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.

You may also be interested in:

What is psychodynamic theory? Why we exist Professional training

Latest

Free 6-week introductory course on Infant Mental Health

Are you or do you work for a Third Sector organisation that works with mothers, fathers and carers of infants and young children in order to promote Infant Mental Health and development? Our free 6-week introductory course on Infant Mental Health can help equip you and your staff.
HDS provides support to The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland

Aimed at community nurses or midwives working in primary care in an area with high levels of poverty, deprivation and multimorbidity, the programme helps them to learn more about coping with, and helping others cope with, the complex interpersonal relationships that are often part of their everyday nursing work.
Loneliness

Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 will focus on loneliness, bringing it out from the shadows where it so often is hidden. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, loneliness was almost 3 times that of pre-pandemic levels. It can be said that one of the few consolations of the pandemic is that it reminded us of our need for each other. Mental Health Awareness week will be an opportunity to ask vital questions about how we will reduce loneliness as we continue to come out of the pandemic.
Open Day - May 2022

Join us for our in-person Open Day this May. It’s an opportunity for prospective students to find out more and speak to our teaching staff about our academic courses. Please note that pre-registration is required for this event.

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 5pm on Tuesday 31 May.
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. Final closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 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. Final closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 31 October.
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.
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?
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. Final closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 30 September.

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