Circle of Security Parenting Group
Queenstown | Term 1 - Jan 26 – Apr 2, 2026
Parenting support in Queenstown: Discover a proven pathway to calmer, more connected family life.
Join us in Queenstown early 2026 for an 8-week Circle of Security Parenting Group led by local therapists Deb Phillips and Leah Sellwood.
This program runs weekly through Term 1 (Jan 26 – Apr 2, 2026), matching the school calendar to fit busy family schedules.
Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) is an internationally recognized, attachment-based program that helps parents make sense of their child’s behavior and strengthen the parent-child bond.
Over the 8 sessions, you’ll learn to interpret your child’s needs, nurture a secure attachment, and feel empowered in your relationship.
What is Circle of Security Parenting?
Circle of Security is a visual map of attachment that illustrates how children balance their needs for exploration and for comfort. As a parent, you learn to be both a “secure base” (encouraging your child to explore) and a “safe haven” (comforting them when they need you).
The Parenting program builds on decades of research to help caregivers recognize children’s emotional cues and respond sensitively. In practice, this means learning to see your child’s behaviors as communication of unmet needs, and responding in ways that strengthen trust.
As one facilitator puts it, imperfect, “good enough” parenting is exactly what your child needs – and this program will help you feel confident and empowered in your role.
What You’ll Learn & Program Benefits
Read and respond to emotions – You’ll understand your child’s behaviors by learning to “read their emotional needs.” This helps you see what’s already there in your child and meet them where they are.
Support emotional regulation – Learn strategies to help your child manage big feelings, which in turn boosts their self-esteem and resilience. By co-regulating (staying calm with them through tantrums or fears), you model security that helps them grow emotionally.
Provide a secure base and safe haven – Discover how to balance giving your child independence with being a comforting presence. You’ll practice being a stable “safe haven” they can return to when upset, while also encouraging their curiosity and exploration.
Gain self-awareness and repair skills – The group helps you notice your own triggers and habits. You’ll learn how even parents slip into old patterns, and practice repairing those ruptures in a supportive setting. This reflection makes your relationship stronger and more resilient over time.
Community support – Meet other Queenstown parents facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and “Circle Stories” each week builds community and reminds you that you’re not alone. The group is a safe, non-judgmental space to learn and grow together.
Each session combines video lessons, discussion, and practical exercises. You’ll watch a short video chapter of the Circle of Security program and then reflect together on how it applies to your own family. Between sessions you can practice noticing your child’s cues and bring new insights back to the group. By the end, most parents report feeling more confident, connected, and attuned to their children - a transformative difference for both parent and child.
Meet Your Faciliators
Deb Phillips
Deb is a registered social worker and mental health professional with over 20 years’ experience, including in child, adolescent and maternal health. She holds advanced degrees in social work and child mental health. Deb brings a warm, compassionate and often humorous approach to therapy. In this group she draws on her training in Circle of Security Parenting, mindfulness, CBT and other models to help parents feel understood and supported. Her goal is to create a safe space where parents build new skills and confidence – so you can truly feel empowered in your parenting.
Leah Sellwood
Leah is a registered social worker and counsellor who is dedicated to helping people of all ages face life’s challenges. She believes strongly that every parent has the ability to move through difficult experiences and discover strength within. In sessions, Leah focuses on building a safe, supportive relationship, guiding clients to “unhook from unhelpful patterns” and take intentional steps toward a meaningful life. Her approach is mixed-modality (including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and strengths-based techniques) and trauma-informed, empowering parents to trust their innate wisdom. Leah’s calm, encouraging style will help you break cycles of stress and connect more deeply with your child.
Schedule & How to Join
Term dates: This program runs weekly during NZ Term 1 (January 26 – April 2, 2026). (We will skip the Waitangi Day holiday on Feb 6.) The final day of Term 1 is April 2, so we’ll plan around that ending. Duration: 7–8 sessions (one per week) to cover the core Circle of Security material.
Venue: To be confirmed in Queenstown. We aim for an easily accessible space (details to be announced soon).
Who can join: Parents or caregivers of children roughly 0–7 years old (concepts apply for older kids too). The program is ideal for anyone who wants to strengthen their attachment with their child and feels the time is right. (If you have a newborn under 4 months, you might wait a bit first, but all interested parents are welcome.) We encourage all parents – mothers, fathers, whānau – to participate.
Investment: Contact us for details on pricing and any sliding-scale options. Our goal is accessible, quality support for local families. Spaces are limited, so we recommend reserving your spot early.
Sign up: Email or call The Therapy Project to register your interest. You’ll receive a confirmation with exact dates and venue once finalized. We’re excited to offer this evidence-based parenting course in Queenstown and help your family build a more secure, connected future.
Apply for a Spot in the Next Group
We will confirm your spot by January 15th (latest).
Contact us if you have any questions about this program and how it might help you and your whānau.
Email us at hello@thetherapyproject.co.nz or call 022 474 8048 to schedule a session and begin your path to greater insight and support.

