Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Evidence-Based Support to Help Your Child—and Your Family—Thrive.

Helping children listen better, calm down faster, and connect more deeply—starting with you.

Parenting a young child with frequent tantrums, defiance, or power struggles can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve tried time-outs, sticker charts, or parenting books—but nothing seems to work. At Foothills CBT, we specialize in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a research-backed treatment that helps reduce disruptive behaviors while strengthening the parent-child relationship.

How Does PCIT Work

Unlike traditional child therapy, you are actively involved in every PCIT session. With live coaching from your therapist through a small earpiece, you’ll learn how to respond calmly and consistently in the moment—creating lasting change at home.

PCIT is delivered in two phases:

In the first phase, Child-Directed Interaction (CDI), we help you reconnect with your child through child-led play. You'll use praise, reflection, imitation, description, and enjoyment (the PRIDE skills) to strengthen cooperation and emotional safety.

In the second phase, Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), we teach you how to give clear instructions and use calm, consistent follow-through. You’ll learn how to use time-outs and praise to reinforce positive behavior, all while your therapist provides real-time support.

Who is PCIT For?

PCIT is designed for children ages 2 to 7 who struggle with frequent meltdowns, defiance, aggression, sibling conflict, emotional dysregulation, or ADHD symptoms. Rather than placing the burden on your child to “behave better,” PCIT gives you— the parent or caregiver—concrete tools to change behavior patterns at the root. What sets PCIT apart from traditional child therapy is that you are actively involved in every session. With live coaching from your therapist through a small earpiece, you’ll learn how to respond calmly and consistently in the moment, creating lasting change at home.

Why PCIT?

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for childhood behavior problems. Research shows it can reduce tantrums and defiance, improve attention and listening, and lower stress for parents. It’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and has over 40 years of research behind it.

Is PCIT Right for Your Family?

We recommend PCIT for families with:

  • Children ages 2 to 7

  • Daily power struggles, tantrums, or aggression

  • ADHD, anxiety, or emotional sensitivity

  • A desire to build connection and cooperation at home

If that sounds like you, PCIT can help.

Why Choose Foothills CBT?

We offer in-person PCIT sessions in Boulder, CO in a private, child-friendly therapy space. You’ll receive real-time therapist coaching during each session so you can feel confident as you practice new skills. We also offer optional telehealth check-ins when appropriate. Our team is warm, experienced, and trained in evidence-based approaches to help your family thrive.

What to Expect and Getting Started

Most families begin to notice meaningful improvements in their child’s behavior within 6 to 8 sessions. A full course of PCIT typically lasts between 12 and 20 sessions, depending on your child’s needs and your goals. Our sessions take place in-person at our Boulder, CO office, in a private, child-friendly space where you'll receive real-time coaching from a trained PCIT therapist. We also offer optional telehealth check-ins when appropriate. Whether you're dealing with tantrums, refusal, aggression, or daily power struggles, our team is here to help you take the next step toward a calmer, more connected home.