Circle of Security® Parenting™ program

Imagine truly understanding your child’s inner world so you could nurture a lasting connection…

Children are born wired for deep, secure attachment. At the same time, we can only foster this type of relationship if we are able to meet their fundamental attachment needs. Circle of Security® Parenting™ offers a blueprint for understanding what your child needs from you to feel secure + thrive.

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What is Circle of Security?

Circle of Security® Parenting™(COSP) is a parenting program that guides parents and caregivers how to enhance the connection with their child, and help nurture a secure attachment.

Decades of attachment research has shown secure attachment benefits self-esteem, empathy, resilience, behavioural development, self-reliance, emotion-regulation, school readiness, learning, and well-being.

Based on this research, the COSP program is designed to help parents make sense of their child’s needs, so they can respond effectively and provide the sense of safety and security children need to reach their potential.

Although the program is designed for parents of children aged 0-6 years, the concepts can be applied throughout childhood. In fact, the same attachment principles are relevant all through life!

The benefits

SECURE ATTACHMENT HELPS CHILDREN –

  • Understand what healthy relationships look + feel like
  • Feel seen, heard, valued + understood
  • Show resilience + self-esteem in the face of challenges
  • Trust parents as a source of safety + security in life
  • Develop stronger peer + sibling relationships
  • Manage their emotions more confidently
  • Improve school readiness

CIRCLE OF SECURITY HELPS PARENTS TO-

  • Understand your own attachment + parent more consciously
  • Feel confident responding to your child’s emotions + behaviours
  • Strengthen your connection with your child
  • Learn a framework to simplify parenting, improve consistency, and give partners a common language to discuss parenting
Parenting isn’t just something you do. It’s a relationship.

Meet the facilitator

Hi, I’m Natalie

I’m a mum, psychologist and registered Circle of Security® (COS) facilitator.

Years of training and experience taught me that strong connections play a huge role in human development. However, once I became a parent, putting my knowledge into practice with my own children was much harder than I imagined! It’s easy to wind up feeling like you’re just surviving, rather than thriving.

COS helped me to clarify why I was stuck in certain patterns and provided a simple framework to organise my knowledge. I use the framework daily to figure out what my children need from me at any given moment, and as a tool for checking my emotions and responses. Attachment principles also underlie a large amount of my work with clients, and the visual nature of the Circle makes it much easier for parents to grasp and put into practice.

More About Me
Photograph of Natalie Stokes - registered psychologist and Circle of Security facilitator.

Are my Circle of Security sessions right for you?

These sessions are perfect for you if:

  • You want to parent for long-term connection
  • You’re willing to reflect on your experiences
  • A structured approach helps you learn
  • You value understanding your child’s perspective and their inner experience
  • Opportunities to put knowledge into practice appeals to you
  • You’re ready to make shifts in your parenting approach
  • Child wellbeing is a focus rather than ‘obedience’

these sessions are not a good fit if:

  • You’re currently in crisis e.g. domestic violence, homelessness or major life changes (more intensive clinical interventions are appropriate in a crisis)
  • You are currently involved in legal proceedings (I don’t have capacity for court documentation, letters or legal procedures)
  • Aren’t willing to reflect on your parenting or don’t feel ready to make adjustments in how you approach parenting
  • Want ‘quick fixes’ or ‘hacks’ that focus on short-term compliance rather than long-term relationship security
Ready to transform your parenting?

Circle of Security can help you experience a deeper connection with your child and more confidence as a parent.

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what to expect

A convenient, online program you can attend via Zoom, from wherever you’re comfortable.

8 learning chapters that include video examples, guided reflection, and shared discussion.

A Parent/Caregiver workbook to complete during the course and refer to throughout parenting.

A skilled psychologist to answer questions, guide reflection, and help you find ways to integrate learning.

A warm, compassionate and safe space for sharing, gaining insight, and learning new skills.

Private sessions receive 2 weeks of email support at the end of the program for any further questions.

How it works

The first option is private sessions – just you, or you and your partner/co-parent. In this format we cover the original 8 modules in 4 sessions, called COSP – Abbreviated. I tailor private sessions specifically to your needs, and you can book immediately.

The second option is the group format across an 8 week period. I offer groups when a minimum threshold of families has registered interest for a nominated session time.

Private

cosp – abbreviated:

$240/session

  • 4 week online private program (total investment is $960 – fees are paid per session)
  • Each session is 90 minutes
  • Partner can attend at no additional cost
  • Book straight away
  • Family-friendly sessions – no need for sitters
  • Material is tailored to your specific needs + circumstances
  • Sessions are paced in line with your needs; more time on concepts that are unfamiliar
  • Make-up sessions available (with 48 hrs notice)
  • 2 weeks of email support at the end for additional questions
  • Certificate of completion (COSP Abbreviated)
book first session

Group

cosp 8 week group:

from $520

  • 8 week online group program
  • Each session is 90 minutes
  • Partners attend for a discounted rate of $100 ($620 total investment for a couple)
  • Deposit of 25%, paid when booking into a group
  • Connect with other families who value nurturing secure attachment
  • Learn from group discussion and examples (this program is interactive)
  • Small groups of 5 – 6 families to allow time for guided reflection
  • Course is offered when a minimum threshold is reached
  • Certificate of completion
register interest

Frequently Asked Questions

The program was developed with parents of 0-6 year olds in mind, however, the concepts can be applied throughout childhood and beyond. Even as adults, we still have the same attachment needs! In my psychology practice I work with parents of 0-12 year olds, and this is the developmental period of which I have the most knowledge and expertise.

All sessions are telehealth sessions, via Zoom professional.

I offer sessions during my clinic days – Mondays and Wednesdays.

Yes! Let me know if you and your partner aren’t able to be in the same location for sessions. I can adjust the settings at my end to accommodate.

For private COSP-Abbreviated, you pay for each session individually (4 payments).

For the group program, you pay a 25% deposit when booking, and the remainder at the beginning of the course. If you’ re unable to pay the remaining fee in one payment, reach out and we can find a suitable alternative.

No. The COSP™ program looks beyond behaviour and focuses on developing the strong and secure attachment that is necessary for children’s social, emotional and behavioural development.

The course does not provide behaviour management strategies, ‘quick fixes’ or parenting hacks. The goal is for parents and caregivers to develop greater awareness of what their child is trying to communicate through their behaviour, as well as ways parents can meet those underlying needs. This leads to natural behaviour change.

You need a device that has an internet connection, a camera and a microphone. Please use headphones if others are around so we can maintain privacy and confidentiality.

Circle of Security is relevant to every family. It helps parents understand how to build secure attachment and support their child’s emotions and behaviour through meeting underlying needs. It is also evidence-based and has been implemented around the world since 2007. There’s an excellent animation on the Circle of Security International website that provides an overview. Click here to find it.

Still have questions?

Get in touch and we can discuss your needs.

contact natalie
Looking for other parenting support?

I provide personalised parent support sessions, from one-off consultations to more in-depth ongoing support.

If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or navigating a challenging time with your child, I can help you develop insight, confidence, and practical strategies to move forward.

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