Circle of Security Parenting (COSP)

Circle of Security Parenting (COSP)  is a research-based program that helps parents understand their child's emotional needs and build secure attachments, creating a nurturing environment for healthy development. 

Our COSP program is offered at an abbreviated pace, delivered over four weekly, 2-hour online sessions. This 4-week format includes the same content and materials as the original 8-week program, ensuring nothing is missed. 

The abbreviated format moves at a faster pace, focusing on the psychoeducation aspect of attachment rather than the deep reflection on state-of-mind struggles that is emphasised in the 8-week structure.

Throughout these sessions, parents will explore four key domains:

1. Secure Base: Creating a safe environment that encourages children to explore.
2. Safe Haven: Offering comfort and security when children face distress.
3. Co-Regulation: Assisting children in managing their emotions and behaviours.
4. Exploration: Encouraging curiosity and learning about the world around them.

To help set accurate expectations and ensure you understand the program’s true purpose and approach, it's important to clarify what COSP is NOT:

1. Not Therapy: COSP is not a substitute for individual or family therapy.  It is an educational program aimed at enhancing good-enough parenting skills and deepening understanding of children's emotional needs. 
2. Not a Quick Fix: COSP is not a one-time solution for immediate behavioural changes. It is a journey toward building stronger, more secure relationships over time.
3. Not Judgmental: COSP does not judge or shame parenting styles. Instead, it provides tools and insights to support and enhance your existing parenting practices through the development of reflective practice.
4. Not Rigid: COSP is not a strict step-by-step parenting manual or set of rules. It offers a flexible framework that can be adapted to fit the unique needs of your family.
5. Not a Corrective Program: COSP is not designed to correct or criticise parents. It is a reflective parenting program that encourages growth and understanding.

The COSP program is designed for all families, strengthening the parent-child relationship and creating a secure, supportive environment. 

Here’s how COSP can benefit your family:

Enhancing Communication: Improve your ability to understand and respond to your children's needs and emotions. 

Understanding Behaviours: Gain insights into your children's behaviours and the underlying needs they express.

Building Secure Attachments: Create a strong, secure attachment with your children. COSP emphasises being both a "safe haven" and a "secure base," helping children feel secure and connected.

Understanding Attachment Styles:

• Secure Attachment: Children with secure attachment feel confident that their caregivers will be there for them. They use their parents as a "secure base" from which to explore and a "safe haven" to return to when distressed. COSP helps parents consistently provide this secure base and safe haven, fostering a sense of security in their children.

• Insecure-Avoidant Attachment: Children with this attachment style tend to avoid closeness and emotional connection. They may seem independent but often suppress their need for comfort. COSP teaches parents to recognise and respond to their children's subtle cues for connection, helping to rebuild trust and encourage emotional closeness.

• Insecure-Ambivalent/Resistant Attachment: These children often appear anxious and clingy, unsure if their needs will be met. They may struggle with exploration and independence. COSP helps parents provide consistent and reliable responses, reducing anxiety and fostering a more secure attachment.

• Disorganised Attachment: Children with disorganised attachment may exhibit a mix of behaviours, often stemming from confusion or fear. They might seek comfort but also seem fearful of the caregiver. COSP supports parents in creating a predictable and safe environment, helping to reduce fear and build a more organised attachment pattern.

Consistent and Supportive Discipline: Learn to balance discipline with understanding and support. COSP helps you set clear expectations while being nurturing.

Balancing Family Needs: Discover ways to balance your own needs with those of your children. COSP teaches you to recognise and meet your emotional needs, enabling you to be more present and effective.

Promoting Emotional Regulation: Help your children learn to manage their emotions. The COSP model guides you in responding in ways that support emotional regulation.

Developing Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness: COSP encourages you to understand your own emotional responses and patterns, helping you grow alongside your children. 

Group Program Pricing and Details:

• Join our Abbreviated COSP Group program for $450 per person, covering all four sessions. A 50% deposit secures your spot, with the remaining balance due two weeks before the course starts. 

• Partners attending together enjoy a 50% discount on the spouse enrolment, totalling $675 for both.

• Participants who complete all four sessions will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

• With a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you can receive a rebate of $33.60 per session ($134.40 total), reducing your total out-of-pocket cost to $315.60. To qualify, you will need at least 4 sessions remaining on your plan, which must be obtained prior to the group’s commencement.

• All group sessions are conducted online via Zoom, offering flexibility and convenience. Please ensure you have access to a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection and reliable audio equipment. 

Individual/Couple Sessions:

For more personalised support, please contact our clinic directly for pricing on individual or couple sessions. These can be conducted online or face-to-face for those in Brisbane, QLD.

Please note that deposits are non-refundable if you decide to withdraw from the program. We ask that you carefully review your schedule and commitment before proceeding with registration. 

All sessions are scheduled in AEST/QLD time, so please account for any time differences if booking from interstate. The group will run during the following terms: 

2025 COSP TERM DATES:

Term 2 2025:

• Monday 28th April until Monday 26th May, 12:30pm-2:30pm (AEST). 
• Note Monday, 5th May is a public holiday.

Term 3 2025:

• Monday 21st July until Monday Monday 18th Aug, 12:30pm-2:30pm (AEST).
• Note Monday, 11th Aug is a public holiday.

Term 4 2025:

• Monday 13th Oct until Monday 3rd Nov, 12:30pm-2:30pm (AEST).

If you would like to join our 4-Week Abbreviated COSP Group program, please contact us directly to express your interest. You can reach out via email at admin@wellspsychology.com.au or through the Contact Us page.