Circle of Security Parenting is an 8-week program designed for parents with children under age 5. Developed by Bert Powell, Glen Cooper, and Kent Hoffman, psychotherapists from Spokane, Washington, the Circle of Security theoretical framework and interventions are used to help parents all over the world.
Based on decades of attachment research, this program can help you:
Learn to better understand your child's behaviors and emotional world
Read your child's emotional needs
Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
Enhance the development of your child's self esteem
Honor the innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure
Understand what it means to be a "good enough" parent
Stop blaming yourself or others, and turn over a new leaf
The following videos are from the Circle of Security International website and offer an excellent introduction to the program:
Who?
This program is wonderful for parents who have toddlers and young children with confusing and difficult behaviors. Typically, it works best for parents with children under age 5, but I have successfully helped parents with kids in elementary school as well.
Details
The most powerful way to experience Circle of Security Parenting is in a group of about 6-8 parents (individual or coupled). In order to maintain fidelity to the COS-P program, I use information from a DVD for about 15-30 minutes of our sessions, then spend the rest of the time in discussion. Plan for 90 minutes each session. Babies in arms are welcome to accompany parents, but parents will find it challenging to have older children in the sessions with them.
Where: Online/Zoom
Dates and times: All dates and times are flexible, and may change based on interest. Let me know if you are interested and cannot make the proposed days and times.
Material:
Week 1: Introduction to Circle of Security
Week 2: Exploring Our Children's Needs All the Way Around the Circle
Week 3: "Being With" on the Circle
Week 4: Being with Infants on the Circle (depending on age of children of the group)
Week 5: The Path to Security
Week 6: Exploring Our Struggles
Week 7: Rupture and Repair in Relationships
Week 8: Summary and Celebration