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PCIT

PCIT is an evidence based behavioural parent training program that is theoretically grounded in Attachment Theory and Social Learning Theory, and delivered using play therapy.

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PCIT is implemented with the parent and child together using live coaching techniques and real time interactions. PCIT explores parenting styles and develops skills to affect authoritative parenting – the effective balance of nurturance and firm limit setting.

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PCIT is best suited to children aged 2-7 years who display behavioural difficulties such as aggression, tantrums, defiance and “strong willed”. It is also suitable for children who are withdrawn, shy or have separation anxiety.

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PCIT is delivered in hourly sessions for about 12 weeks for the full programme, but is not time limited. The programme is delivered in the playroom at BFSS.

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The programme requires regular attendance and participation, with parental willingness to practice the skills and implement homework. Key features of PCIT are:

  • Working with the parent/s and child together. The programme recognises that many behaviour issues of young children are established through their earliest interactions with their parents. Even when children may have other biological characteristics, many behaviours can be intensified by the interaction patterns between the parent and the child

  • PCIT recognises the parent’s ability to influence the child in a positive way. During early childhood years parents influence children and develop positive interactions and behaviour expectations. PCIT is therefore designed for young children

  • PCIT provides the opportunity for parents to restructure the parent-child relationship, focusing on restructuring attachment and parent patterns and increasing positive behaviour/decreasing negative behaviour.

PCIT is delivered in two phases: Child Directed Interaction (CDI) and Parent Directed Interaction (PDI).

CDI is child led play applying play therapy skills, using differential reinforcement of positive behaviours and nurturance and active listening. The aim of CDI is to restructure attachment and parenting patterns, improve the child’s self-esteem and improve child behaviour.

PDI is parent led play but still underpinned by CDI skills. PDI introduces limit setting, commands using consistency, follow through and compliance training. Other key concepts in PDI are predictability in parental responses, focusing on core behaviour, and maintaining calm parenting responses. PDI teaches parents a safe, non-physical form of discipline that is predictable and consistent. Parents learn how to use PDI in any setting, and children learn emotion regulation.

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bathurst family support PCIT room
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Tuning Into Kidsâ„¢
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Tuning into Kids™ is an evidence based program that is underpinned by Attachment Theory and focuses specifically on listening and responding to children’s emotional experiences.

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Tuning into Kids™ aims to help parents to develop strong, sensitive, and secure relationships with their children which will provide a strong base for their children’s future well-being. It aims to help parents to be able to coach their children to recognise and manage their emotions. Children who learn to understand and regulate their own emotions are more likely to develop emotional competence.

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Tuning into Kids™ is a programme developed by the University of Melbourne.

Bringing Up Great Kids

Bringing Up Great Kids

Bringing up Great Kids is an evidence based parenting programme that promotes and supports respectful, caring and nurturing relationships between parents and their children.

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Bringing up Great Kids encourages parents to be more reflective and mindful of their parenting approach, by:

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  • Learning about the origins of their own parenting style

  • Identifying the messages they want to convey to their children

  • Learning about children’s brain development and how this impacts on their behaviour and emotions

  • Understanding the meaning of children’s behaviour

  • Learning ways to take care of themselves as parents.

 

Bringing up Great Kids is a programme of the Australian Childhood Foundation.

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Parenting Children With ADHD

Parenting Children with ADHD
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Parenting Children with ADHD is a parenting programme that aims to empower parents to work together with their child with ADHD to cope with the condition and its difficulties. The programme helps parents to understand ADHD, offers management techniques, and provides opportunities for parents to discuss and explore implementation strategies.

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Parenting Children with ADHD assists parents to understand how ADHD influences their child’s behaviour, and helps parents to separate their child from the behaviour and to restore secure and nurturing relationships within families.

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Parenting Children with ADHD is a programme of Uniting Care Institute of Family Practice.

​AutPlay Therapy, developed by Dr. Robert Jason Grant, is designed primarily for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, but is also effective for children experiencing anxiety or difficulty regulating emotions. It integrates principles from play therapy, behavioural therapy, and relationship development to address each unique need.  

The primary goals are to improve mental health, social navigation, regulation, relationship development/connection, anxiety reduction and sensory integration needs. Parents and children are valued and understood as partners in the therapy process with the therapist.

Therapy sessions involve engaging play-based activities, and parental involvement is crucial, with training and guidance provided to support progress at home. AutPlay Therapy creates a holistic and flexible framework that supports the overall development and well-being of children with ASD and other neurodevelopmental needs or mental health support.

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AUTPLAY
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