BREAKING THE CYCLE

THE BARBER BEHIND THE MOVEMENT

BY GUEST EDITOR - LANCE LIUFAU

Starting in a garden shed in Christchurch, New Zealand, a revolution began. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but its impact has been felt worldwide.

The revolutionaries? Matt Brown and his wife Sarah Brown, a husband and wife duo who turned their personal pain into a powerful movement to combat domestic violence and support survivors of abuse. Their brainchild, She Is Not Your Rehab, is more than a slogan; it’s a global call to action to heal from the wounds of the past and create a better future.

From Clippers To A Cause

Matt Brown’s journey began behind the barber’s chair. Growing up in Christchurch, he experienced a childhood marred by abuse and trauma. Those early experiences could have derailed his life, but instead, they became the foundation for his mission. When Matt picked up his first pair of clippers, it wasn’t just a career choice—it was a lifeline.

Barbering, often seen as a trade, became a profound form of therapy. As Matt worked on his clients’ hair, he noticed something remarkable happening. The barbershop, with its hum of conversation and relaxed atmosphere, became a sanctuary for men to open up. The chair became a confession booth, where men who had never spoken about their pain or trauma before felt safe to share their stories.

This realisation became the cornerstone of Matt’s advocacy. He saw that many men carried deep wounds from their past, wounds that often manifested as anger, violence, or silence. “Hurt people hurt people,” Matt says. But this also works in reverse as healed people heal people.

The Birth Of She Is Not Your Rehab

Together with his wife, Sarah, Matt launched She Is Not Your Rehab. The movement was born out of their shared vision to break the cycle of intergenerational violence and trauma. The message is simple but profound: women are not rehabilitation centres for broken men. Healing is a personal responsibility, not something to be offloaded onto a partner.

The movement gained traction through Matt’s work in his barbershop, where he fostered an environment of vulnerability and healing. His clients began to see their weekly haircuts as more than grooming—they became opportunities for reflection and growth.

In 2021, Matt and Sarah encapsulated their message in a book titled She Is Not Your Rehab. The book interweaves Matt’s own story with stories from other men who have faced and overcome their traumas. It’s a raw and unflinching look at the damage caused by unresolved pain, but it’s also a beacon of hope for those ready to take accountability for their healing.

Spreading The Message Globally

The impact of She Is Not Your Rehab quickly extended beyond the walls of Matt’s barbershop. Matt and Sarah began travelling across New Zealand and the world, sharing their story and spreading their message. They have spoken at schools, prisons, and community centres, inspiring men to confront their pain and break free from cycles of violence.

In addition to public speaking, the Browns have harnessed technology to broaden their reach. They launched the InnerBoy app, a digital resource designed to help men explore their emotions and begin their healing journeys. Initially released in New Zealand, the app has now expanded to Australia, providing tools and support to thousands of men seeking to better themselves.

“The idea behind InnerBoy is simple,” Matt explains. “It’s about helping men reconnect with their inner child—the boy who was hurt, ignored, or abused. Healing starts there.”

From Christchurch to the World

Matt’s work has taken him across continents, but his mission remains deeply personal. “Every time I share my story, I think of the boy I was and the man I could have become if someone had shown me another way,” he says.

In Australia, Matt’s message has resonated strongly. His workshops and speaking engagements have been met with overwhelming support. “The response has been humbling,” Sarah adds. “It shows us that this isn’t just a New Zealand issue—it’s a global issue.”

Matt’s ability to connect with men from all walks of life has been key to the movement’s success. Whether he’s speaking to a room of corporate executives or a group of incarcerated men, his authenticity and vulnerability break down barriers.

The Power Of Partnership

At the heart of She Is Not Your Rehab is the partnership between Matt and Sarah. Their shared commitment to the cause has been a driving force behind the movement’s success. “Sarah is the backbone of everything we do,” Matt says. “She’s not just my wife; she’s my partner in every sense of the word.”

Sarah’s role in the movement extends far beyond logistical support. As a co-author of the book and a passionate advocate for survivors of abuse, she has been instrumental in shaping the message and mission of She Is Not Your Rehab.

The couple’s work is a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose. Together, they have shown that healing is not only possible—it’s transformative.

Raising A New Generation Of Good Men

One of the movement’s core goals is to raise a generation of men who are emotionally intelligent, accountable, and compassionate. “We want to show boys and men that strength isn’t about suppressing your emotions or exerting power over others,” Matt says. “True strength is being vulnerable, taking responsibility, and choosing to heal.”

Through their work, the Browns are creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the individuals they help. By encouraging men to heal, they are also breaking cycles of violence and abuse, creating safer and healthier communities for everyone.

Looking Ahead

As She Is Not Your Rehab continues to grow, Matt and Sarah remain focused on their mission. They are exploring ways to expand the reach of the InnerBoy app and are working on new projects to further their advocacy.

“We’re just getting started,” Sarah says. “There’s so much more we want to do.”

Matt, too, is energised by the momentum of the movement. “This isn’t about us—it’s about the message,” he says. “If we can help even one person take the first step toward healing, then it’s all worth it.”

Matt Brown’s story is one of transformation. From a boy scarred by trauma to a man leading a global movement, his journey is proof that it’s never too late to heal. Through She Is Not Your Rehab, Matt and Sarah are not only changing lives—they’re changing legacies.

In the humble surroundings of ‘My Fathers Barbershop’ in Christchurch, Matt found his calling. Today, his work is a testament to the power of vulnerability, accountability, and love. His message is clear: healing starts with you, but its impact can change the world.

@sheisnotyourrehab @myfathersbarber @sarahclarebrown @innerboyapp