About this course

Learning Objectives

• Adapt the five PRIDE skills (Praise, Reflection, Imitation, Description, Enjoyment) into a "Rapid Rapport" framework suitable for the first 10 minutes of a high-stakes investigation or crisis intervention.
• Identify how Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) techniques, specifically "Strategic Ignoring" and "Reflection," can be utilized by first responders to stabilize emotional dysregulation in children ages 2–7 without compromising forensic integrity.
• Evaluate the role of electronics in PCIT and in the community at large for social workers, law enforcement, and child advocates.

Learning Levels

• All Levels

Target Audience

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Jennifer Sudbury, LMHC

  Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  Jennifer Sudbury, LMHC, is a mental health counselor in Yakima, WA working primarily with kids and with individuals of all ages dealing with trauma. She is a Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) therapist and a Within Agency Trainer and is working towards becoming a Regional Trainer. She is the mom of four boys, where she can practice PCIT skills on a daily basis. Jennifer comes from a theatre and dance background and loves using evidenced-based practices while also being creative and finding ways to meet clients needs.

• 

  JP Abner, Ph.D.

  Professor of Psychology

  John-Paul Abner graduated from the University of Florida with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Child and Adolescent emphasis) in 1996 where he had the honor of studying under Dr. Sheila Eyberg, creator of PCIT. A professor in psychology at Milligan University, he is one of 21 people in the world who has been designated as a Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Global Trainer by PCIT International. He has conducted research on the application of PCIT to children with autism spectrum disorders and is currently an active promoter of PCIT to the autism community. He is the Director of PCIT Training for the East Tennessee State University Center of Excellence for Children in State Custody where he helps coordinate a statewide PCIT dissemination effort to help children in the foster care system. Dr. Abner is a frequent speaker at PCIT conferences where he focuses primarily on clinical issues. He is passionate about PCIT and CARE and this passion often comes out at relatively high speed and volume. He favors a highly interactive style of presentation and his presentations often feature storytelling, games, unintentional physical humor, pirate yarrghs, and prizes of minimal value.

References

• Lissak, G. (2018). Adverse physiological and psychological effects of screen time on children and adolescents: Literature review and case study. Environmental research, 164, 149-157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.015
• Yogman, M., Garner, A., Hutchinson, J., Hirsh-Pasek, K., Golinkoff, R. M., Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, & Council on Communications and Media. (2018). The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development in young children. Pediatrics, 142(3), e20182058. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2058
• Fernandes, D., Gomes, J. P., Albuquerque, P. B., & Matos, M. (2024). Forensic interview techniques in child sexual abuse cases: A scoping review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(2), 1382-1396. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838023117731
• Middleton, J. (2017). Memory development and trauma in preschool children: Implications for forensic interviewing professionals-a review of the literature. Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal, 4(1), 21-25. https://doi.org/10.15406/frcij.2017.04.00100
• Radesky, J. S., Weeks, H. M., Ball, R., Schaller, A., Yeo, S., Durnez, J., ... & Barr, R. (2020). Young children’s use of smartphones and tablets. Pediatrics, 146(1). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3518
• Niec, L. N., Todd, M., Brodd, I., & Domoff, S. E. (2022). PCIT-Health: Preventing childhood obesity by strengthening the parent–child relationship. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 29(2), 335–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2020.07.001
• Ricci, R. C., Paulo, A. S. C. D., Freitas, A. K. P. B. D., Ribeiro, I. C., Pires, L. S. A., Facina, M. E. L., ... & Larroque, M. M. (2022). Impacts of technology on children’s health: a systematic review. Revista paulista de pediatria, 41, e2020504. https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-0462/2023/41/2020504
• Danby, M., & Sharman, S. (2026). Can child forensic interviewers accurately review their own adherence to best-practice techniques?. Journal of police and criminal psychology, 41(1), 18-34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-025-09765-3