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Circle of Security Parenting Online

Learn how to be the parent you want to be

Parenting can be deeply rewarding, but it can also bring moments of uncertainty, overwhelm and self-doubt.

Many parents find themselves wondering:

  • "Why is my child reacting this way?"
  • "What does my child need from me right now?"
  • "How can I respond when emotions feel big?"

The Circle of Security Program is a well-established, evidence-informed parenting program designed to help parents and caregivers better understand their child's emotional needs and strengthen their confidence in responding to everyday parenting challenges.

Now offered at Happy Minds Psychology through both online group sessions and tailored individual support, this program provides parents with the opportunity to explore the relationship between their child's needs, their own emotional responses, and the importance of secure connection.

What is Circle of Security?

Circle of Security is a parenting program based on decades of attachment research. It provides a framework to help caregivers understand children's emotional needs and recognise the ways children seek connection, comfort, reassurance and support.

Rather than focusing on parenting rules or checklists, the program encourages curiosity, reflection and understanding.

The goal is not to become a perfect parent. It is to develop greater awareness, confidence and connection in your relationship with your child.

The program

What will you explore in the program?

Throughout the program, parents and caregivers will explore:

  • How children communicate their emotional needs
  • The importance of being a secure base for your child
  • How to recognise and respond to children’s cues
  • Your own emotional responses during challenging parenting moments
  • Ways to strengthen connection while maintaining appropriate boundaries

Through guided learning, reflection and discussion, participants develop new insights into themselves and their children.

Who is this program for?

The Circle of Security Program™ is suitable for parents and caregivers from antenatal through to the teenage years.

It may be helpful if you:

  • Feel overwhelmed by your child’s emotions
  • Feel unsure about what your child needs from you
  • Want to better understand your child’s behaviour
  • Would like to build confidence in your parenting approach
  • Want to strengthen your relationship and connection with your child

No diagnosis or previous experience is required.

How do I get started?

Before booking individual sessions, we arrange a free 10-minute screening call with Sarah.

This gives you an opportunity to briefly discuss your circumstances, explore whether individual sessions are suitable and determine the next steps.

Individual appointments can generally be arranged sooner than the next group program intake.

What else do I need to know?
  • Only one parent or caregiver per family can participate in each online group.
  • Medicare rebates are not available for the online group program.
  • Medicare rebates may be available for eligible individual sessions with a valid Mental Health Care Plan.
  • If you are court mandated to attend a parenting program, you will need to complete the program through individual 1:1 sessions. Please contact us to arrange your free screening call with Sarah before booking.

Parenting does not require perfection. It requires understanding, connection and support.

Whether you choose the online group program or individual sessions, Circle of Security provides a gentle, evidence-informed space to reflect on your parenting journey and develop a deeper understanding of your child’s needs.

 Online Circle of Security Parenting™ Group

What does the group involve?

The Circle of Security Program™ is delivered as a small online group, providing a supportive and reflective environment for parents and caregivers.

The program includes:

  • Video-based, evidence-informed learning
  • Facilitated reflection and discussion
  • Opportunities to learn from shared experiences
  • Take-home resources to support ongoing reflection

The group is intentionally kept small to support a personalised experience.

 Online Group Dates, Fees and Details

Facilitator

Sarah van Ree
Psychologist
B.A. Psych | GradDipPsych | M.Psych (Ed & Dev)
Circle of Security Facilitator

Format
Online group program

Duration
8 weekly sessions
90 minutes per session

Group size
Maximum 10 participants

Investment
$590 total ($73.75 per session)

The program fee includes all sessions and take-home resources.

Individual Circle of Security Parenting Sessions

For if you prefer a more tailored approach.

We understand that every family’s circumstances are different, and a group program may not be the right fit for everyone.

At Happy Minds Psychology, we also offer an abbreviated, tailored version of the Circle of Security Program™ through individual 1:1 sessions with Sarah van Ree.

These sessions provide an opportunity to explore the Circle of Security framework in a more personalised setting, with support tailored to your individual parenting experiences, challenges and goals.

Individual sessions may be a good option if you:

  • Prefer individual support rather than a group environment
  • Would like to focus on your own parenting experiences and circumstances
  • Are looking for a shorter, more tailored version of the program
  • Would prefer to commence sooner rather than wait for the next group intake
  • Are required to complete a parenting program as part of a court mandate

Individual Session Details

Facilitator
Sarah van Ree, Psychologist and Circle of Security Facilitator

Format
Individual 1:1 sessions

Duration
Tailored to your needs, with the number of sessions determined following an initial screening call

Investment
$270 per session

Medicare rebates
May be available with an eligible Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), subject to Medicare requirements.