Leslie Whitten is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist who specializes in coaching parents in the use of successful behavior management techniques with challenging children. Certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) since 2000, Ms. Whitten has extensive experience in helping families reduce their stress and enjoy more satisfying relationships with their children.
Parent-Child Interaction Thearpy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment program that uses training, modeling and live-coaching to provide parents the help that many have wished for; a trained professional whispering specific techniques in their ear. While the parent and child are engaged in play, the therapist coaches from behind a one-way mirror via a microphone and earpiece device, allowing the therapist to assist in managing challenges as they occur.
Trained in PCIT at UC Davis Children's Hospital- CAARE Center, Ms. Whitten's clinical emphasis is on treating children with disruptive behaviors. As a trainer for PCIT, Ms. Whitten additionally provides clinical consultation, instruction and training to mental health professionals as well as to community and state-wide agencies regarding the implementation of PCIT.

Degrees
Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology, 2001, CSU, Sacramento
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 1996, University Of The Pacific

Certification
Certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) 2000 UC Davis Children's Hospital

Licensure
Marriage Family Therapist Licensure, MFC41380

Professional Affiliation
California Association of Marriage Family Therapists (CAMFT), Member since 1998

Services
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a 15-20 session, specialized treatment program designed for parents and their young children (ages 2-8) experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties. PCIT has been found to help children who have any of the following behaviors:
-temper tantrums
-defiance
-refusal to follow directions
-backtalk or sass
-excessive whining or crying
-attention seeking
-over active
-short attention span
-interrupting
-power struggles
-behavior problems at school or daycare
-aggression
-adjustment difficulties

Areas of Expertise
Goals of PCIT
-Improve parent/caregiver-child relationships
-Improve children's minding and listening
-Increase children's abilities to manage frustration and anger
-Increase children's appropriate social skills
-Improve children's attention skills
-Build children's self-esteem
-Increase parenting skills
-Decrease parent's stress

Benefits of PCIT
PCIT has been proven to be highly effective in helping parents build warm and responsive relationships with their children, in improving overall behavior, and in reducing parenting stress. Upon completion of PCIT, caregivers report high levels of satisfaction, decreased stress levels, and positive changes in their children's behaviors at home, school, and childcare settings.

Office Information:

-Free 30 Minute Consultation
-Private Pay (cash, check or credit card)
-Sliding Scale Offered Based on Financial Need
-Out of Network Provider
-By Appointment Only Please