Clear Minded
Counseling
Elly Keller, MA, LPC-MH, NCC
Owner & Clinical Therapist
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
You Love Your Child. Parenting Can Still Be Hard.
You can love your child deeply and still feel exhausted, frustrated, or unsure what to do next. PCIT gives you practical tools to strengthen your relationship with your child while learning to manage challenging behaviors.
Start Here: How PCIT Can Help
You love your child, but parenting can feel overwhelming sometimes. If tantrums, big emotions, or challenging behaviors are making daily life harder, you’re not alone. PCIT can help you strengthen your connection with your child and feel more confident in how you respond.
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Watch this short video to learn how PCIT can help.
What is PCIT?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps parents and young children build a stronger relationship while addressing challenging behaviors.
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Rather than simply talking about what happens at home, your therapist coaches you in real time as you interact with your child. You learn practical skills to strengthen your connection, encourage positive behaviors, and respond to challenging moments with greater confidence.
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The goal isn't to be a perfect parent. It's to help you and your child build skills that make everyday life feel more manageable.
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PCIT is typically designed for children ages 2–7. For younger children, PCIT-Toddler (PCIT-T) offers an adapted approach specifically designed to support toddlers and their caregivers.
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For children ages 7–10, PCIT-Older Child may be an option. Contact us to discuss which approach may be the best fit for your child.
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Want to Learn More About How PCIT Works:
PCIT is different from traditional talk therapy. Your therapist coaches you in real time as you interact with your child, helping you practice skills you can use at home.
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In this video, we explain what to expect from PCIT, how sessions work, and how this approach can help your family.
Could PCIT Be a Good Fit for My Child?
Parenting can be challenging, especially when your child has big emotions or behaviors that are difficult to manage. PCIT may be helpful if your child:
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Has frequent tantrums or intense emotional reactions
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Struggles to follow directions or accept limits
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Hits, kicks, bites, or displays other aggressive behaviors
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Has difficulty managing frustration or calming down
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Gets stuck in frequent power struggles with caregivers
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Has a hard time with transitions or everyday routines
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Through live coaching and individualized support, parents learn how to respond to challenging behaviors, set consistent limits, and navigate difficult moments with greater confidence.​
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Not sure if PCIT is the right fit? You don't have to figure that out on your own. Contact us, and we can help you explore the options that best fit your child's needs.
PCIT in Person or Through Telehealth
Clear Minded Counseling offers PCIT both in person in Sioux Falls and through telehealth. While in-person PCIT appointments are limited, telehealth allows us to offer PCIT to families across South Dakota.
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In-Person PCIT
In-person appointments are available at our Sioux Falls office, but openings are limited because only two of our PCIT therapists provide in-person services part time.
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PCIT Through Telehealth
Telehealth allows families to participate in PCIT from home with a therapist coaching them in real time. For many families, this can provide greater flexibility and access to care without needing to travel to our office.
Because PCIT is most effective with consistent weekly sessions, we encourage families to consider both options when exploring availability.
Toys for Special Time at Home
During PCIT, you'll learn how to use play to strengthen your relationship with your child. Having a few simple, child-friendly toys at home can help you practice these skills between sessions.
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We've put together a list of our favorite toys for Special Time to help you get started.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. We're happy to answer your questions, discuss PCIT availability, and help you determine whether PCIT may be a good fit for your family.
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Want to hear from other parents about their experiences with PCIT?
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Wondering what PCIT through telehealth is like?​ Hear from parents who have experienced PCIT through telehealth and learn how online coaching can work for your family.