Music Therapy Online/Music therapy and the Circle of Security

Music therapy and the Circle of Security

Integrating an attachment based parenting framework into clinical practice

Using the Circle of Security in Music Therapy
with Dr. Alison Stewart

Enhance your work with families by integrating the Circle of Security® (CoS) framework into your music therapy practice. This tutorial offers an in-depth introduction to applying CoS principles to assess, support, and strengthen parent–child relationships in a clinical setting.

Why the Circle of Security Matters for Music Therapists
The CoS framework, grounded in attachment theory, helps identify strengths and challenges in the parent–child relationship, and offers clear, practical pathways to fostering secure attachments. For music therapists, it provides a valuable lens for assessing interaction patterns and designing targeted interventions that promote emotional availability and positive connection.

What You’ll Learn

Comprehensive Overview of CoS
Gain a clear, structured understanding of the Circle framework, its key concepts, and how they are enacted in practice.

Case Examples in Action
See how disruptions in the parent–child relationship present in real-world scenarios, and learn strategies to address them through music therapy interventions.

Assessment and Adaptation
Discover how to apply the CoS framework to assess parent–child interaction in your sessions, and adapt your interventions to support attachment needs effectively.

Extended Learning & Professional Growth
Access bonus content to deepen your CoS knowledge and earn extra CMTE/CPD credits, along with curated resources for further study.

Your Instructor
Dr. Alison Stewart brings a wealth of clinical expertise in family-centred music therapy and a deep understanding of attachment-based practice, offering a clear, practical pathway for integrating CoS into your work.

Strengthen the parent–child bond in your sessions with a framework that is both evidence-based and adaptable to music therapy practice.

Author Bio

Dr Alison Liew Stewart

Ali has always been drawn to the world of attachment, parenting, family support and parent-child relationships. She is passionate about empowering families to develop and maintain secure attachments and be the best they can be throughout the constant evolution of the parenting relationship. Striving for a healthy, secure and positive relationship with her son is one of Ali's own personal priorities as she adapts to his ever changing needs and navigates through the ups, downs, challenges and surprises of life.

Ali completed her PhD in how the experience of mother-infant singing interaction contributes to attachment. She also has a Masters in Special Education (deaf and hard of hearing) to pursue her interest in assisting children with hearing loss to acquire and develop language. Ali is a Circle of Security Group Parenting Program Facilitator and teacher and she currently works as a Clinical Specialist for Sing&Grow Australia and is a casual lecturer at the University of Western Sydney Creative Music Therapy course.

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Contents

TUTORIAL DOC'S

Tutorial summary and submission info
Preview
CoS Informal Assessment
CoS Informal Assessment - Example
Free ebook - How attachment based parenting programs can make a difference

TUTORIAL VIDEO'S

Intro, overview and learning outcomes
Preview
What is the Circle of Security Program?
Key concepts: The Circle - Support to explore and welcoming back moments
Key concepts: The mean/weak/gone balance
Key concepts: Being with - Attunement, resonance, holding and contingent responses
Key concepts: Shark music - What are the parent's triggers?
Key concepts: Rupture and repair - Getting back on the Circle
Case examples
Setting goals and planning music therapy sessions
Summary, bonus content and extra resources

Earn up to 5+ CMTE/CPD credits quickly and easily!

Frequently asked questions

When does the course start and finish?

The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.

How long do I have access to the course?

How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

What if I am unhappy with the course?

We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Do I receive a certificate when I complete the tutorial?

Yes, you certainly do! You will automatically receive a certificate once you finish watching the tutorials. For verification of your bonus content activities please see your TUTORIAL SUMMARY & SUBMISSION INFO for specific information on claiming your CMTE/CPD credits.

Why haven't I received my certificate?

You'll need to watch ALL of the video's before you can receive your certificate.

I'm from the US/Canada, what CBMT domains are covered in this tutorial?

Scroll down to see which CBMT board certified domains you can use to submit this activity for CBMT credits.