Parenting and PC-CARE
Wouldn’t it be great if parenting came with a manual? PC-CARE doesn’t fix everything, but it does provide specific guidance on how to bring increased peace to your home. Typical behaviors addressed include not following directions, stalling/dawdling, interrupting, problems at mealtimes, yelling, struggling to calm down, and acting angry or aggressive.
PC-CARE is a 7-week intervention for children ages 1 to 10 designed to improve the quality of the parent-child relationship, and to teach specific skills to build up kid’s strengths while effectively managing challenging behaviors. Parents are provided education and in-session coaching while playing with their child during the therapy session. Sessions can be conducted in-person or via telehealth. Dr. Austin also offers virtual groups to allow skills training through discussion and video demonstrations.
PC-CARE skills include:
- PRIDE skills to strategically notice your child’s positive behaviors (Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, Enjoy)
- Daily CARE—5 minutes of child-led playtime each day
- Setting up your home Environment to improve compliance
- Making effective Transitions
- Selective Attention
- Modeling
- Redirection
- Calming and Coping
- Rules
- Choices
- When-Then/If-Then Statements
- Effective Commands and Consistent Consequences
- Re-Doing and Recovery
PC-CARE vs PCIT
Many children who have been referred for PCIT would benefit from PC-CARE. If your child is 12-24 months of age or 8-10 years of age, then PC-CARE is most appropriate because PCIT was designed for kids ages 2-7 years of age. PCIT is typically 14-16 sessions, while PC-CARE is 7 sessions. If your child has oppositional-defiant disorder, then PCIT is the correct treatment. For other behavior challenges, PC-CARE has been shown to be very effective. Contact Dr. Austin if you have questions about the best treatment program for you and your child.
Not in Texas? No problem (probably)! Dr. Austin can see kids and families via telehealth in 40+ states. Use the contact button below to ask if your state qualifies or see the How We Help page of this website for the PSYPACT map.
Learn more about PC-CARE
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