2024 PCIT International Convention

Welcome to the 2024 PCIT International Convention! We're so glad to have you come join us in Knoxville, Tennessee!

We are pleased to offer a full-day preconvention starting on Tuesday, September 3rd!

Preconvention Agenda, 9/3/2024:

8:30am -12:15pm	Service and Devotion: Innovations for working with children and carers who have experienced trauma
1:30pm-4:45pm	What’s in YOUR Toolbox CDI Drills to Move Caregivers to Goal Criteria

Service and Devotion: Innovations for working with children and carers who have experienced trauma

Presenters: Robin H. Gurwitch, Ph.D., and Christina M. Warner-Metzger, Ph.D.

Research has supported the use of PCIT for children with a history of trauma; however, the treatment does not directly address trauma in the child. PCIT is a dyadic treatment; yet the impact of the carer’s trauma on the carer-child relationship is not assessed or incorporated into treatment. For these reasons, therapists, families, agencies, and funders tend to view PCIT as a trauma treatment with skepticism. PCIT therapists who currently address trauma within the intervention do so without a standardized approach. This workshop will provide the most current evidence-based findings related to children and trauma. It will also introduce the underpinnings of Trauma-Directed Interaction™. Participants will receive clinical tools that they can use with any child who has experienced trauma as well as ideas for trauma assessment.

What’s in YOUR Toolbox? CDI Drills to Move Caregivers to Goal Criteria

Presenters: Joy R. Pemberton, Ph.D., Glenn R. Mesman, Ph.D., Karin L. Vanderzee, Ph.D., Lauren B. Quetsch, Ph.D., Elissa H. Wilburn, Ph.D., Caitlin A. Williams, Ph.D., Allison B. Smith, Ph.D.

PCIT therapists are well aware of the importance of behavioral practice in helping caregivers achieve PCIT skills. In CDI, an important behavioral practice component is the use of “drills:” a component called for in CDI Coaching Session 4 and later, in which the therapist targets a very specific skill area with a few minutes of focused practice.

The nature of the drill(s) to be used, however, is dependent on the caregiver’s specific skill challenges and on clinical judgment and is, therefore, not further specified in the session outline. This workshop will give attendees the chance to learn and practice drills used by PCIT trainers and therapists around the world. The workshop didactic material includes descriptions of CDI drills, the circumstances for using them, and the behavioral principles underlying them, as well as role-played demonstrations of drills conducted by the workshop facilitators. Attendees will also receive a handout accompanying this presentation that guides therapists in selecting drills that are appropriate for commonly occurring CDI challenges (e.g., consistent weakness in one skill, persistent “question” voice inflection; handout also available in Pemberton et al., 2022).

For the most important and fun part of the workshop, attendees will be divided into smaller groups, each led by one facilitator, and will participate in a series of role plays in which a “caregiver” displays a common CDI difficulty, the facilitator leads a group discussion to choose an appropriate drill, and attendees take turns playing the part of a “therapist” using the selected drills with the “caregiver.” In addition to receiving the drills handout mentioned above, attendees will leave this workshop with their CDI skills honed through the live practice exercise.

We are pleased to announce the release of the ConventionAgenda! Please note there still may be some minor changes as we arrange meetings and additional programming. Lunch is included on both full days (9/4 & 9/5). If you have any questions about the Agenda, please contact the convention team at 2024PCITConvention(at)gmail.com (use the @ symbol). The CE-Go member dashboard is now OPEN. All registrants should refer to the dashboard for the latest updates. Notice on Refunds: Your convention team will try to be as accomdating as possible. With the understanding that life events happen, we can issue full refunds up to two weeks prior to the convetion start. Afterwards, refunds will be offerred at 50%.

Please note these important registration dates! Early bird Registration ends on 5/31. All web-based registration for in-person will end on 8/16/2024. Virtual registration will be available until 9/2/2024.

Download the Convention Agenda Here! Convention Agenda

Download the Virtual Convention agenda here! Virtual Convention Agenda

Although it may not sound grand to be the 3rd largest city in Tennessee, Knoxville exudes a perfect blend of Southern charm and modern vitality. Nestled in the picturesque valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene; our city offers a captivating array of experiences. Visitors can explore the iconic Market Square, where local shops, restaurants, and live entertainment converge, creating a lively atmosphere year-round. Home to the esteemed University of Tennessee, Knoxville maintains a youthful energy that fuels its dynamic arts, music, and sports scenes. Nature enthusiasts are drawn to the city's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. With its hospitable community and stunning natural backdrop, Knoxville stands as a captivating destination that effortlessly captures the heart and leaves a lasting impression. We are in the process of planning several excursions for Saturday following the convention, and additional mini-excursions in the evenings! Our convention will take place right in the middle of World’s Fair Park!
World's Fair Park

World's Fair Park is a captivating urban oasis that celebrates the city's role as the host of the 1982 World's Fair. This beautifully landscaped park boasts iconic landmarks like the Sunsphere, offering panoramic views of the city, and the Tennessee Amphitheater, a venue for various cultural events. With its lush green spaces, interactive fountains, and historical significance, World's Fair Park is a cherished hub where locals and visitors come together to enjoy recreation, culture, and a sense of nostalgia.

Dollywood

Dollywood, located in the picturesque foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a world-renowned theme park that seamlessly blends thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Appalachian charm. Named after the legendary country music icon Dolly Parton, the park offers a diverse array of attractions, from heart-pounding roller coasters to traditional crafts and music performances. With its warm hospitality and unique combination of modern amusement and Southern heritage, Dollywood promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. We are in the process of negotatiating a group rate for Dollywood! Stay tuned!!

Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville, nestled in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, is a captivating destination where visitors can connect with wildlife from around the globe. Home to a wide variety of animals, the zoo offers immersive habitats that allow guests to observe creatures like giraffes, elephants, red pandas, and more in settings resembling their natural environments. With educational programs, interactive exhibits, and conservation initiatives, Zoo Knoxville provides both entertainment and a deeper understanding of the world's diverse animal kingdom, making it an engaging and enlightening experience for families, animal enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, stand as a majestic testament to the beauty of nature. With its mist-covered peaks, dense forests, and rich biodiversity, this national park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Hiking trails lead to stunning vistas, waterfalls, and historic sites, while the park's diverse wildlife, including black bears and elk, adds to its allure. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape, a challenging adventure, or a chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an unforgettable experience that resonates with its timeless beauty.

We are pleased to provide this conference both in-person and online! Those not able to travel and still wanting to attend certain portions are invited to register for the virtual conference! We plan to offer all keynotes as well as a selection of submissions available to virtual attendees. All of the virtual/hybrid sessions will be recorded and made available live and after the convention. However, the keynotes will not be recorded and can only be seen at their scheduled time. CE credits are only available for those viewing live!

Virtual registration will be available until 9/2/2024. Programming for virtual convention is listed on the Conference Agenda under the Ballroom EFG listing.

Download the Virtual Convention agenda here! Virtual Convention Agenda

2024 PCIT International Convention

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