Austin Hatcher Foundation Hosts PCIT Training for Tennessee Clinicians
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (August 10, 2022) – Last week, over 30 psychologists, counselors and therapists from across Tennessee gathered at the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer for a two-day certification training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). The training was led by the Centers of Excellence with trainers from Memphis, Knoxville and Johnson City on August 4 and 5.
PCIT is a specialized, evidence-based treatment program designed for caregivers and their young children (typically between ages 2 to 6) who are experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties. Certification in PCIT is important for therapists, counselors, psychologists and other licensed pediatric clinicians, as it provides proof of specialization in addressing disruptive behaviors in young children.
Therapists with PCIT training monitor interactions and give verbal cues to help improve communication and interaction between parents and their child so that the family has a more functional relationship. Working with PCIT trained therapists help give parents a better understanding of behavioral issues in their children and how to best improve communication with them. Like other health care disciplines, PCIT certification can validate that a clinician has the training and knowledge necessary to successfully implement PCIT services with families in the community. For more information about PCIT, visit https://www.parentchildinteractiontherapy.com/.
The two day in-person training at the Austin Hatcher Foundation provided the initial phase of PCIT Certification. Some activities completed during the training included theory and competency lessons, Child Directed Interaction (CDI) teaching and practice, quizzes, roleplay and more. The second part of certification will take place in September 21-23, 2022.
Four members of the Austin Hatcher Foundation staff participated in the training last week.
“The PCIT training was a wonderful opportunity for our clinical team,” said Tammy Gipson, Director of Clinical Services and Operations at the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “Ensuring our clinical staff is up to date with evidence based training like PCIT allows for continued provision of services that are most beneficial to the children and parents we see at the foundation. The clinical team at the Austin Hatcher Foundation is committed to staying current on practices and providing quality interventions as we continue to help families facing pediatric cancer.”
The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize quality of life through essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of a child’s diagnosis and continuing through survivorship. Families of the foundation are provided with services such as Mental and Behavioral Health Therapy, Occupational Therapy, NeuroPsych Testing, Family Programs and more at absolutely no cost to them.
To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, visit www.HatcherFoundation.org today.
