tHe book
She is not your rehab
In 2021, we raised $100,000 for books in prison.
In 2021, we raised over $100,000 to place 10,000 books into prisons across Aotearoa, New Zealand, one for every man currently incarcerated.
This milestone ensured that She Is Not Your Rehab’s message of healing and accountability could reach those often left out of the conversation. Each book serves as a tool to spark reflection, kōrero, and the possibility of change, because we believe every man deserves the chance to heal and break the cycle.
Synopsis
Cycles repeat until one person has the courage to say, ‘This stops with me.’ Mataio (Matt) Faafetai Malietoa Brown offers the men in his barbershop a haircut with a difference- a safe space to be seen and heard without judgement. As the creator of My Fathers Barbers, Matt has inspired a new generation of New Zealand men to break free from the cycle of abuse – and those men have in turn inspired Matt and his wife, Sarah, to create the global anti-violence movement She Is Not Your Rehab. In this book, Matt shares his own story and those of his clients- how they survived family violence and abuse, and how they were able to find healing and turn their lives around. He introduces the people and concepts that have helped him heal and gives readers the tools they need to begin their own journeys. She is Not Your Rehab demonstrates the power of vulnerability and honesty in addressing pain and shame, and shows how anyone can empower themselves by taking responsibility for their own healing.
Here's what readers are saying...
This is the most inspiring and hopeful book I have read in many years. It deserves to create the movement that appears to be happening by men for men (and women and children), to help men heal from their early traumas and be the men, husbands and fathers that they want to be. It speaks directly to the causes of domestic and family violence with challenge and compassion. The accompanying website and app continue the momentum and offer accessible, private, individual support for men. Blessings to all involved.
Natalie (Reader)
Incredible. Powerful. A must read for everyone. A call to look at how we show up in the world, and to dare to heal so we can be better partners, better parents, better friends, and better to ourselves. For ourselves, for those who came before us, and those who will walk this earth after us. Dare to heal.
CLJ (U.S Reader)
Matt Brown’s work is the answer to how do we combat the slop of the manosphere. With compassion and empathy Matt recounts his own life story and relationship to his wife (who is also his partner in She’s Not Your Rehab and co-authored this book) to illustrate the life lessons he has learnt that forms the basis of his work in helping men heal and show up for their loved ones. Matt is able to offer kindness and understanding to men without letting them off the hook for their past behaviour; a truely delicate balance. The book is written very matter of fact-ly Matt speaks plainly about his challenging upbringing and doesn’t sugarcoat anecdotes of when he failed to show up for his partner. Because of the content, taking time to disgest this book is a must, but also because of the content this is a must read.