Separation Anxiety Disorder
Treatments
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Summary of Treatment: PCIT consists of two phases. The first phase is called child-directed interaction (CDI). In this stage, parents are taught to follow their child’s lead, not vice versa. They do this by giving positive attention (praise), reflection, and imitation. Parents ignore all negative behaviors. Parents may also utilize CDI roleplay to gain comfort and understanding of intervention steps. The second phase is called Parent directed phase (PDI). In this phase, parents are taught to communicate and direct themselves towards children, praising them for listening. This also boosts the parent’s confidence in managing their child’s behavioral issues. PCIT changes the child’s anxiety behaviors based on the idea of control. Clinicians should consider the use of PCIT and the parent-child relationship when treating separation anxiety disorder.
- Reference: Choate, M. L., Pincus, D. B., Eyberg, S. M., & Barlow, D. H. (2005). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Treatment of Separation Anxiety Disorder in Young Children: A Pilot Study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 12(1), 126–135.
- Submitted by: Koriea Nesbitt
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