The First Session

Abstract

With new case referrals, we always begin PCIT with an evaluation of child and family functioning. We think this is important for several reasons. First, PCIT is not a “cookbook” approach to child treatment in which therapy procedures are the same with all families regardless of presenting problems. Instead, the particular emphasis and treatment components are tailored to meet the special needs of each family, and the way that we learn about those special needs is through our initial evaluation. The initial evaluation can also elucidate factors that may interfere with treatment progress so that they can be addressed prior to or concurrent with PCIT.