Circle of Security

Circle of Security Parenting is based on attachment theory and aims at helping parents reflect on their own attachment experiences and thus reduce their negative mental attributions to the child’s normal attachment-seeking behaviours. Parents are then better able to provide a secure base for their distressed child and their exploratory behaviours, which, in turn, improves their child’s attachment.

Guiding Principles

Here are some founding principles that underlie the Circle of Security model:

Attachment problems in infancy and early childhood increase the probability of psychopathology later on in life.

Secure attachment relationships with caregivers are a protective factor for infants and preschoolers, setting the foundation for social competence and promoting effective functioning of the emotion regulation and stress response systems.

The quality of the attachment relationship is amenable to change.

Learning, including therapeutic change, occurs from within a secure base relationship.

Lasting change in the attachment relationship comes from caregivers’ developing specific relationship capacities rather than learning techniques to manage behaviour.

All caregivers want what is best for their children.

Circle of Security of delivered by our partner organisation, the Daughters of Charity. For further information on joining the programme, please contact: skearney@doccs.ie

       Information morning for Parents/Guardians   Circle of Security Parenting Programme
               When: Wednesday 1st October 2025
                 Time: 9.30-10.30am
                 Where: 9 Henrietta Street, Dublin 1

                  Contact: Sarah on skearney@doccs /01 8874103

                        If you need any further information.

The Circle of Security is a relationship-based parenting programme designed to support and strengthen your connection with your child. It helps parents understand their child’s emotional needs, build a secure attachment, and respond to challenging behaviours in a way that fosters confidence and trust.

This information session will give you a chance to learn more about the program, ask questions, and see if it’s something you’d like to explore further.