New training to help you find more peace and joy with your child

We are very excited to begin our second training of therapists for the Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) program at YFSA this June, 2007. PCIT is a program designed to help parents learn new ways to eliminate destructive behaviors in young children. I was trained in PCIT in April, 2001 and have been helping parents and children experience more peace and joy in their relationships using this unique, research based program for the past six years. It has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career to watch the tension melt away from families who struggle with difficult interactions on a daily basis.

This program is designed for families with children ages 2-7, but can be conducted in an adaptive version for children younger than 2 or older than 7. The primary problems addressed tend to be defiance, temper tantrums, disrespect of authority, swearing, and aggression. It can also be effective for newly adoptive families to help build the bonds of attachment as well as families who have been involved in Children's Protective Serivces who need to learn new parenting skills. Children with behavior problems due to divorce can also be helped by this program.

This training involves a strong level of commitment from parents to attend weekly sessions where they are "coached" through a "bug in the ear," on how to both strengthen the relationship and have fun with their children, and on how to implement effective discipline in a calm manner. Because the information is taught through "coaching," families report a higher level of success and gratification than attending parenting classes or reading literature, as the therapist is literally right here in the parent's ear helping them through difficult situations in the moment. There is also a requirement of 5 minutes of daily practice at home in order to transition the skills from the clinic to the home environment.

This program does not apply only to biological parents, but rather is equally helpful for grandparents or any other adult raising children.

Please feel free to call Devorah Herzog, LCSW or Edie Dornbush, MFT at YFSA at (530) 662-2211 if you have questions about whether PCIT is the program for you!