Circle of Security Parenting Program Brisbane
Did you know children with secure attachment tend to:
- Have lasting friendships
- Have higher self-esteem
- Feel happy more often
- Feel less anger
- Know how to be kind to others
Secure attachment research emphases that perfect parenting is not the goal, investing in repair after a relationship rupture is the key to building security. I don’t know about you, but for me, that is a relief to hear. I am far from perfect, and I found the more I tried to be perfect, the further perfection escaped me. When I was introduced to the COSP program, my mindset shifted into realistic, achievable parenting goals. The pressure was off and my relationship with the kids improved. So what is secure attachment and what is the COSP program?
Attachment Theory
Secure attachment refers to the bond between caregiver and child which promotes the development of psychosocial skills including trusting others, building resilience, managing stress and developing self-worth. Secure attachment is modelled through attuned parenting that establishes safety for the child.
A child or adult who has developed secure attachment tend to be easy to connect to. They generally are content with life, social and warm. They are more likely to have insight into their feelings and can express emotions in a healthy way. Securely attached people tend to build deep, meaningful relationships with others.
The mindset of a secure attached person intrinsically knows:
- “I deserve good things”
- “My needs matter and can be met”
- “Others’ actions aren’t always about me”
- “Conflict doesn’t mean the relationship is over”
What is the COSP program?
The COSP program is a parenting course designed to equip parents with the skills to model secure attachment to their child.
This program is non-judgemental. The aim is not to place blame, but to enhance your knowledge of the importance of forming secure attachment right from the start. There is a lot of allowances for being human and making mistakes. The idea is if you know the basics, you can start to integrate them into your daily interactions.
The official program is run over 8 sessions. Each session incorporates video clips, worksheets, discussions and sometimes (a little bit of) homework. Each module requires self-reflection on your own childhood and early relationships. Applying the information to your story, makes it easier to recognise the patterns in your responses to your child.
I am a certified facilitator of the COSP program and encourage everyone, new or experienced parents, to engage with the program so that secure attachment can be modelled to children of all ages. If you are interested in this program, chat to reception and let’s find a time that suits you to grow your parenting skills and overall confidence in being a mum, dad or caregiver.
To make an appointment with Cassia, you can Book Online. Alternatively, you can call Vision Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3088 5422.
References
Circle of Security International. (2018). COSP Facilitator Manual. 2nd edition.
Shah, N., & Stewart-Brown, S. (2018). Parenting and health: a call for action. Paediatrics and Child Health. 28(3). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2017.12.002
The Attachment Project. (2025). Secure attachment – from childhood to adult relationships. https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/secure-attachment/
The Attachment Project. (2025). Signs of secure attachment style: 5 most common traits in adult relationships. https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/what-does-secure-attachment-look-like/