Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children with emotional trouble, challenging behavior, or trauma. It is a 2-phase modality, with the first phase focusing on fostering attachment, and the second phase designed to give caregivers skills to provide consistency and predictability for their y
Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children with emotional trouble, challenging behavior, or trauma. It is a 2-phase modality, with the first phase focusing on fostering attachment, and the second phase designed to give caregivers skills to provide consistency and predictability for their young one.
We also offer individual therapy and family therapy to address concerning behaviors, parenting challenges and mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Please contact us to discuss the needs of your family and determine which course of treatment best suits your needs.
Do you find yourself saying "he never listens to me!", or saying "she does exactly the opposite of what I ask"? Has your young child been expelled from their childcare? Are you afraid to take your child out in public for fear of their behavior? PCIT can help with attention-seeking behaviors, Autism, ADHD-type behaviors such as hyperactiv
Do you find yourself saying "he never listens to me!", or saying "she does exactly the opposite of what I ask"? Has your young child been expelled from their childcare? Are you afraid to take your child out in public for fear of their behavior? PCIT can help with attention-seeking behaviors, Autism, ADHD-type behaviors such as hyperactivity, aggression, anxiety, and depression, among other challenging behaviors. PCIT is designed for families with children between the ages of 2-7, although sometimes others outside of this range may be appropriate. We work with parents, foster families, adoptive families, grandparents, and extended families. We accept referrals from Child Protective Services, pediatricians, other therapists, schools, childcares, and families/caregivers.
We are certified in PCIT therapy, one of the only evidence-based practices to treat young children. Our educational background and areas of expertise include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Circle of Security, Theraplay, the ARC model, and Promoting First Relationships.
If you feel you and your child may benefit, please call
We are certified in PCIT therapy, one of the only evidence-based practices to treat young children. Our educational background and areas of expertise include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Circle of Security, Theraplay, the ARC model, and Promoting First Relationships.
If you feel you and your child may benefit, please call for a free consultation and we will individualize a treatment plan to best meet your needs. We accept most major insurance providers, including Medicaid, CHIP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Pacific Source, Cigna, Allegiance, Lyra, and other Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
Can't make it into the office? We now offer telehealth sessions via a secure, HIPAA compliant app.
Tessa received her Masters in Social Work at the Ohio State University in 2009. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified PCIT therapist. Tessa has experience in crisis intervention and home health social work, before finding her true passion in working with families of young children.
Alexia received her Masters in Social Work at Boise State University in 2012. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified PCIT therapist. She has experience in many roles working with families at Head Start and Early Head Start agencies. Alexia loves helping families reach their full potential.
Tessa and Alexia joined to create
Alexia received her Masters in Social Work at Boise State University in 2012. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified PCIT therapist. She has experience in many roles working with families at Head Start and Early Head Start agencies. Alexia loves helping families reach their full potential.
Tessa and Alexia joined to create their private practice in 2018. Welcome to Whole Hearts Counseling!
We are also available for mental health consultation with childcare centers or other agencies. We have experience teaching parenting courses based on the modalities we use for therapy, as well as teacher trainings regarding social emotional topics in childcare settings. Please contact us for more information.
Documents on important topics for both parents and early childhood caregivers
Parenting Resources on many topics, ranging from discipline, health, development, and behaviors
Information on developmental milestones for children birth to age 5
Information about early childhood trauma and initiatives currently happening on Montana
We are excited to be partnering with Dr. Kalli Decker of Montana State University as part of an ongoing research study about families’ experiences of receiving PCIT services. We recently had the opportunity to present our preliminary study findings at the Miami International Child & Adolescent Mental Health (MICAMH) Conference. Thank you to the clients who have chosen to participate in Dr. Decker’s work – it can help us make services even better for you and your child!