Circle of Security

The Circle of Security® is an innovative intervention program designed to improve the developmental pathway of children and their parents. Robert Marvin, at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and Glen Cooper, Kent Hoffman, and Bert Powell from Marycliff Institute in Spokane, Washington were the originators of this unique, evidence-based program.

The Circle of Security® started as a “user-friendly” description of Attachment Theory. It then integrated over fifty years of early child development research into a video-based intervention that strengthens parents’ abilities to observe and improve their caregiving skills. Attachment theory, through the Circle of Security®, offers clear, individualized pathways for providing a secure relationship between parent and child.

Every child comes into the world seeking a secure relationship with her/his caregivers. The Circle of Security® program helps promote that security.

A secure attachment between child and caregiver is critical to a child’s current and future well being. University-based research has shown that secure children have increased empathy, greater self esteem, better relationships with parents and peers, enter school more ready to learn, and are able to handle their emotions better than their less secure peers. As they grow older, secure children become less likely to live in poverty, have legal problems, or experience chronic emotional difficulties.