Clear Minded
Counseling
Elly Keller, MA, LPC-MH, NCC
Owner & Clinical Therapist
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy - Toddlers (PCIT-T)
Big Feelings Can Start Early
Toddlers are learning how to communicate, manage big emotions, and navigate the world around them. Tantrums, separation anxiety, and difficulty calming down can leave parents wondering how best to help.
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Toddlers (PCIT-T) helps caregivers build a stronger connection with their child while learning practical ways to support emotional regulation, encourage communication, and navigate challenging behaviors.
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PCIT-T is designed for children ages 9 months to 3 years, with potential adaptations for older children with developmental disabilities. You don't have to wait until your child is older to get support.
What Is PCIT-T?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Toddlers (PCIT-T) is a play-based therapy that helps parents and caregivers understand their toddler's needs, strengthen their relationship, and respond to challenging behaviors in ways that support healthy development.
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Rather than expecting toddlers to manage big emotions on their own, PCIT-T teaches caregivers practical skills to help children feel safe, build communication skills, and gradually learn to regulate their emotions.
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The best part? You don't have to figure it out alone. Your therapist provides real-time coaching as you interact and play with your child, helping you practice new skills and feel more confident using them at home.
Could PCIT-T Help My Toddler?
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Frequent tantrums or difficulty calming down
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Aggression, hitting, biting, or other challenging behaviors
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Frustration, anger, or head-banging
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Separation anxiety or difficulty feeling secure
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Delays in communication or difficulty expressing needs
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Concerns about your child's social-emotional development
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Difficulty following simple directions
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Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure how to respond to your toddler's behavior
You don't need to wait until behaviors become more serious to seek support. PCIT-T can help you build skills early and strengthen your relationship with your child.
PCIT-T may be a good fit if your toddler is struggling with big emotions, behavior, or early developmental skills. You might recognize some of these challenges:
How Does PCIT-T Work?
PCIT-T uses two phases to help caregivers strengthen their relationship with their toddler and build skills for managing challenging behaviors. Your therapist coaches you in real time as you interact with your child, so you can practice new skills with support.
Phase 1: Building Connection and Emotional Regulation
The first phase focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship through warm, responsive interactions. Caregivers learn PRIDE skills to encourage positive connection:
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Praise — Notice and praise positive behaviors.
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Reflect — Repeat or reflect your child's words and sounds.
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Imitate — Follow your child's lead during play.
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Describe — Describe what your child is doing to show interest and attention.
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Enjoy — Make playtime enjoyable and focus on connecting with your child.
Caregivers also learn CARES skills to help toddlers feel safe and supported when emotions become overwhelming.
Phase 2: Supporting Communication and Cooperation
The second phase helps caregivers encourage communication and teach toddlers to respond to simple directions. You'll learn practical strategies for guiding your child through challenging moments while supporting their growing independence.
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Live Coaching and Practice
PCIT-T isn't just about learning strategies during an appointment. Your therapist coaches you as you practice interacting with your toddler, helping you build confidence and use these skills in everyday situations.
Progress depends on your child's needs and your family's goals. Your therapist will help you work toward meaningful changes at home.
Ready to Get Started?
You don't have to navigate the challenges of toddlerhood alone. PCIT-T can help you feel more confident responding to your child's needs while building a stronger connection with your little one.
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If you're wondering whether PCIT-T is right for your family, we're happy to help you explore your options.
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