Circle of Security® Parenting Group

Starting March 2026 at Changing Tides Counselling (Guelph, ON & Virtual Options)

A Relationship-Based Parenting Program to Help You Feel More Confident, Connected, and Calm

At Changing Tides Counselling, we believe that secure attachment and connection form the foundation of lifelong mental wellness. Beginning March 2026, we are excited to offer the Circle of Security® Parenting Group—an evidence-based, internationally recognized program designed to support parents and caregivers in strengthening their relationship with their children.

This supportive group is ideal for parents, caregivers, and guardians of children aged 0–8 who want to better understand their child’s emotional needs, respond to challenging behaviours, and foster deeper connection in everyday moments.

What Is Circle of Security®?

Circle of Security® (COS-P) is a structured, attachment-based parenting program that helps caregivers:

• Understand their child’s emotional world

• Learn how to support security, confidence, and emotional regulation

• Deepen connection through everyday interactions

• Increase confidence and reduce stress in parenting

• Identify and shift patterns that may be getting in the way of connection

The program is gentle, reflective, compassionate—and designed to help parents feel empowered, not judged.

Who Is This Group For?

This group is meaningful and helpful for:

• Parents, caregivers, and guardians of children (0–12)

• Adults wanting a stronger connection with their child

• Parents seeking support with emotional regulation (their own or their child’s)

• Caregivers feeling stuck or unsure how to respond to certain behaviours

• Individuals wanting a deeper understanding of attachment and child development

• Anyone wanting to break old cycles and parent with more awareness and confidence

No prior therapy or parenting program experience is needed.

What You’ll Learn

Over 8 weekly sessions, you’ll explore:

• The Circle of Security® map—understanding your child’s need for connection, independence, comfort, and guidance

• What your child is really asking for beneath behaviour

• How to become bigger, stronger, wiser, and kind

• How to respond effectively to big emotions and challenging moments

• Your child’s needs at the top and bottom of the circle

• Reflecting on your own parenting patterns, without shame or blame

• Strengthening secure attachment, even when things feel hard

Sessions combine video content, reflection, discussion, and practical exercises.

Program Details

Start Date: March 2026

Format:

• 8-week group

• Weekly 90-minute sessions

• Offered in-person at Changing Tides Counselling in Guelph, ON and virtually

• Small group size for support, safety, and connection

Facilitators: Colleen Boehme, MSW, RSW and Nicole Godreau, RP(qualifying)

Our Circle of Security® Parenting Group is facilitated by trained, compassionate clinicians from the Changing Tides Counselling team who specialize in child development, parenting support, trauma-informed care, and attachment-based therapy.

Cost:

• Fees: To be announced

• If available, sliding scale and reduced-fee spots

• Receipts provided for insurance under Social Work and Psychotherapy

Location: Changing Tides Counselling - 319 Speedvale Ave East Guelph, Ontario AND Virtual group sessions offered through our secure, PHIPA-compliant platform.

What to Expect

• A warm, non-judgmental group space

• Practical tools you can use right away

• Guidance from trained facilitators

• Space for questions, reflection, and real parenting experiences

• Supportive discussions with other parents who “get it”

• No sharing of private personal information unless you choose to

• Opportunities to reconnect with your child’s unique needs and strengths

Why Join Circle of Security®?

Parents often tell us they wish they had learned this approach years earlier.
Circle of Security® helps you:

• Feel calmer and more confident

• Understand your child more deeply

• Reduce conflict, meltdowns, and power struggles

• Feel less isolated and more supported

• Strengthen attachment and family harmony

• Shift patterns that may come from your own upbringing

The program is gentle, compassionate, and deeply grounding.

Registration Information:

Registration is now open for our March 2026 group. To register, please fill out our “contact us” form here. In the subject line, please include Circle of Security Group.

If you have questions, reach out anytime at info@changingtidescounselling.com, contact us here or call us at 226-706-8544 ext. 115.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be currently in therapy? No. Anyone can join regardless of whether they are a current client.

Can both parents attend? Yes. Parents may attend together or individually. Please contact us to discuss pricing options for co-parents.

Is this group appropriate for children with complex needs? Absolutely—many caregivers of neurodivergent children, trauma survivors, or highly sensitive children find this program particularly helpful.

Will there be homework? No formal homework—just gentle reflection and practice between sessions.

Is there a screening process? Yes, there will be a screening for all interested parents to ensure the group is the right fit.