Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) is a research-based program that helps parents understand their children's emotional needs and develop secure attachments, thereby helping them grow into healthy adults. It focuses on observing and improving the parent-child relationship to provide security and support.
The abbreviated program consists of four sessions, each lasting two hours, and is delivered in a weekly group setting via telehealth. During these sessions, parents learn about the four domains of the Circle of Security, which are:
Communication Problems:
Many parents struggle to understand their children's needs, desires, or problems. COSP helps parents learn to interpret their children's emotional signals and respond appropriately, improving communication.
Behavioural Issues:
Children might display behaviours like tantrums, aggression, or withdrawal. COSP helps parents understand the underlying needs driving these behaviours and respond in ways that provide security, which can reduce problem behaviours over time.
Attachment Issues:
Problems can arise when children feel insecure or unattached. COSP emphasizes the importance of secure attachment and teaches parents how to be both a "safe haven" and a "secure base" for their kids.
Inconsistent Discipline:
Parents can struggle with being too harsh or too lax, creating confusion for kids. COSP helps parents find a balance, setting clear expectations while also being understanding and supportive.
High Stress Levels:
Parenting can be stressful, leading to impatience or anger. COSP helps parents develop strategies to handle their stress and respond to their children more calmly and effectively.
Low Confidence:
Parents often doubt their parenting abilities. COSP can boost their confidence by equipping them with knowledge about children's emotional needs and effective responses.
Difficulty Balancing Needs:
Parents can struggle to balance their own needs with those of their children. COSP teaches parents to recognise and meet their own emotional needs so they can be more present and effective for their kids.
Challenges with Transitions:
Kids often struggle with transitions (like moving houses, starting school, or welcoming a new sibling). COSP helps parents support their children through these changes by providing a sense of security and predictability.
Emotional Regulation:
Children can struggle to regulate their emotions. The COSP model helps parents respond in ways that help children learn to manage their emotions rather than escalating or ignoring them.
Creating Healthy Boundaries:
Parents sometimes struggle to establish and maintain boundaries. The Circle of Security model teaches parents how to provide a secure base from which children can explore and a safe haven to which they can return, fostering healthy independence and interdependence.
Understanding the needs of your child and learning effective ways to respond can improve parent-child relationships, foster healthier behaviours, and reduce family stress.
Here are some founding principles that underlie the Circle of Security models of intervention:
Group (minimum 4 participants): Cost $450.00 p/p upfront, covering all 4 sessions (abbreviated program). Partners receive 50% discount if attending as a couple ($675).
With a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you can receive a rebate of $32.30 after each week. That's out an out-of-pocket investment of only $320.80 for the entire program.
All group sessions are conducted online.
Individual/Couple: Contact the clinic for one-on-one prices.
Individual or couple sessions can be conducted online or face-to-face.
The group will run during the following terms:
Term 2 2024:
Term 3 2024:
Term 4 2024:
Please contact the clinic directly to express your interest in completing the Abbreviated COSP Group program.
Individual/couple sessions are also available.
Practice Hours
(Appointment only, no walk-ins)
Monday (8:30am - 12pm)
Tuesday (8:30am - 5:00pm)
Wednesday (8:30am - 5:00pm)
Thursday (8:30am - 5:00pm)
Friday (closed)
Weekends & Public Holidays (closed)
Referrals can be sent via email or fax.
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