The Circle of Security
The Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) program is an evidence-based approach that supports parents and carers to build stronger, more secure relationships with their children. Grounded in attachment theory, COSP focuses on helping caregivers understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs, promoting secure attachment and healthy development.
Eligible NDIS participants may be able to claim this service as part of their plan.
Who can benefit from the Circle of Security?
The Circle of Security Parenting program is designed for parents, carers, and anyone in a caregiving role who wants to better understand and support children’s emotional and behavioural needs.
This includes:
- Parents and carers experiencing parenting challenges
- Extended family members (e.g. grandparents, aunts, uncles)
- Foster carers and kinship carers
- Professionals in caregiving roles
Circle of Security is particularly helpful in both early intervention and higher-risk contexts, supporting caregivers to strengthen relationships and respond more effectively to children.
Common issues addressed by Circle of Security
Circle of Security program supports caregivers to better understand the meaning behind children’s behaviour and to respond in ways that build security and trust. It may be helpful for families experiencing:
- Neurodiversity (e.g. Autism, ADHD)
- Developmental delays
- Anxiety or emotional regulation difficulties
- Challenging or aggressive behaviours
- Grief and loss
- Attachment-related concerns
- Trauma, abuse, or neglect
- Foster care, adoption, or out-of-home care challenges
- School refusal or bullying
What happens during a Circle of Security parenting session?
COSP is delivered by a trained Circle of Security Parenting facilitator. The program is structured and guided, focusing on building caregivers’ understanding of attachment and strengthening their relationship with their child.
During the program, caregivers will:
- Develop an understanding of secure attachment and its impact on development
- Learn to recognise and respond to their child’s emotional needs
- Build skills to be a “secure base” and “safe haven” for their child
- Reflect on their own responses and patterns in caregiving
- Strengthen their ability to support their child’s emotional regulation
Duration and format
The program takes approximately 12 hours to complete and can be delivered in either:
- 8 × 90-minute sessions, or
- 12 × 1-hour sessions
Sessions are typically delivered individually and face-to-face. In some cases, sessions may be offered online, depending on suitability and at the discretion of the facilitator.
Circle of Security assistance in Toowoomba
Our trained COSP facilitators in Toowoomba support parents and carers to build stronger relationships with their children and develop practical, attachment-informed parenting strategies.
For more information, call us at (07) 4639 3367. Our mental health-focused reception staff will be happy to assist and recommend the best
practitioner for your needs.