Who we are

Human Development Scotland (HDS) is a registered Scottish charity (SC043664). Our vision is for a mentally healthy and emotionally well Scotland.

Our mission is to 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.

One of the ways we do this, is by offering professional training and CPD. 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).

Find out more about HDS by clicking the links below.

Why we exist Our team Our history

Latest

A message to our graduates

At our recent graduation event, our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Graham Monteith, sent this message to our recent graduates.
Alumni

Our Alumni is a community of like-minded thinkers and therapists. Join one of our regular meetings to stay connected with our network and help further the work and influence of HDS.
HDS Alumni meeting October 2022

The next meeting of HDS Alumni will take place online (via Zoom) on Thursday 27 October 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.
Demand in counselling services

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Moodle

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

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