Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

We provide parents with the skills, support and confidence to manage challenging behaviours and strengthen their relationship with their child. Through personalised, in-the-moment coaching, using PCIT skills that firstly build warmer relationships and then successfully teach children to listen because parents communicate clearly and set appropriate limits and boundaries. Our approach supports whānu in creating calm, nurturing home environments where everyone experiences success.

PCIT Aotearoa, is committed to support the wellbeing of tamariki and their whānau through strengthening the relationship. Our work includes: Training and supporting therapists to deliver PCIT in a culturally safe and effective way. Working with whānau whose young tamariki have challenging behaviours (aggression, tantrums, defiance, hyperactivity, impulsivity and non-compliance). Providing supervision and research to our practitioners. Advocating for evidence-based programmed with the government.

In 2010, Professor Cheryl McNeil came to Aotearoa to deliver PCIT training. Dr Tania Cargo and Infant Mental Health practitioners from Whakatupu Ora were trained in PCIT and it became one of the evidence-based treatments at Whakatupu Ora. Later, in 2010 Professor McNeil delivered a key note presentation at the International Infant Mental Health conference held in Auckland. In 2010, Dr Tania Cargo and Ainsleigh Cribb-Sua shared early clinical reflections on the use of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) with whānau Māori at the National Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference in Nelson. That same year, Dr Cargo delivered a series of PCIT presentations across maternal and infant mental health services, as well as to social service providers and social workers. In 2011, Professor McNeil returned to Aotearoa to deliver a series of Public Lectures about PCIT and its effectiveness for addressing disruptive behaviour in young children. She co-lead more PCIT trainings with Dr Cargo. Since this initial training Dr Cargo has continued to work, teach and support PCIT. Dr Cargo completed a PhD looking at the utility of PCIT when working with whānau Māori in Infant Mental Health services and in Care and Protection Settings. Dr Cargo is the National Trainer of PCIT in Aotearoa. Every two years Dr Cargo attends the PCIT International Conference. She sits as a member of the International Committee on PCIT, and has written several chapters in books on PCIT. She currently leads a PCIT training clinic at the University of Auckland Clinical Psychology Training Programme. She is currently working on a culturally adapted PCIT programme called “Poipoia Ngā Kākano”.

Training 1, Date

Training 2, Date

Training 3, Date