Hi, I'm Sue!
My Story
During one of the most traumatic experiences in my life, I became frustrated with a medical system that offered only a 'diagnosis', talking therapy, or medication. As lovely as it was to have someone hear and validate my story for months, I could see no change in how I dealt with life. I wanted strategies to work with trauma, complex PTSD, and hopeless feelings of paralysis.
Although the desire and desperation were within me to rebuild my life, there appeared to be little support to help 'cure' me. It was only when I discovered trauma therapy, in London, in 2003, that my life began to change. This introduced safety into my chaotic world. It taught me to regulate my nervous system from dysregulation and release the trauma held in my body. It also gave back the autonomy, choice and healing I had been denied.
Realising that many of the traumatised individuals I worked with in schools and prisons never had access to any integrative mental health programme, I founded Teenage Toolbox in 2013. In addition to Teen work, I also work with Couples Therapy and Individual therapy. I am fortunate to spend my days working with some of my favourite people, and I take immense pride in celebrating their extraordinary achievements.
About Me
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For over 35 years, I’ve worked across schools, prisons, and private practice in the UK, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
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Firstly, for 15 years, I lived and worked with hundreds of teenagers in boarding schools. I get their tenacity, their rebellion, their anxiety, pain and fear. I get their ability to keep on keeping on (I don't think my parents had it easy!). My precious mum also died when I was young, so I know what pain is like for a teen.
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Secondly, I hate the status quo. I have never been good at the mundane! I believe life is for expanding, innovating, creating, and change. We are in a time of change. We all need doors that will open—I am a door opener!
Thirdly, I'm a strategist. Give me a problem, and I'll quickly show you a solution. With clients, it's easy - you just have to know how!​​​
My early work and training in maximum security prisons shaped my deep commitment to trauma-informed care, compassion, and restorative justice. Since then, I’ve trained with world leaders in the trauma field, including Dr. Gabor Maté and Terry Real, and I draw from a range of integrative, evidence-based approaches in my practice.
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I’m also a published author. My first book, TAKEN, shares my personal story of trauma and healing. My second, Hate Myself, Hate My Life, is co-authored and stocked in over two-thirds of New Zealand high school libraries as a guide for teens navigating self-worth and emotional pain.
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Today, I work with both teens and adults, and have a strong passion for the dynamics in couples therapy. I use a trauma-informed, client-centred approach that includes:
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Attachment science & polyvagal theory
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Internal Family Systems, Relational Life Therpay & Somatic Therapies
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Compassionate Inquiry, sensory modulation, and nervous system regulation
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Addictions, trauma recovery, and interpersonal neurobiology
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Art therapy, spirituality, and restorative justice
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I believe that real transformation comes from lived experience, not just theory. We’re in a mental health crisis — and what people need now is authentic, compassionate support that sees the whole person, not just a diagnosis.
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Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
123-456-7890
This work is ideal for couples ready to move beyond blame, reactivity, and distance—and into a more conscious, connected, and resilient partnership.