families seek support
Challenges PCIT may help address.
Families may explore PCIT when a child's emotional or behavioral challenges are creating stress at home or in the caregiver–child relationship.
02 / Guidance
Following directions
Challenges sustaining attention, following directions, or accepting adult guidance.
03 / Anxiety
Responding to worry
Anxious behaviors, including attempts to control surroundings or interactions.
04 / Reactions
Navigating outbursts
Emotional outbursts, aggression, or physical expressions of distress.
05 / Cooperation
Reducing power struggles
Frequent power struggles between a child and caregiver.
06 / Relationships
Supporting family connection
Family relationship distress or a desire for more effective parenting strategies.
What sessions look like
Real-time coaching during play.
During PCIT coaching sessions, you and your child spend time together in a playroom. The therapist observes from a separate room through a one-way window.
Using a small “bug-in-the-ear” device, the therapist offers in-the-moment guidance as you practice skills for understanding and responding to your child's emotions and behavior.
The treatment process
Two phases, with different goals.
PCIT combines relationship-building skills with consistent, supportive ways of responding to challenging behaviors.
01 / Building connection
Strengthening warmth and security
The first phase focuses on strengthening your relationship with your child. You learn and practice skills intended to help children feel calmer, more secure in their relationships, and more confident in themselves.
02 / Supporting behavior
Calm, consistent limits
The second phase focuses on responding to challenging behaviors with confidence, consistency, and appropriate discipline. Caregivers practice setting limits, guiding behavior, and helping children navigate rules and expectations.
Planning for care
Progress at your family's pace.
With consistent attendance and homework completion, PCIT can be completed in approximately 12–20 sessions. Treatment is not time-limited, and each family's needs may differ.
For more information, visit PCIT International's resource for parents (opens in a new tab).
Connect with Milestone
Wondering whether PCIT is a fit for your family?
To ask about a first appointment, use our contact form to request a response from our team. The Client Portal is for existing clients.