Methods
To enrich the quantitative assessments already employed in the parent RCT, we used an inductive grounded theory qualitative design with hypothesis coding to answer impact questions: 1) the impact of MCEP on the mother–child pair in the mother’s own words and 2) MCEP alignment with calming cycle theory, as per observation of eight study sessions and interviews with participants immediately following completion of the study and at two-month follow-up.