Circle of Security Parenting
Understand what your child really needs, make sense of big feelings and hard behaviour, and build a secure, loving connection that lasts.
- Mondays, Oct 19 – Dec 7, 2026
- 1:00 – 2:30 pm
- MARSHA Care, Barrie
- $405 per family
An attachment-based parenting group for real families
Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) is an evidence-based program that helps parents and caregivers see the needs underneath a child's behaviour. Over eight weekly sessions in our Barrie office, you'll learn a simple map of how children seek comfort and confidence, and how to respond in ways that build security, even on the hard days.
Research on secure attachment is clear: children don't need perfect parents. They need caregivers who are "good enough," and who can repair when things go wrong.
- Meltdowns that leave you both exhausted
- Clinginess, or pushing you away
- Feeling unsure how to respond
- Wanting to parent differently than you were parented
Over the eight weeks, you'll learn to…
Read your child's cues
Recognize when your child needs you to support their exploring, and when they need comfort and protection.
Decode challenging behaviour
Look beneath tantrums, whining and defiance to the emotional need your child is trying to communicate.
Be with big feelings
Stay present and steady with your child's emotions, rather than rushing to fix or shut them down.
Notice your own triggers
Understand why some of your child's needs feel harder to meet, often rooted in your own history.
Lead with warmth
Take charge when needed in a way that is kind and calm, so your child feels safe with you.
Repair after ruptures
Learn how reconnecting after hard moments strengthens trust and teaches your child relationships can be mended.
Every behaviour is a message. This group helps you understand what your child is really asking for, and feel more confident answering.
Session dates
- Week 1Oct 19
- Week 2Oct 26
- Week 3Nov 2
- Week 4Nov 9
- Week 5Nov 16
- Week 6Nov 23
- Week 7Nov 30
- Week 8Dec 7
All sessions are Mondays, 1:00 – 2:30 pm. The program builds week to week, so we encourage you to attend all eight.
The details
- When
- Mondays, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
October 19 – December 7, 2026 - Where
- MARSHA Care, 80 Bradford Street, Suite WW15 (Barrie by the Bay Building), Barrie, ON
- Parking
- Free parking in the yellow spots. Enter through Door 5 and follow the hallway to the West Wing.
- Format
- In-person, small group
- Cost
- $405 per family, whether one or two parents attend
- Insurance
- Eligible under Registered Social Worker (RSW) coverage on most extended health plans
- Register
- Join the pre-registration list below
Meet your facilitators
Amber Sperling
Amber founded MARSHA Care to offer trauma-informed support for women and families through pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. She specializes in perinatal mental health, birth trauma and EMDR.
Meet Amber →Victoria Gray
Victoria is a registered social worker on the MARSHA Care clinical team, supporting parents and families with warmth and practical, relationship-focused care.
Meet Victoria →Individual sessions with Lisa Oram
Want help putting what you're learning into practice at home? Lisa Oram offers optional one-on-one sessions for parents in the group, to reinforce each week's ideas and talk through what's happening with your own child.
- Practise reading your child's cues and responding in the moment
- Work through the situations that feel hardest in your family
- Extra support for your own feelings as you parent
Lisa is a counselling intern completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University, and she brings a background in teaching. Her sessions are clinically supervised by Amber Sperling, MSW, RSW. Meet Lisa →
Book through our online booking portal. Insurance coverage for supervised intern sessions varies by plan, so check with your provider.
Questions about the Circle of Security Parenting group
What is Circle of Security Parenting?
Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) is an evidence-based, attachment-focused parenting program. It uses a simple visual map and real-life examples to help caregivers understand children's emotional needs, respond to challenging behaviour with more confidence, and strengthen a secure relationship.
Who is this group for?
Parents and caregivers, including co-parents, grandparents, and foster or kinship caregivers, who want to better understand and connect with their child. The ideas apply to babies, toddlers and school-age children, and many parents find them helpful for older kids too.
Do I need to attend all eight sessions?
The program builds week to week, so attending all eight gives you the most benefit. If you know you'll miss a session, let us know on the pre-registration form.
How much does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?
The program is $405 per family for all eight sessions, whether one or two parents attend. It's facilitated by Registered Social Workers, so it can be claimed under RSW coverage on most extended health benefit plans. Check your plan for details.
Is there extra support between group sessions?
Yes. Parents in the group can book optional individual sessions with Lisa Oram, a supervised counselling intern, for $75 per session or pay what you can. Sessions are booked through our online booking portal.
How do I register?
Fill out the pre-registration form on this page. Our team will follow up by email with confirmation and next steps. You can also email info@marshacare.ca.
Is this group therapy?
No. It's a psychoeducational parenting group. If you'd like one-on-one support for yourself, your relationship or your family, MARSHA Care offers individual and couples therapy in Barrie, Orillia and virtually across Ontario. Book a free consultation.
Join the pre-registration list
Spots in our Barrie group are limited. Share your details below and we'll follow up by email with next steps.
Questions? Email info@marshacare.ca