Our history

Human Development Scotland (HDS) was registered as a Scottish charity in December 2012.

HDS was formed to carry on the work of the Scottish Institute of Human Relations (SIHR), established by Dr John (Jock) Sutherland and others in 1971 with the aim of expanding the application of psychodynamic thought in Scotland.

We offer the training and services previously delivered by the SIHR. These have at their heart the psychodynamic, psychoanalytic and systemic ideas that offer a profound understanding of how people relate to one another.

Psychotherapy training in Scotland

Our training courses for professionals working particularly in the NHS, social services, education and voluntary sector translate these ideas into practical tools for understanding the central role that human relationships play in our mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Our Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (CAP) programme, for example, is a practical and theoretical training course in psychoanalytical psychotherapy with children and young people. This course is the only one in Scotland which is approved by the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP).

Counselling and psychotherapy

HDS also aims to reduce mental distress by delivering psychodynamic counselling and psychoanalytic psychotherapy to the public. Our counselling services are available to individuals and also as an employee assistance programme (EAP) for organisations.

Our service is predominantly for adults. However, we offer a limited, specialist psychotherapy service for children and young people.

You may also be interested in:

What is psychodynamic theory? Why we exist Professional training

Latest

Thanking our volunteer board members

Our volunteer board members provide active support for HDS. As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2023, we want to thank all our board members for their time, expertise and dedication.
A tribute to Mona Macdonald

Mona Wickes (previously Macdonald) died peacefully at her home in Edinburgh on Saturday 15th April 2023. Mona was a long-time Trainer and staff member of the former Scottish Institute of Human Relations (SIHR). HDS was formed to carry on the work of the SIHR. We pay our respects to this key figure in our history.
Marking the 10th anniversary of HDS

Last December marked the 10th anniversary of the inception of Human Development Scotland (HDS). Lindsay Shrubsole, Acting Chair of the Board at HDS, shares more about the journey we've been on, and the journey ahead.
HDS Alumni meeting June 2023

The next meeting of HDS Alumni will take place online (via Zoom) on Thursday 29 June from 19:30 to 21:00. This will be an opportunity to network with fellow Alumni and hear from one another in our different roles and application of what we have learnt and experienced studying with HDS.

Human relations and counselling

The Human Relations and Counselling Programme consists of 3 parts to provide different levels of training and qualification. This includes a Dilpoma (PGDip) and Masters (MSc). The course is ideal for people who currently use elements of counselling in their day-to-day work and would like to take further steps towards enhancing their practice and deepening their professional capacity.
Therapeutic work with children and young people

MSc Psychoanalytic Observation and Reflective Practice: Therapeutic Work With Children and Young People. This modular course offers an in-depth understanding of infants’, children’s and adolescents’ emotional and personality development, the significance of primary relationships and their relevance to working with these age groups and their families. Final closing date for applications is Wednesday 31 May.
Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. This is a practical and theoretical training course in psychoanalytical psychotherapy with children and young people. This course is the only one in Scotland which is approved by the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP).
Counselling Children, Young People and Families

This post-qualifying Certificate is a part-time training programme designed to prepare practitioners to work with children, young adults (up to mid-20s) and their families and is taught from a psychodynamic perspective.
What is psychodynamic theory?

We exist to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing through professional training, CPD and the provision of counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland. At the heart of our work at Human Development Scotland (HDS) is psychodynamic theory.
Training

Human Development Scotland (HDS) offers a range of professional and academic training courses, short courses and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. Courses currently on offer include the Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy; MSc Psychoanalytic Observation and Reflective Practice: Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People; Diploma in Human Relations and Counselling.
Foundations of Human relations and counselling

An introduction to psychodynamic ideas about what it means to be human, together with experiential training in communication and counselling skills incorporating psychodynamic principles. This course gives unparalleled insight into the complexities of human interactions and is a foundation for the use of advanced communications and counselling skills.
Counsellors wanted for our therapeutic services

Are you a counselling professional or know of someone with the capacity to take on new clients? HDS has seen a growth in its counselling services and we are seeking to add to our team of counsellors.
Moodle

Students can access our Moodle site to gain access to your course material or the HDS members' area.
Staff

Meet the team at Human Development Scotland (HDS) who work to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of people in Scotland.

Friends of HDS

Friends of HDS is our way of recognising groups of supporters who make a regular commitment to the work of HDS. Find out more about becoming a Friend of HDS. Read more

At a glance: courses, prospectus, fees & applications

At a glance look at the professional training on offer from HDS. Information and links to course information, including: entry requirements, fees, timings, applications and enquiries. Read more