About Us

Ten to fifteen percent of children ages two to seven exhibit significant problems with disruptive behavior (e.g. defiance or aggression). Rates of disruptive behavior are even higher among children with a variety of risk factors (e.g. maltreatment, changes in caregivers, and/or in utero exposure to substances) or among children with other disorders (e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, or autism spectrum disorders).

Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based intervention developed by Sheila Eyberg, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Florida, to reduce disruptive behavior. Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) works with parents and children together to promote a positive parent-child relationship while decreasing the child’s behavior problems. Adaptations of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) have been used to address depression, separation anxiety disorder, and autism spectrum disorders in young children.

The training and research program for parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) at the University of Iowa strives to improve access to parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT). Our goal is for the families of young children exhibiting behavioral and emotional problems to be able to obtain effective interventions in their local communities.