Internet‐delivered parent–child interaction therapy: Two clinical case reports

Abstract

BackgroundDisruptive child behaviours can be the start of a trajectory towards poor psychological outcomes across the lifespan. Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence‐based intervention designed for treating disruptive behaviours in children aged 2–7 years. The program utilises live coaching during dyadic parent–child play sessions and preliminary evidence suggests that the program can be implemented using a video‐teleconferencing format, thereby improving accessibility to families from rural and remote areas.MethodTwo case studies are reported of families living in rural Australia who participated in a pilot I‐PCIT (Internet‐delivered parent–child interaction therapy) program delivered from a community‐based child treatment clinic.ResultsThe case studies highlight the negative impacts of early childhood behavioural issues and the efficacy of the I‐PCIT program in bringing about positive changes in child behaviour, parental skills and confidence, and the parent–child relationship.ConclusionsResults highlight the potential of I‐PCIT as a treatment option for families struggling with disruptive child behaviours living in rural and remote areas.