Our team

Meet the team who work to help improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of people in Scotland.

Click on the links below to find out more.

Latest

ISE - Towards a Healthier Organisation

Book now for our next ISE (Intensive Study Event) on Wednesday 10 February. Drawing from Philip Stokoe’s new book, “The Curiosity Drive”, Susan Maciver will outline some characteristics of an organisation that is functioning well and discuss what so often gets in the way of organisational health. The subtitle of the book is, “Our Need for Inquisitive Thinking” – never more necessary than at this time of global crisis.
Embodied 'presence': working and living online

HDS Board Member, Mary MacCallum Sullivan, provides a review of an article by Dan Nixon. In ‘The body as mediator’, he foregrounds the embodied experience of the dis-embodiment we all currently share, as we sit glued to our screens because of C-19.
Facing a winter during a pandemic

It is expected that the recent lockdown measures in-place will take a heavier toll on people’s mental health. The Mental Health Foundation has outlined ten risks and ideas for protecting and supporting mental health this winter.
Discussing and addressing mental health in the workplace

In the second part of their, “There For Each Other” campaign, The Scotsman published an article about what support is available to Scottish employees and employers – and how can it help? HDS provides an Employee Assistance Counselling Service and we were invited to contribute to the article.

Facing a winter during a pandemic

It is expected that the recent lockdown measures in-place will take a heavier toll on people’s mental health. The Mental Health Foundation has outlined ten risks and ideas for protecting and supporting mental health this winter.
ISE - Towards a Healthier Organisation

Book now for our next ISE (Intensive Study Event) on Wednesday 10 February. Drawing from Philip Stokoe’s new book, “The Curiosity Drive”, Susan Maciver will outline some characteristics of an organisation that is functioning well and discuss what so often gets in the way of organisational health. The subtitle of the book is, “Our Need for Inquisitive Thinking” – never more necessary than at this time of global crisis.
Award winners

HDS received the Volunteer Friendly Award in recognition of the volunteering opportunities we provide.
Masters in Human Relations and Counselling

Masters in Human Relations and Counselling. This three-year part-time training will lead to the award of MSc and is an advanced professional training for Psychodynamic Counsellors. The MSc has been designed to provide students with excellent clinical training, fully integrated with the knowledge, research and experience of the skills that will be necessary for those working in the modern NHS, the third sector and in private practice.
Accessibility
Looking after our mental health in uncertain times

Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (COVID-19), can be scary and can affect our mental health. While it is important to stay informed, there are also many things we can do to support and manage our wellbeing during uncertain times. Here are some tips from members of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) which we hope will help you, your friends and your family to look after your mental health.
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.
Enrol for our postgraduate training

We offer postgraduate training courses for professionals working particularly in the NHS, social services, education, private practice and voluntary sector.
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.
Open Days

Thinking about studying with HDS? We normally have two sets of Open Days (Spring and Autumn) each year to help you find out more about our professional training courses. Sign-up for them here. Can’t wait for the next Open Days? Here are some resources that can help you in your research and decision on whether to apply for postgraduate training with HDS.

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