North Star Conversations Transcript: Connection Before Correction: The Heart of PCIT | Mind Chicagot | Mind Chicago
In this clip, Lee Wells highlights the foundational principle of PCIT‚ connection before correction‚ and shows how in-the-moment, non-judgmental parent coaching transforms family dynamics.
Brandon Gimbel (00:00)
They're playing with their child, and you're giving them guidance about what they could try that's different than they would have otherwise tried. What happens when they're done playing?
Lee Wells (00:05)
The very first part of PCIT is called CDI, and it's all about having the child and the parent reconnect and actually do activities and bond together using a few strategies. These skills help the parent interact in a more bonded and fun way without correction or redirection. So we like to say it's connection before correction. Over 30 years of research in this area shows that one of the most important parts of PCIT is actually the connection: parent, multiple parents, if that's appropriate, and child. And then they may be learning additional strategies, such as giving effective commands, redirections. If there's unexpected behavior, what to do in those situations. But they're practicing it, like any kind of roleplay. If you're doing it in real time, getting the real-life practice, it is just exponentially more valuable than someone just telling you about it and you going home and trying to do it. So parents are primed, they're prepped, they have some of this knowledge, but then they use it in real time with very, very validating and supportive coaching of the therapist. It is a largely non-judgmental space.
David Meyerson (01:23)
One of most more brilliant parts of PCIT that's so different than any other therapy is that you literally see the change during the therapy session. It's not just here, we're going to talk about some things, go home, practice and report back. Everyone can see it, witness it. And the kid feels it.
Brandon Gimbel (01:41)
The combination of what you're describing, both the live feedback and guidance that someone can implement and then see the benefits of, and then also have modified again by the therapist supervising the parent is great, paired with the non-judgmental approach.