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.

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).

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.

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What is psychodynamic theory? Why we exist Professional training

Latest

Award winners

HDS received the Volunteer Friendly Award in recognition of the volunteering opportunities we provide.
What makes the psychodynamic approach different?

At the heart of our work at Human Development Scotland (HDS) is psychodynamic theory. Here we explain what makes the psychodynamic approach different?
Become a Friend of HDS

Please select "Set up a regular payment" to become a Friend of HDS.
How to run a successful private practice: all you need to know

Setting up and running a successful private practice can be highly rewarding but it can be challenging. Whether you are considering starting private practice, or want to develop your existing private practice, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for running a successful private practice.

Award winners

HDS received the Volunteer Friendly Award in recognition of the volunteering opportunities we provide.
Accessibility
Privacy Policy

We respect the privacy rights of individuals and are committed to handling personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable law. This notice sets out the personal data that we collect and process about you, the purposes of the processing and the rights that you have in connection with it.
Donate

Your donation will help relieve mental and emotional distress by increasing the availability of, and access to, high quality psychodynamic and psychoanalytic counselling and psychotherapy for all who need them.
Conference on adolescence and depression

This one-day conference will provide a psychoanalytic overview of adolescence and depression and give an insight into how we work with adolescents and their parents and carers.
Terms and Conditions
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.
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.
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.
Training

Human Development Scotland (HDS) offers a range of professional and academic training courses, short courses and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.

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