Emotionally distressed parents
Most parents of disruptive children are emotionally
distressed. It is difficult to live with a disruptive
child without experiencing stress. Parents also have
stressors not related to child behavior that are
important as well. In each PCIT session, therapists
address these stressors, albeit briefly, to indicate
their concern for the parents not only as agents of
child change. The therapists provide support and
help parents problem-solve if indicated. When
parents are clinically depressed or experiencing
other psychopathology, the therapist will encourage
the parent to seek additional help.