Sue Maxwell - Chair

Professional Background 

Sue worked in the NHS for 30 years across psychotherapy, acute mental health, problematic drug use, and latterly with people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as their partners and families. She also worked as a community mental health nurse manager.

She later held several roles within Relationships Scotland, retiring as Joint Head of Network Services in 2013.

For the past 26 years, Sue has been Director of Sue Maxwell Associates, providing training across a range of continuing professional development, long-term and specialist courses. She was previously a core member of a training team delivering a diploma-level course and has acted as an external assessor for diploma programmes seeking COSCA and COSRT approval.

Sue retired from her psychotherapy and supervision practice on 1 January 2026.

Management Experience 

Working as a manager in both the health service and the charitable sector has given Sue invaluable insight into the wider management and governance issues faced by trustees and their boards.

Sue has undertaken management and leadership training within both the NHS and the charitable sector. She also brings considerable governance experience, having served on the COSRT Board, as a director of Relationships Scotland and as a board member for many years.

Educational Background: 

Sue trained in general, district and mental health nursing, as well as family planning nursing. As a therapist, she completed training in systemic therapy, relationship therapy, addiction, sexual compulsivity and forensic sexology. She also supervises practitioners across these areas of work.

Sue hopes to support ATSAC in offering an inclusive membership for all therapists who work with clients affected by addiction or sexual compulsivity. She believes that a diverse range of therapists is needed to provide different therapeutic approaches, helping clients develop and maintain positive sexual and intimate relationships while also supporting their partners and families.

Sue recognises that there is now greater openness and fluidity in how sexuality is understood. At the same time, children and young people are increasingly able to access sexual material that may not be appropriate for their age or stage of development. This has the potential to affect their developing sense of themselves as sexual, emotional and relational people.

She believes it is important that young people are supported to develop a positive view of themselves and to express themselves emotionally and sexually in ways that feel right for them. Sue is particularly interested in supporting the development of appropriate training for professionals who work with children and young people, alongside accessible educational information that promotes a positive, informed and healthy approach to sexual and intimate life.