Dr. Bayer is certified by PCIT International as a Within Agency Trainer, permitting her to train fellow therapist to a high level of competency.
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a short-term, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families. PCIT is backed by over 30 years of research. PCIT therapists work with the child and caregiver together to improve child behavior & reduce parenting stress.
PCIT consists of weekly sessions conducted in two treatment phases. The length of each phase is individualized to the family’s need. Treatment length averages 12-16 weeks.
Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): Caregivers are taught the PRIDE skills within a play situation: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe and Enjoy. These skills promote positive child behaviors and development and strengthen parent-child attachment.
Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): Caregivers learn to use effective commands and discipline procedures. The PCIT therapist helps caregivers manage their child’s behaviors first in the therapy room, at home, in public, then with siblings if needed.
How Does PCIT Work? Live coaching is a hallmark of PCIT. Through a one-way mirror, the therapist observes the caregiver and child together, then provides coaching on the PCIT skills through an earpiece. Caregivers and therapists work together to manage challenging child behaviors, initially during play, then in more settings.
Advantages of Live Coaching:
Skills are acquired quickly by caregivers, who practice in the moment with therapist support
Therapists observe and provide caring support as caregivers gain confidence and master their skills.
Therapists provide immediate feedback to help manage the child’s challenging behaviors.