The Beginnings of the Circle of Security Intervention
The initial Circle of Security intervention emerged in the late 1990s, captivating clinicians globally under the name The Circle of Security Intervention. This approximately 20-week parent therapy group focused on individual assessments of the parent-child dyad (infant to 6 years old) where the parent identified the greatest parenting challenges. Group sessions of six clients facilitated learning about the Circle of Security, emphasizing personalized reviews of their strengths and struggles in meeting their child's needs within this framework. A comprehensive analysis of this early intervention, detailing the theoretical underpinnings and a step-by-step treatment approach enriched with case studies, was published in The Circle of Security Intervention in 2014. This publication, following the 2013 Bowlby-Ainsworth award from the New York Attachment Consortium, underscored the growing influence of COS-Intensive in the clinical application of attachment theory.
Research and Impact
The dissemination of the Circle was significantly propelled by research studies that garnered academic attention. Details of the initial study on the group intervention can be found on our research page. Our comprehensive bibliography, available for download on the same page, includes more recent studies on both the COS-Intensive model and the subsequently developed COSP program.
For a client-centered perspective on the impact of Circle of Security-Intensive, the compelling story of Tonier Cain, a graduate of a prison-based program, offers valuable insights. Tonier's reflections highlight the transformative potential of the COS-Intensive model, particularly for high-risk individuals, a finding supported by the research study in which she participated.
Evolution of the COS-Intensive Model and Training
While the fundamental principles of the Circle of Security Intervention have endured, the COS-Intensive model has undergone significant evolution. Over the years, numerous practitioners worldwide have completed rigorous training and supervision to achieve endorsement as Circle of Security Intensive providers. The dedication required for this intensive psychotherapy model is exemplified by the story of two child psychologists in Boras, Sweden, Karin and Emma, who began offering COS-Intensive to high-risk parents in 2016 [learn more here](link to Karin and Emma's journey). Their commitment, like that of all COS-Intensive providers, is a source of inspiration.
The introduction of the Circle of Security Parenting program in 2010 brought about a new approach to the psychoeducational component of the COS-Intensive model, integrating video segments from COSP. Many COS-Intensive providers also commenced their training with the COSP program. Furthermore, clinicians began applying the COS-Intensive model with individual clients, including dyads with older children, thereby broadening its accessibility.
An insightful case study and a review of the updates to the COS-Intensive model are available in this paper by Ellen Andrews and Joe Coyne.
Streamlining the Training Pathway
Historically, licensed clinicians seeking endorsement in the COS-Intensive model embarked on a 10-day in-person training. Following this, aspiring providers independently prepared for a case-based exam and, upon passing, were matched with an experienced COS-Intensive supervisor for an often lengthy (over two years) and costly 1:1 supervision process.Significant changes have been implemented in recent years to make the COS-Intensive training pathway more accessible. The training is no longer exclusively in person, and the exam and individual supervision have been discontinued.
