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Support For Parents

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CIRCLE OF SECURITY 

Circle of Security Parenting Programme

What is it?
The Circle of Security parenting programme is based on 60 years of attachment theory and research about how parent/child relationships can be supported and strengthened; it makes attachment theory accessible and applicable to parents.

Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding children’s fundamental relational needs and our responses to those needs as caregivers.

It is based on the following:

• We are all hard-wired for relationship (as soon as children are born they are looking to develop a relationship with their caregivers).

• Parents of every background have an innate wisdom and a desire for their children to be secure; all parents have positive intentions to do their best for their children

• Our children’s needs are often hidden in the everyday rush of parenting but once we know what to look for they are easy to see.

• The quality of the parent-child relationship shapes behaviour: a secure attachment has long-lasting effects on such things as confidence, friendships and close relationships, conduct, learning and competence, stress management and general happiness.

• Our own experience of being parented affects how we parent in ways that we are often unaware of. Becoming aware of our strengths and struggles as a parent can help us make choices that will support security in our relationships with our children.

Who is it suitable for?
The course is suitable for any parent and child relationship; the material is aimed at parenting younger children but the underlying principles apply to all relationships. This can run in a variety of settings including schools, homes, with single parents, teenage parents and adoptive families. It is suitable for parents who are struggling with parenting and also for those who want to reinforce and enhance already strong relationships.

How the course is run?
The course is run over 7/8 sessions of approximately 1-2 hours each (depending if it is group or individual sessions), using video footage, hand outs and discussion.

The topics covered are:
Week 1   Introducing the concept of the Circle
Week 2   Exploring our children’s needs all the way                              around the Circle
Week 3   “Being with” on the Circle. Helping our children                   to manage their emotions.
Week 4   “Being with” infants on the Circle
Week 5    The path to security
Week 6    Exploring our struggles
Week 7    Rupture and repair
Week 8    Summary

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To find out more please contact us. 

We offer both group and individual sessions.

For families needing different types of support we also provide therapy using DDP.