New behavioural clinic opens at St Getrude’s
A successful UNSW-developed therapy program that helps children with significant behavioural challenges is expanding across NSW, with a new clinic opening today at St Gertrude's Catholic Primary School Smithfield.
The School Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (School PCIT) was developed by Professor Eva Kimonis and the team from UNSW's Parent-Child Research Clinic in the School of Psychology. It supports children experiencing behaviours ranging from classroom disruption, tantrums and chronic defiance to more serious challenges including aggression, bullying and property destruction.
The St Gertrude's clinic is expected to reach five Sydney Catholic Schools in the surrounding area next year through a hub and spoke model.
"Results from a trial we did in south-west NSW showed that more than 90% of children who completed treatment no longer showed clinically significant behavioural problems," Prof. Kimonis said.
"We've seen children who were hiding under desks and unable to participate in learning go on to win school awards, take part in activities they had previously been excluded from, such as school carnivals and sporting events, and in some cases take on leadership roles within their school."
"The program's goal is to intervene early and prevent children from progressing to lifelong behavioural and social difficulties."
What is School PCIT?
School PCIT uses a distinctive coaching model in which a therapist observes interactions between a caregiver and child from behind a one-way mirror.
Using a wireless earpiece, the therapist provides real-time guidance to the parent or teacher, helping them build practical skills to encourage positive behaviour, reduce challenging behaviours and strengthen their relationship with their child.
Over 21 weekly sessions, parents receive live coaching from a therapist. Teachers also receive in-clinic and in-classroom coaching with participating students and universal training in relationship-building and behaviour management strategies, creating a consistent approach across home and school.
Since 2019, School PCIT has engaged with 20 NSW public primary schools, screened more than 700 students and provided training to more than 600 educators.
Bringing School PCIT to more families
Sydney Catholic Schools approached the UNSW team about establishing a clinic hub at St Gertrude’s Catholic Primary School following encouraging results at Ingleburn and Condell Park Public Schools in south-west Sydney.
Clare McMahon, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager of Student Wellbeing and Learning, said: “When teachers are part of the intervention, children don’t just receive support, they experience it consistently across the environments that shape who they become. This reflects our commitment to forming the whole child, nurturing not only learning but dignity, confidence and a sense of belonging.
“We are proud to bring this evidence-based program to our Sydney Catholic Schools’ communities, intervening early so every student can flourish and fully participate in learning, relationships and school life.”
For Prof. Kimonis, the partnership represents an opportunity to bring evidence-based behavioural support to more children, families and teachers.
“We’ve seen first-hand how early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life,” Prof. Kimonis said.
“This partnership will allow us to support more children before behavioural difficulties begin affecting their learning, relationships and future opportunities. We’re excited to work with Catholic families and educators to create positive, lasting change both in the classroom and at home.
“The expansion into Sydney Catholic Schools and Albury-Wodonga represents the next phase of School PCIT’s growth across diverse educational settings.”
