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Frequently Asked Questions About
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Does Virual PCIT work?
Yes, it works very well! Research shows that virtual PCIT is just as effective as in-person sessions when the treatment protocol is followed. In some studies, children actually made greater improvements virtually, and parents reported fewer barriers to attending regularly (Comer et al., 2017; Lichstein et al., 2023).
A common concern is whether a child will engage online, but in PCIT your child doesn't interact with the screen or therapist. They simply play with you nearby, while you're guided through a discreet earbud. For shy or easily distracted kids, the video screen can be hidden entirely.
Many families actually prefer online PCIT. It removes the stress of travel, reduces the need for childcare for siblings, and allows both parents to participate, even from different locations.
Most importantly, online PCIT happens right where daily challenges occur, your home. That means we can address real-life situations like sibling conflicts, homework struggles, mealtimes, washing hands / brushing teeth, or practically anything else that goes on in your home. Once you've learned the core skills, we can recreate those tricky moments during your sessions and coach you through them live. This makes support more practical, personalized, and immediately useful.
I’ve read so many books and feel like I've tried everything. What makes PCIT different?
Many of the families I work with have already tried a lot. They've done their research, read all the books, and put real effort into parenting strategies. What makes PCIT different is the live, real-time coaching. Instead of just learning what to do, you get guided support while interacting with your child, so you can practice the skills in the moment. PCIT is also one of the most well-researched parenting programs available, with decades of studies showing it helps reduce tantrums, defiance, and stress while strengthening your connection with your child. It's practical, personalized, and designed to create real, lasting change.
What if my child doesn't act-up during our sessions?
If your child doesn't misbehave much at first, that's actually helpful. It gives you a chance to practice prevention-based skills in a calmer setting and helps strengthen your child's confidence and connection with you. Early progress often happens without needing to directly address negative behaviors.
As your child gets more comfortable, typical behaviors usually start to show up, giving us the chance to work on them together. In later sessions, we focus on giving effective instructions and following through calmly. If needed, we can also recreate real-life challenges so you can apply your skills with support in the moment.
My child has the problem, why do I need to do this?
Young children learn and respond best through their relationships, especially with you. PCIT gives you proven, practical tools to shift how you respond to your child in ways that lead to more cooperation and fewer power struggles. You'll learn to handle everyday challenges more effectively and these skills often carry over to other children in the home and grow with your child through new developmental stages. Virtual PCIT helps you crease a clear, personalized game plan, so you feel more confident and in control, every step of the way.
Can both parents do PCIT with our child? And what if we have separate households?
Yes, and it's ideal when they do. When all caregivers consistently use the same skills, behavior change tends to happen faster. Many parents find it helpful to go through PCIT together, as it creates a unified approach and often strengthens their parenting partnership. For families in separate homes, participation from both parents (each in their own private session) can reduce inconsistencies and improve progress. While PCIT supports co-parenting, it's not a substitute for formal co-parenting classes.
I have more than one difficult kid, can they both do PCIT?
PCIT typically starts by focusing on one child, but as you build confidence with the skills, siblings may be included when helpful. The goal is for you to use the PCIT techniques naturally with all children, and involving others as treatment progresses supports that process. Many parents find that the skills they learn in PCIT start to work with other children at home, even if they aren't directly part of the sessions.
Do I have to do the full course of treatment?
There's no long-term obligation, sessions are scheduled one at a time, and you can pause or stop whenever it feels right for your family. That said, families who complete both phases of PCIT see the most lasting results. Progress depends largely on consistent practice, and the more parents use the skills, the faster behavior tends to improve. We regularly assess progress and address any barriers along the way. If PCIT isn't the right fit, I'll offer referrals and recommendations to support your next steps.
PCIT FAQ Developed by Leslie (Whitten) Baughman, LMFT All Rights Reserved
Yes, it works very well! Research shows that virtual PCIT is just as effective as in-person sessions when the treatment protocol is followed. In some studies, children actually made greater improvements virtually, and parents reported fewer barriers to attending regularly (Comer et al., 2017; Lichstein et al., 2023).
A common concern is whether a child will engage online, but in PCIT your child doesn't interact with the screen or therapist. They simply play with you nearby, while you're guided through a discreet earbud. For shy or easily distracted kids, the video screen can be hidden entirely.
Many families actually prefer online PCIT. It removes the stress of travel, reduces the need for childcare for siblings, and allows both parents to participate, even from different locations.
Most importantly, online PCIT happens right where daily challenges occur, your home. That means we can address real-life situations like sibling conflicts, homework struggles, mealtimes, washing hands / brushing teeth, or practically anything else that goes on in your home. Once you've learned the core skills, we can recreate those tricky moments during your sessions and coach you through them live. This makes support more practical, personalized, and immediately useful.
I’ve read so many books and feel like I've tried everything. What makes PCIT different?
Many of the families I work with have already tried a lot. They've done their research, read all the books, and put real effort into parenting strategies. What makes PCIT different is the live, real-time coaching. Instead of just learning what to do, you get guided support while interacting with your child, so you can practice the skills in the moment. PCIT is also one of the most well-researched parenting programs available, with decades of studies showing it helps reduce tantrums, defiance, and stress while strengthening your connection with your child. It's practical, personalized, and designed to create real, lasting change.
What if my child doesn't act-up during our sessions?
If your child doesn't misbehave much at first, that's actually helpful. It gives you a chance to practice prevention-based skills in a calmer setting and helps strengthen your child's confidence and connection with you. Early progress often happens without needing to directly address negative behaviors.
As your child gets more comfortable, typical behaviors usually start to show up, giving us the chance to work on them together. In later sessions, we focus on giving effective instructions and following through calmly. If needed, we can also recreate real-life challenges so you can apply your skills with support in the moment.
My child has the problem, why do I need to do this?
Young children learn and respond best through their relationships, especially with you. PCIT gives you proven, practical tools to shift how you respond to your child in ways that lead to more cooperation and fewer power struggles. You'll learn to handle everyday challenges more effectively and these skills often carry over to other children in the home and grow with your child through new developmental stages. Virtual PCIT helps you crease a clear, personalized game plan, so you feel more confident and in control, every step of the way.
Can both parents do PCIT with our child? And what if we have separate households?
Yes, and it's ideal when they do. When all caregivers consistently use the same skills, behavior change tends to happen faster. Many parents find it helpful to go through PCIT together, as it creates a unified approach and often strengthens their parenting partnership. For families in separate homes, participation from both parents (each in their own private session) can reduce inconsistencies and improve progress. While PCIT supports co-parenting, it's not a substitute for formal co-parenting classes.
I have more than one difficult kid, can they both do PCIT?
PCIT typically starts by focusing on one child, but as you build confidence with the skills, siblings may be included when helpful. The goal is for you to use the PCIT techniques naturally with all children, and involving others as treatment progresses supports that process. Many parents find that the skills they learn in PCIT start to work with other children at home, even if they aren't directly part of the sessions.
Do I have to do the full course of treatment?
There's no long-term obligation, sessions are scheduled one at a time, and you can pause or stop whenever it feels right for your family. That said, families who complete both phases of PCIT see the most lasting results. Progress depends largely on consistent practice, and the more parents use the skills, the faster behavior tends to improve. We regularly assess progress and address any barriers along the way. If PCIT isn't the right fit, I'll offer referrals and recommendations to support your next steps.
PCIT FAQ Developed by Leslie (Whitten) Baughman, LMFT All Rights Reserved