When I first started working in the mental health field, I viewed individuals as separate entities, guided by their own internal compass. Though this, in some ways, rings true, fundamentally, humans are synergistic and interdependent. From infancy to the end of life, it’s the relationships that we have with one another that can hurt, cause anguish, or pain us, or alternatively, nourish, sustain, and restore us.
One of the theories that speaks to the long lasting impact of early relationships is attachment theory, which maintains that the caregiver-child relationship formed in early development is affected by multiple environmental, developmental, and historical factors and has lifelong implications that influences later intra- and inter- personal behavior. Research indicates that the formation of secure attachments during early childhood is an important foundation of social, emotional, and cognitive development and other personality qualities associated with successful adaptation in adulthood. When an insecure attachment develops, children may not develop a sense of their own competence and the ability to trust others, engage in more problematic and maladaptive behavior, tend to score poorly on developmental tests, and are at higher risk of mental health issues and troubled relationships later in life. Often times, nonverbal and verbal communication patterns in these early attachments relationships, whether they be insecure or secure, are transmitted to the next generation.
As a graduate student, I became fascinated with attachment theory and the lasting impression of early relationships and was intrigued by the question: how can one interrupt the “insecure” attachment transmission and become more “secure” in their relationships? The desire to help change the trajectory steered me towards the direction of early intervention and prevention work with younger children (ages 2-8) and their caregivers. After being trained in treatment modalities that work primarily with the child (i.e., play therapy), or primarily with the caregivers (i.e., Incredible Years), I discovered that for caregivers with younger children (ages 2-8), the most effective form of treatment is Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which involves working with both child and caregiver simultaneously. In PCIT, the relationship between children and their caregivers is strengthened, which leads to improved sense of well-being and positive changes in behaviors and relationships, and interrupts the intergenerational cycle of insecure attachment styles.
I have seen numerous stressed out parents and unruly children who are at odds with one another. The child is running wild and apparently experiencing selective hearing with adults, and the parents are frustrated, embarrassed, and at their wits end. By changing nonverbal and verbal communication patterns, I have helped parents develop a more attuned and positive relationship with their child. Gradually, formerly negative interactions become loving, calm, and cooperative connections. As a therapist, it is a wonderfully rewarding experience to be a part of a family’s journey towards a more secure and satisfying relationship.
If you have questions about PCIT and what to expect if you participate in this treatment modality, call me at (916) 905-3394 or email me at michelle23lcsw@gmail.com.
You can also learn more about Parent-Child Interaction Therapy by clicking here.