The Family Interaction Program (FIP) at Griffith University - Gold Coast Campus was established to provide and evaluate therapeutic interventions for families, especially severely distressed families and families who have young children with behavior problems.

One program that FIP currently provides is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT is a family program that is partly funded by Queensland Department of Child Safety (a child protection agency).

A second program is Parent and Toddler Together (P-TOT), funded by the Rotary Health Research Fund

In the future, the services within FIP will be expanded to other age groups and include additional clinical interventions. Our overarching goals are the identification and implementation of benchmark practices in therapeutic interventions that are accessible to families; contribute to the welfare of Australian children; and develop, extend and enhance links between community agencies.

PCIT

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P-TOT

What is Parent and Toddler Together?

-Parent and Toddler Together (P-TOT) is a parenting support program

-P-TOT is designed for individuals caring for children (aged 12-36 months) who are experiencing parenting difficulties/problems and who feel disenchanted with childrearing.

Parents may feel overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a young toddler. They may experience difficulties in connecting with their child or they may feel they lack the knowledge and experience necessary to positively manage their child’s behaviour.

Format of P-TOT

P-TOT consists of 2 assessment and 12 weekly support sessions. Parent(s) and toddler are seen in joint sessions, with the exception of a few individual and feedback sessions between the parent(s) and the psychologist. While the parent and child are engaged in play, a psychologist uses a microphone and earpiece device assist and to coach the carer. The carer and psychologist are in two rooms separated by a one-way mirror. The interaction is recorded with a video camera, which serves as an assessment tool and as a learning and feedback tool for parents throughout the therapeutic process.

Benefits of P-TOT

• More trusting, positive, loving and satisfying parent-child interactions.
• Parents have an increased understanding and are more responsive to their child’s behavioural and emotional cues and signals.
• Toddlers who are happier and better adjusted.
• Parents are more confident and less distressed.
• Increased positive parenting and child management skills.
• Increased knowledge of child development and important developmental milestones.
• Parents have more age-appropriate expectations of their child.

Theoretical Foundations of P-TOT

P-TOT is based on two theories, Attachment Theory and Self-Determination Theory.

Contact Information:

Ms. Rae Thomas or Dr. Stefanie Klag at (07) 5552 9115
Professor Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck at (07) 5552 9085

Acknowledgements

Partial funding for the Family Interaction Program has been provided by:

Griffith University, School of Psychology (Gold Coast)

Queensland Department of Child Safety, Future Directions Targeted Program of Prevention and Early Intervention, Rotary Health Research Fund and Griffith University - Gold Coast Campus, School of Psychology.

Appreciation is expressed to the therapists, committee members and advisors to the Family Interaction Program and Parent-Toddler Therapy for their generous support and guidance in the implementation of this trial.

FIP Staff

• Elbina Avdagic
• Jamie Barnier
• Hayley Fowle
• Leanne McGregor
• Brooke Mitchell
• Rae Thomas
• Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck

A special thanks to the families involved in the Family Interaction Program, who have shared their lives with us briefly, taught us so much and continue to encourage each other through their experiences.

Family Interaction Program Office - (07) 5552 9115 Within Australia