Our Trainings

PCIT-SM Training for Clinicians

  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM) is an evidence-based behavioral therapy that improves verbal and non-verbal participation and reduces the negative reinforcement cycle that often maintains SM through parental over-accommodation. Research in randomized trials shows that outcomes are impressive and that gains persist and generalize to real-world settings.

    The protocol was developed by Dr Steven Kurtz, PhD, ABPP, a certified PCIT International Global Trainer. As an early career psychologist, Dr Melissa Giglio worked closely with Dr Kurtz at the Child Mind Institute and NYU Child Study Center. She is a PCIT-SM certified trainer. Training is available virtually or onsite at agencies to suit their scheduling needs.

    The training consists of 16 hours of live, participatory synchronous learning, accompanied by some asynchronous learning. In addition, it includes required monthly case consultation calls to help your implementation with fidelity and earn certification.

    The treatment has many interesting and unique characteristics, including coaching the parent in real-time, while playing with their child, to shape new interaction patterns. We use a one-way mirror to coach parents with a wireless earpiece. Over telehealth, we help families with live coaching via their tablets, laptops or phones.

  • Training towards certification involves completing the initial didactic course and case consultation for one year, during which therapists treat at least two cases to graduation. The case review is accomplished most easily by our review of sessions, either live or recorded by you and uploaded to our secure cloud website.

  • This training is intended for therapists and allied health professionals licensed for independent practice or accruing hours towards licensure in some cases. If you are not already certified in the traditional PCIT protocol for disruptive behavior by PCIT International, you will also need to complete the free 10-hours online course from the UC Davis Website and send us the PDF of your completion certificate any time before our course begins. You don’t need to complete this short course before registering.

  • - 16 hours of live didactics and role play with Dr Giglio

    - Learn the administration of all required assessment tools

    - Demonstrate proficiency in the treatment phases

    - Fade-ins & coaching role plays

    - Ongoing case consultation for one year

    - Certification in PCIT-SM

Teacher Training for SM

  • We offer training for teachers, to broaden your understanding of Selective Mutism diagnosis in children, and the typical characteristics exhibited in school and classroom settings. We review and explain the practical evidence-based techniques and skills for teachers to provide the best support for students presenting with symptoms of SM in the classroom.

  • Gain a deeper understanding of what SM is

    How to deal with anxious behavior in the classroom

    Training in the SM skills

    How to build rapport with anxious students

    How to promote positive interactions to help them thrive in the classroom

Caregiver Training for SM

  • Caregivers can be the agents of change in their children’s lives. By empowering you as caregivers, you can help your child to overcome their anxiety and resolve their selective mutism. Our training groups provide coaching in the fundamental evidence-based skills we use in our practice and in the treatment of SM. The groups provide space for skills practice and to enhance your ability to support your child in their speaking exposures.

    Caregiver training includes specific individualized goal setting and homework, to help your child increase their verbal behavior and decrease symptoms of anxiety. As well as providing a space for you to connect with other families who are dealing with similar challenges.

  • Navigating parenting can be filled with challenges, our individual caregiver consults help you to overcome challenges and foster a positive, nurturing relationship with your child.

    Regulation

    Learn how to regulate yourself and your child. By identifying sources of stress in the home, we can start to understand behavior and how best to manage it.

    Connection

    Learn how to foster a loving connection with your child. Positive relationships are at the heart of every happy home. We help caregivers establish deeper positive connections with their children, which are often strained when challenges arise.

    Education

    Learn the techniques that you need to support your child. Our evidence-based skills toolbox will help you to address your child’s needs and challenges.