About Us - Ragdoll Training & Therapeutic Services

Alex and Sue initially set up Ragdoll Training and Therapeutic Services in 2014 to offer support and intervention to children and families, and their professional network where there are difficulties due to trauma and attachment, or with emotional regulation and relational difficulties. Since then, Ragdoll has grown and now offers support and intervention to adults, and children who are needing support in navigating a stressful and complex world.

Ragdoll offer comprehensive attachment informed assessments.

Ragdoll also offer coaching for parents through individual consultations, practical information sessions, and facilitated peer support spaces.

Ragdoll offer a 15-hour therapeutic reparenting training programme. This can be procured as a standalone package for local authorities and can be adapted to adoptive parents, foster carers and special guardians.

Ragdoll offer bespoke training, clinical and safeguarding supervision to professionals who are working in the helping professions, this includes the private/voluntary agencies, schools and health professionals. They also offer thinking spaces.

Ragdoll offer a range of therapeutic interventions.

Ragdoll are able to offer some assessments and interventions online but primarily work face to face from their clinic in Newport Pagnell.

Training can be offered online or face to face at an agreed venue.

Sue and Alex undertake work as individuals and therefore are not Ofsted registered. They will provide adoption support services under a contract for services with local authorities and registered adoption support agencies.

All work undertaken is supervised by fully accredited supervisors.

MEET THE TEAM

ALEX MACHON

Alex is a highly experienced therapeutic practitioner and registered Social Worker, with a deep-rooted commitment to supporting children and families impacted by trauma. Through her career she has developed a strong interest in the emotional and psychological needs of children navigating complex life experiences.

Qualifying as a Play Therapist in 2008, Alex has since built a specialist practice working with children and teenagers who have experienced significant trauma and loss. She is particularly interested in the effects of trauma on attachment, identity, and emotional regulation, and how therapy can help young people rebuild trust, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.

Alongside her work with children and adolescents, Alex also supports adults, including parents and carers, helping them to better understand trauma and how it may be affecting their child or family dynamics. Her approach is relational, compassionate, and grounded in a systemic understanding of each person’s wider context and support network.

Alex works in a trauma-informed, child-centred way, using play and creative therapies as well as talking-based approaches tailored to the age and needs of each client. She collaborates closely with families and professionals to ensure a consistent, supportive environment that promotes healing and growth.

She is registered with Social Work England, a registered Play Therapist and board member with the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT), and a member of Nagalro.

Alex also offers reflective spaces for professionals and wider support systems, encouraging deeper thinking and more effective interventions. She is committed to tailoring her approach to each individual, fostering connection, growth, and healing at every stage of life.

SUE HOLLINGSWORTH

Sue is a highly experienced and passionate professional with a deep commitment to supporting adults, children and young people, and their families.

She has over 25 years of experience of working with people who have experienced challenges in their lives.

Sue started her career in residential children’s homes, before working as a qualified social worker for a number of years.

With a particular interest in trauma, Sue has spent her career exploring the profound impact of developmental trauma and attachment histories on relationships and self-development. She believes in the power of relational healing and works with children and young people to help them build a stronger sense of self, develop emotional expression, and regulate their emotions. However, she also recognises that children do not exist in isolation and that parents, caregivers, and professionals also need support.

Sue also works with adults who may be struggling with their own mental health, experiences of trauma, or unresolved early experiences, helping them develop greater awareness and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Sue worked within the NHS for 6 years, providing mental health interventions for children, young people, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, self-harm, emotional dysregulation, grief, and trauma.

Sue takes a multi-therapy approach, fusing evidence-based and creative therapies, always ensuring that relationships remain at the heart of her work.

Sue also offers reflective spaces for professionals and wider support systems, encouraging deeper thinking and more effective interventions. She is committed to tailoring her approach to each individual, fostering connection, growth, and healing at every stage of life.

Sue is a SWE registered Social Worker. She is fully insured with Nagalro.

Training and qualifications:

Alex Machon

BA Hons Social Work and Social Policy- 2001- Hull University
Diploma in Social Work- 2001- Hull University
MA Non Directive Play Therapy- 2008- York University
Theraplay® – Foundation level
DDP level 1 & 2 – registered on practicum
BUSS – accredited practitioner
Sandstory therapy – registered therapist

Sue Hollingsworth

BSc (Hons) Behavioural Sciences 1996 University of Northampton
Diploma in Social Work – 2001 – De Montfort University
Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology – 2011 – University of East London
MSc Attachment Studies – 2019 – Roehampton University
Theraplay® – Foundation level
DDP level 1 & 2 – registered on practicum
EMDR adults and children – working towards accreditation
Sandstory therapy – registered therapist

We have also undertaken a range of specialist courses including