The CDI Phase
Building a Powerful Bond
In the first phase of PCIT, Child Directed Interaction (CDI), we put your child in the driver's seat. By following their lead in a specialized way, you create a foundation for "felt safety" and warmth that naturally reduces defiance and attention-seeking behaviors.
Why Connection Comes Before Compliance
Before addressing discipline, we focus on Relationship Enhancement. In CDI, therapists coach you to increase positive and supportive communication, which is proven to improve the quality of the parent-child relationship.
The Therapy Logic: In CDI, we don’t just "play." We use a specific set of research-backed skills known as PRIDE to retrain your child’s brain to seek positive attention rather than negative attention. By the end of this phase, parents typically report a 50–70% decrease in disruptive behaviors before we even touch discipline.
Your Daily Tools: The PRIDE Skills
Five Core Skills You'll Practice During "Special Play Time" to increase the behaviors you want to see.
Turning Down the Volume on Misbehavior
Redirecting Behavior Through Selective Attention
In CDI, we use a powerful technique called Selective Attention. The goal isn’t just to stop a behavior, but to teach your child exactly which behaviors get your attention and which do not. This works in a simple cycle:
1. The Ignore
When your child shows the undesired behavior (whining, screaming, throwing, etc.), briefly withdraw your attention. Stay silent, look away, and wait for the behavior to stop.
2. The Immediate Praise
The moment your child returns to appropriate play, catch them being good with labeled praise: "I love how quietly you are playing now!"
3. The Result
Your child learns that attention-seeking behaviors no longer work, while their good behaviors get a massive spotlight.
Setting Up for Success: The Right Tools
For PCIT "Special Time," we recommend creative, constructional toys that encourage conversation and cooperation.
Recommended
- Legos and building blocks
- Dollhouses and figurines
- Play food and kitchens
- Play-Doh and modeling clay
- Magnatiles and construction toys
To Avoid
- Toys with pre-set rules (board games)
- Toys that encourage rough play (toy guns)
- Toys that discourage conversation (books)
- Screens, tablets, and electronics
- Coloring books with strict rules
You Don't Have to Wait Months for Change
“By mastering the CDI skills, most parents see a meaningful shift in their child’s cooperation within the very first few weeks — long before discipline strategies enter the picture.”
Trade the Power Struggle for Special Time.
Learn the research-backed skills that make parenting feel rewarding again. We’ll show you how to turn everyday play into the most powerful tool for change.