Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) on the Upper West Side

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Some seasons with young kids feel like walking on eggshells. Tantrums come out of nowhere, “no” is the default response, and simple routines—bath, bedtime, getting out the door—turn into long negotiations.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a structured, coaching-based treatment that strengthens connection and teaches clear, calm limits. You’ll get real-time coaching while interacting with your child so new skills “click” in the moment, not just on paper.

We offer PCIT via secure telehealth for families in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Child focused while building blocks in warm light.

Who PCIT Helps

PCIT is designed for young children (typically ages 2–7) whose intense emotions and challenging behavior are stretching family life to its limits. 

It’s a good fit when you’re seeing frequent tantrums, resistance to listening or following directions, hitting or throwing, power struggles around bedtime or bath time, trouble with transitions, or flare-ups after school and in public places. Sibling conflict is common in the mix; we’ll address it within the plan.

How PCIT Works (Two Phases + Live Coaching)

PCIT has two core phases, both supported by live, moment-to-moment coaching so you can practice in-vivo with the support of your therapist. 

  • Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): You’ll learn coached play skills that reduce reactivity, and grow warm connections, and use shifts in your attention to support behavioral change.. The skills used in this phasehelp change the tone and increase positive feelings at home.

  • Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): With connection strengthened, we add clear instructions, choices, and consistent follow-through. You’ll practice calm limit-setting and predictable consequences without power struggles.

Skills You’ll Learn (PRIDE & Calm Limits)

You’ll leave sessions with words and strategies you can use the same day.

  • PRIDE skills: labeled praise, reflection, imitation, behavior descriptions, and genuine enthusiasm—simple tools that dial down conflict and build cooperation.
  • Effective instructions & choices: short, specific phrasing; one step at a time.
  • Consistent follow-through: calm consequences that don’t escalate or invite debate.

Co-regulation & transitions: scripts for big feelings, “first-then” routines, and plans for public places.

Measuring Progress

We track what matters to your family: fewer and shorter tantrums, faster recovery, better listening, and smoother routines.

Each week, you’ll get feedback and small adjustments based on what actually worked at home or school. Many families notice early shifts once PRIDE skills become daily habits.

Our Training & Supervision

PCIT at Gordon Therapy Group is delivered by Dr. Danya Schlussel, a PCIT certified psychologist who specializes in helping children and families manage big feelings and behavioral difficulties. If your child also needs support with anxiety or OCD-like rituals, our broader child services are outlined on our Child Psychologist page.

Secure Telehealth (NY, NJ & CT)

Telehealth PCIT is available for families in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut and can be helpful for coaching in your child’s real environment.

Getting Started

We begin with a brief consultation to confirm a good fit and your goals, followed by an intake and an observation session. We’ll align schedules around naps and school, review fees up front, and provide superbills for out-of-network benefits (HSA/FSA welcome).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What ages are best for PCIT?

PCIT is most effective for children roughly 2–7 years old. If your child is a bit older but presenting with similar patterns, we’ll discuss the best-fit approach and whether to adapt PCIT skills or use a different plan.

Very. You and your child interact during the session while your clinician coaches you in real-time. This helps skills transfer to daily life faster because you practice with your child—not just talk about it.

Many families see early shifts in tone and cooperation within a few sessions of consistent PRIDE practice. Course length varies, but focused work commonly runs 10-20 sessions.

We’ll start with one target child to stabilize routines and then discuss how to generalize skills to siblings. We can also plan short, structured sibling involvement when helpful.

Yes. With your consent, we coordinate with teachers, school teams, pediatricians, or psychiatry so strategies are consistent in all settings.

Yes. We’ll position the camera and audio so coaching is clear, and we’ll tailor activities to your home space.Your child does not have to be able to sit still for the entirety of the session. We adapt with your play. After the first minute or two children rarely even notice the screen. It just shows a video call with the therapist’s camera off (not very interesting). Research demonstrates that telehealth PCIT is equally as or more effective for families since it allows the therapist to coach you in your home and problem solve challenges that will make utilizing the skills difficult in your natural environment.  

Start with One Conversation

Call (917) 972-5671 or request an appointment.

Location

241 Central Park W # 1D, New York, NY 10024

Phone: (917) 972-5671

Email: info@gordontherapygroup.com

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed