PCIT Parent Coaching in Colorado
Help for Parents of Young Children with Challenging Behaviors
PCIT Parent Coaching
Parenting a young child can be deeply rewarding. But when tantrums, defiance, aggression, or daily battles around routines become the norm, it can also feel exhausting and discouraging. Many parents describe feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to help their child.
I specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based treatment for children ages 2–7 with behavioral challenges. Backed by more than 40 years of research, PCIT gives parents practical strategies to reduce noncompliance and disruptive behaviors, strengthen attachment, and make family life calmer and more connected.
As one of the few therapists in Colorado certified in PCIT through PCIT International, I provide treatment that meets the highest standards of fidelity and effectiveness. Certification requires rigorous training and evaluation, ensuring families receive treatment exactly as research has shown it works.
What is PCIT?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a highly structured, research-backed treatment designed specifically for young children with behavioral challenges. In PCIT, parents are coached in real time while interacting with their child. With the support of live guidance, you practice new skills right in the moment, making the strategies easier to learn and apply at home.
PCIT helps parents:
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Strengthen the parent-child attachment bond
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Use positive parenting practices to increase warmth and cooperation
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Feel more confident and effective in their parenting
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Align with one another on how to respond to challenging behaviors
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Manage difficult behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, and noncompliance
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Create smoother transitions and calmer daily routines
Parents often share that they not only see changes in their child’s behavior, but also feel more connected, more confident, and more consistent as caregivers.
How PCIT Works
In PCIT sessions, parents are coached in real time while interacting with their child. With live support and feedback, you practice new skills in the moment, making the strategies easier to apply at home and more effective in reducing disruptive behaviors.
PCIT is delivered in two phases:
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Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): You learn to strengthen your bond with your child by using positive parenting skills that increase warmth, attention, and cooperation.
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Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): You learn consistent, effective strategies to reduce noncompliance, aggression, and other disruptive behaviors while remaining calm and regulated.
Why PCIT Certification Matters
PCIT International certification is a rigorous process that requires extensive training, supervised practice, and demonstration of fidelity to the model. This ensures families receive treatment exactly as it has been proven effective in more than 40 years of research.
Few providers in Colorado hold this certification. Choosing a certified therapist means your family is getting the gold-standard PCIT treatment with the highest level of effectiveness and quality.
A person displaying this mark has met the certification requirements established by PCIT International to provide PCIT.
Additional Parenting Approaches
In my work with families, I also draw from other evidence-based parenting models to support families:
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Circle of Security:
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An attachment-based model that helps parents understand their child’s emotional needs and build secure, connected relationships. Learn more here!
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SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions):
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A parent-based treatment that supports parents of children with anxiety and OCD in reducing accommodations and building resilience. Learn more here!
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Parent Management Training (PMT):
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A structured approach that teaches parents effective strategies for managing disruptive behavior, improving cooperation, and reducing family stress.
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These models complement PCIT, giving parents a broad range of tools to strengthen attachment, manage stress, and bring more connection and enjoyment into daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions About
PCIT and Parent Coaching
Who is PCIT for?
PCIT is for parents of children ages 2–7 who struggle with challenging behaviors like tantrums, defiance, aggression, and difficulties with transitions or routines. It is especially helpful for families who feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how to respond to their child’s behavior.
How is PCIT different from other parenting programs?
Unlike general parenting advice or classes, PCIT is an evidence-based treatment backed by more than 40 years of research. It involves live coaching, so you practice strategies with your child in the moment, making the tools more effective and easier to use at home.
How long does PCIT take?
PCIT is structured and goal-oriented. Families progress at their own pace, but many notice improvements within the first few weeks, with lasting results after a few months of consistent practice.
Do both parents need to participate?
PCIT works best when both parents or caregivers participate, since it creates consistency and alignment. However, progress can still be made when one parent is the primary participant.