What Can Help? Introducing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Child refusing to eat breakfast. Parents are stressed feeling that most of the day is a battleground, unsure how to keep going while parenting a strong-willed child. PCIT can help.

If you're feeling stuck, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a gold-standard, evidence-based approach that helps parents and children break the cycle of intense tantrums and power struggles.

PCIT helps by:

• Teaching you how to coach your child through calm, consistent discipline

• Strengthening your relationship through positive, child-led play

• Reducing tantrum frequency and intensity

• Giving you practical tools that actually work—at home, in public, and beyond

  
  

This model is ideal for children ages 2–10 who are struggling with big behaviors and emotions.

You can also visit my therapy services for children and parents to learn more about how PCIT can work for your family.

You’re Not a Bad Parent. Your Child Is Not a Bad Kid.

It’s easy to feel guilt or shame when your child’s behavior is difficult. But tantrums don’t mean you’ve failed—they may just mean it’s time for more support.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Ready for a Change?

If you’re in Virginia or the Hampton Roads area and wondering if your child’s tantrums are more than just a phase, I’d love to help. I offer PCIT online, and I specialize in supporting families just like yours.

👉 Start therapy with me — online sessions available in Virginia

👉 Check out my Psychology Today profile

👉 Follow me on Facebook for weekly parenting reflections

Relevant blogs:

You Don't Have To Love Every Minute: Real Talk For Moms

SPACE Therapy for Kids and Adolescents: A Parent-Led Approach To Anxiety Treatment

Understanding DMDD in Kids: More Than Just Tantrums

If you are looking for family counseling, Mary Willoughby Prentiss is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia who provides online therapy for Willow Tree Healing Center. She enjoys transforming the lives of women, college students, kids, tweens/teens, and families through providing communication strategies, coping skills that work, allowing a safe space to be heard, and actively working towards helping you with your challenges. She is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (ages 2-7) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, counsels substance abuse in teens and adults, and practices Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.