Music therapy and the Circle of Security

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.