HDS offers a range of professional and academic training courses. Applications are open for our part-time training courses. Read more
A new HDS Professional Course, An Introduction to Psychodynamic Thinking, will be beginning in September 2026. Read more
After over 6 years of dedicated service, Lindsay Shrubsole recently retired from her role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at HDS. New Chair of the Board of Trustees, Joe Lafferty and Director of HDS, Becky Smith thank Lindsay on behalf of everyone at HDS. Read more
NHS Education for Scotland is offering five funded places for our course: Psychoanalytic Observation & Reflective Practice: Therapeutic work with Children & Young People (TWCYP). Application deadline is 9am on Monday 8 September. Read more
On the 1st September, we will be welcoming a new staff member. We will be welcoming Kasia Zych who will take over as joint Course Lead. Find out more about our staff changes. Read more
In Scotland, there are on average 100 referrals a day being made to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) according to a recent report. The report by Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, also found 88 percent of adults were worried about children and young people’s mental health. Read more
Many people feel the negative impact on their mental health and wellbeing during winter by what is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). There are a range of coping strategies you can use to help with SAD. Read more
The workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety and contribute to developing our worsening mental health problems. Which is why it’s important that workplaces support employee mental health and access to counselling services. Read more
Talking therapy could effectively treat menopause symptoms such as low mood and anxiety, research suggests. Some women showed, "statistically significant improvements" in anxiety and depression following talking therapies, compared with no or alternative treatments. Read more
At HDS, there is currently no waiting list for our low-cost counselling service with final year psychodynamic counselling trainees. Our affordable option is £25 per session if you wish to work with trainees for a block of 20 or 40 sessions. Read more
Mary MacCallum Sullivan retired from her roles at HDS having been there at its inception and who has seen us through to where we are today. Chair of the Board of Trustees, Lindsay Shrubsole, thanks Mary on behalf of everyone at HDS. Read more
We are now offering in-person sessions with qualified therapists in Ayr on Fridays. Potential clients interested in counselling sessions in Ayr should complete our online counselling request form. Read more
We want to give a warm welcome to a new member of our staff team. Find out more about Selina who recently joined our staff team. Read more
At our recent graduation event, our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Lindsay Shrubsole, sent this message to our recent graduates. Read more
Last December marked the 10th anniversary of the inception of Human Development Scotland (HDS). Lindsay Shrubsole, Chair of the Board at HDS, shares more about the journey we've been on, and the journey ahead. Read more
NHS Education for Scotland is offering five funded places for our course: Psychoanalytic Observation & Reflective Practice: Therapeutic work with Children & Young People (TWCYP). Application deadline is Thursday 14 September. Read more
Last month, we hosted an online conference entitled, ‘Keeping the Baby in Mind: A Celebration of the Work of the Third Sector’. Find out more about the event. Read more
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. Read more
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. Read more
Like many organisations that offer counselling and therapeutic services, HDS has seen an increase in demand for counselling services and psychotherapy. Read more about the positive impact of counselling and psychotherapy on mental health. Read more
For many people, Christmas and the prospect of dark, cold and lonely winter days in January can affect our mental health. Read about tips for looking after your mental health this winter and how speaking to a counsellor can help. Read more
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. Read more
Trustees’ Week 2022 takes place from 7th to 11th of November and is an annual event to showcase the great work trustees do, celebrate charity boards and provide opportunities for everyone to get involved and make a difference. Read more
The Parent-Infant Foundation has launched findings from new research with the public and professionals. This included a survey with a representative sample of 2,000 adults from across the UK, and work with teachers and early years professionals. Read more