Services
An evidence-based, live-coaching therapy that transforms the parent-child relationship — and the behaviors that come from it.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is one of the most rigorously researched behavioral treatments for young children in the world. It is designed for children ages 2–7 who struggle with frequent tantrums, defiance, aggression, difficulty following directions, or emotional dysregulation. It's also highly effective for children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and children who have experienced trauma.
PCIT is unlike any other therapy your child has probably been in. The child isn't in a room alone with a therapist. You are the agent of change — and that's the point.
During PCIT sessions, you and your child play together while I coach you in real time — in the moment, as interactions unfold. This live feedback is what makes PCIT so powerful. You learn exactly what to say and do to connect with your child, while you're actually with them.
Phase 1 — Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): You learn to follow your child's lead in play, using specific skills that build warmth, connection, and your child's sense of security. These skills are organized under the acronym PRIDE: Praise, Reflection, Imitation, Description, and Enjoyment. The CDI phase strengthens the foundation of your relationship — which is what makes the next phase work.
Phase 2 — Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): You learn to give clear, effective commands, follow through consistently, and manage the most challenging behaviors — tantrums, defiance, aggression — calmly and confidently. This phase builds on the warmth of CDI so that discipline happens in the context of a secure relationship, not against it.
Treatment is skill-mastery based, not time-limited. Families typically complete 12–20 weekly sessions. Between sessions, parents practice CDI and PDI skills for 5 minutes daily — and that daily practice is where much of the change happens.
The CDC recommends that children with ADHD under age 6 receive a behavioral program like PCIT before starting medication.
Families who complete PCIT consistently report fewer tantrums, less defiance, improved cooperation, and a calmer home. Parents feel more confident, less stressed, and more connected to their child. Research shows these results are durable.
Perhaps most importantly: the skills you build don't disappear when therapy ends. You leave PCIT as a more confident, effective parent — and your child leaves with better emotional regulation and social skills.
I offer PCIT in person at my Guilford, CT office and via telehealth. Virtual PCIT (I-PCIT) has been validated in randomized trials and is equally effective for most families. It's particularly useful for families who can't easily come to the office, or who live elsewhere in Connecticut.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page for answers to the most common questions families ask before getting started.
PCIT is available in person in Guilford, CT and via telehealth for families in Madison, Branford, New Haven, and across the Connecticut Shoreline.
Shapiro Psychology is located in Guilford, CT and serves families across Madison, Branford, Clinton, Old Saybrook, East Haven, North Haven, New Haven, and the Connecticut Shoreline.