PCIT-SM

PCIT-SM is an evidence based intervention for children with selective mutism. The treatment roots come from Parent Child Interaction Therapy, developed by Sheila Eyberg, Child Directed Interaction, the rapport building aspects of PCIT, is used in PCIT-SM to help children ‘warm up’ then we use Verbal Directed Interaction to systematically move through the established talking hierarchy. Treatment is systematic in nature and we use a reward system for desired verbal behaviors when they do occur. Reward systems are tailored to each child and their preferences. PCIT-SM is an evidence based treatment for children and teens with selective mutism.

The anxiety that prevents children from engaging in verbal communication also significantly impacts their social pragmatic language development. Often times, children with a history of SM benefit from direct therapy to improve social communication skills and strategies to strengthen peer relationships.

What does treatment look like?

Treatment is tailored to each patient based on their severity and treatment needs. We offer weekly, mini-intensive and week long intensive treatment. Specific needs will be discussed with your provider in therapy. Teacher and school consultations are often part of treatment to intentionally target the most common place of impairment of children with SM. Treatment is collaborative, evidence-based, and specific to your child.

Intervention options for SM:

• Weekly Therapy Sessions

• Mini-Intensives 

• Intensive On/Off-Site Therapy

• School consultation, advocacy and push-in sessions

• Teacher training

• 504 and IEP consultations

• Clinical consultation for therapists

• Parent Training Groups (psychoeducational learning groups) in the Child Family Lab

Intensive Treatment

Individual intensives are offered to meet your clinical needs in your home environment or onsite in Nashville. Intensive can be one day with multiple hours of treatment (mini-intensive) or multiple days in duration. If onsite in your home, we love to integrate the school and community in the exposure hierarchy to treat in the place of likely impairment for your child.

We are highly connected with colleagues across the country and can connect you for a group intensive to supplement local treatment if appropriate and desired.

U.S. and International Consultation

Our Director offers Selective Mutism Consultation to families and clinicians who do not have local resources. E-mail us to discuss if this is appropriate for your family or clinical practice.

Selective mutism parent training groups

Our Director offers selective mutism parent psychoeduction training groups for parents

Selective Mutism Association (SMA)

Selective Mutism Association - Resources Hub for SMA which includes webinars, parent and professional communities.

Selective Mutism Learning University - FREE to the public platform to learn the basics of PCIT for selective mutism (PCIT-SM).

Selective Mutism Association Resources for Educators:

Selective Mutism Educators Webcourse - Excellent, low cost, course for educators to learn about SM.

SMA Educators Toolkit (FREE)

SM Related Webinars by our Staff

SMA Webinar - Bathroom and Eating Exposures ( Eleanor Ezell Presenter)