Early Intervention For Families Experiencing Homelessness: A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Parenting Programs

Parent-child Interaction therapy (PCIT; Eyberg and Robinson, 1982) s a manualized evidence-based behavioral parent training program that integrates social learning and attachment theories. Parents proceed through two distinct phases: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) resembles traditional play therapy, and Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI) resembles clinical behavior therapy. During all sessions, the therapist coaches each parent in vivo in their use of the CDI and PDI skills with their child.

Child-parent psychotherapy (CPP; Lieberman et al., 2005) is a relationship-based treatment that integrates attachment, cognitive-behavioral, social-learning, and psychodynamic theories. CPP focuses on the child-parent relationship as a way to improve the child's adaptive functioning. Various treatment strategies are employed including a focus on safety, affect regulation, the joint construction of a trauma narrative, and engagement in developmentally appropriate activities.