Circle of Security

At Newcastle Perinatal Place, we’re proud to offer the Circle of Security™ program — a gentle, evidence-based workshop series designed to help parents understand their child’s emotional world and build secure, trusting relationships that last a lifetime.

Parenthood brings incredible love — and moments that catch us off guard.

No one tells you how deeply parenting can stir your heart

Circle of Security™ is a compassionate parenting program grounded in attachment research. It helps caregivers better understand their child’s needs and their own responses — so you can feel more confident, connected, and emotionally available as a parent.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The Circle of Security™ map — a visual guide to your child’s emotional world

  • How attachment shapes behaviour and needs

  • What your child is really asking for when they’re upset

  • How to provide comfort, connection, and support

  • How your own experiences influence your parenting responses

  • Practical strategies to repair connection when things feel hard

Who is Circle of Security for?

Circle of Security™ is for parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and young children who want to:

  • Understand their child’s emotional needs more deeply

  • Respond to behaviour with greater connection and confidence

  • Grow secure attachment in their relationships with their children

  • Increase joy, connection, and emotional attunement

  • Feel more calm and confident during challenging moments

All parents, caregivers and couples are welcome.

Why Secure Attachment Matters

When children experience a secure, consistent relationship with their caregiver, it shapes their emotional wellbeing for years to come.

Children with secure attachments are more likely to:

  • Develop healthy, trusting relationships with peers and family members

  • Regulate and manage their emotions more effectively

  • Show greater resilience and confidence when facing challenges

  • Explore, learn, and engage more positively in school and social settings

  • Grow into adults who form secure, fulfilling relationships

Secure attachment doesn’t mean perfect parenting. It means being “good enough” — consistently available, responsive, and willing to repair when things go wrong.

When children feel secure, families flourish — and relationships strengthen across generations

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering if this is right for you? Browse the FAQs or reach out to us directly — and when the time feels right, we’re here to walk alongside you.

  • Circle of Security™ is an 8-week group program.

    Sessions are offered in small groups over eight, two hour sessions, which are generally held at the same time each week.

    Sessions are warm, supportive, and interactive — blending psychoeducation with real-life parenting reflections and practical tools you can use right away.

    Group workshops offer the added benefit of shared learning and connection with other caregivers navigating similar experiences.

  • Yes! The program is designed to be attended together as a couple.

    Both partners are gently supported to explore their own experiences, perspectives, and needs. The focus is on understanding differences, strengthening emotional connection, and building a strong, shared foundation for parenting together.

  • You will learn:

    • How to manage your expectations versus reality of parenthood

    • To support you and your partner’s health and wellbeing

    • How differences can bring you closer together

    • To stay connected as a couple to cope with the challenges ahead

    • Bonding as a whole family

    • To identify common perinatal mental health issues and how to reduce risks for them

    • To find support so you’re not doing it all alone

  • The $450 per couple. Private Health Insurance rebates may apply—
    check with your provider.

  • Absolutely. If you would prefer to complete the program privately with your partner, please get in touch to discuss availability and pricing. We’d be happy to talk through the options with you.