Boost Your Parenting Skills with the Circle of Security™ at Therapy Connect

Therapy Connect has been providing online allied health therapy for a decade, and now we’re excited to be bringing you the Circle of Security Parenting Program as part of our online services!

Parenting can be both incredibly rewarding and incredibly tough.  We often wonder if we’re responding the right way to our children’s emotional needs, especially when they are having a meltdown, acting out, or just seem off. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to handle these moments, you’re not alone. The good news is that there’s a program designed to help you truly understand your child’s emotional world and build a stronger connection: Circle of Security Parenting™.

What is the Circle of Security Parenting™ Program?

At Therapy Connect, the Circle of Security Parenting™ program is an 8-week, evidence-based course designed to help parents understand their child’s emotional needs more deeply. Based on decades of attachment theory research, this program focuses on building secure, emotionally responsive relationships between parents and children.

This program is unique because it’s led by an experienced Occupational Therapist online. With expertise in child development and emotional regulation, the online occupational therapist tailors the course to your child’s specific needs, helping you decode their emotional signals and respond effectively.

Why Choose the Circle of Security Parenting™ Program?

Unlike other parenting programs focusing primarily on managing behaviour and discipline, the Circle of Security Parenting™ program emphasises emotional intelligence and attachment. It teaches you how to support both of your child’s core emotional needs:

1. The need for security: Comfort, reassurance, and closeness from their caregivers.
2. The need for exploration: Independence, curiosity, and confidence to explore the world around them.

The program helps you strike the right balance between these needs, ensuring your child feels both supported and encouraged to grow. It’s not about simply controlling behaviour—it’s about fostering a strong emotional bond that allows your child to feel safe and loved while also growing into a confident, independent individual.

Who is the Program For?

This program is perfect for parents, guardians, and caregivers of children aged 0-12 years. Whether you’re parenting a newborn or a pre-teen, the principles taught in the program apply across all developmental stages.

You’ll benefit from this program if you:

• Feel unsure about how to respond to emotional outbursts or challenging behaviours.
• Want to strengthen your relationship with your child and improve communication?
• Need strategies to build your child’s emotional resilience and self-esteem.
• Are caring for a child with developmental or emotional challenges and need specialised guidance.

What Will You Learn?

By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with practical tools and strategies to better support your child’s emotional growth. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn:

1. Understand Your Child’s Emotional World: Children communicate their needs through behaviour. The program helps you interpret these behaviours—whether they’re seeking comfort, space, reassurance, or independence—and respond appropriately.
2. Support Your Child’s Emotional Regulation: Many kids struggle to manage emotions like anger, frustration, or anxiety. You’ll learn tools to help your child recognise and express their emotions in healthy ways.
3. Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem: Secure attachment to a responsive caregiver is essential for developing a child’s self-worth. By providing consistent emotional support, you’ll help your child build confidence and emotional resilience.
4. Honour Your Parenting Instincts: While the program offers structured guidance, it also respects your instincts as a parent. You’ll learn how to trust yourself while refining your responses with expert advice.

How the Program Works

The Circle of Security Parenting™ program is designed to be practical, interactive, and flexible. Here’s how it works:

• 8 Weekly Virtual Sessions: Each 90-minute session focuses on a different parenting topic related to emotional development. These sessions are hosted virtually via Zoom, so you can join from the comfort of your home.
• Optional 30-Minute Q&A: After each session, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and discuss challenges with the OT in an additional Q&A session.
• Small Group Format: The program is interactive, allowing you to connect with other parents, share experiences, and learn from each other. It’s a great opportunity to build a sense of community and get personalised feedback.

Program Details

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Session Length: 90 minutes, plus an optional 30-minute Q&A
• Facilitator: Senior Occupational Therapist with expertise in child development
• Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
• Cost: $400 (with an additional $70 for a partner to attend)

What’s Included in the Program?

• Circle of Security Workbook: A comprehensive workbook with reflection exercises and strategies to apply at home.
• Pre- and Post-Program Surveys: These help track your progress and provide insight into how the program has impacted your parenting approach and your child’s emotional development.
• Certificate of Attendance: After completing the 8-week program, you’ll receive a certificate acknowledging your commitment to fostering a secure, emotionally healthy relationship with your child.

Registration and Next Steps

If you’re ready to improve your relationship with your child and foster a more secure, emotionally healthy environment, this program is for you.

Ready to join? Click here to register your interest.

This blog was written by “Senior OT Isabel Elliot”