A Space to Reorganise
At Oak House Therapy, we often think of therapy as like opening an ’emotional wardrobe’ that’s been shut for a long time. From the outside, everything might look fine, the doors are closed, nothing spilling out. But inside, it’s often overflowing, messy, disorganised, and full of things that have just been shoved in over the years – some buried so deep at the back you might even have forgotten they were there.
When you begin therapy, you don’t magically “fix” the wardrobe. You take everything out. And that’s the part people don’t expect.
Suddenly the room looks worse than it did before. Clothes all over the place! Things you forgot you even owned, items that don’t fit anymore, things that carry memories, shame, grief, or confusion. It can feel overwhelming, untidy, even chaotic. Clients often think “I was better before therapy, why does everything feel harder now?”
But what’s actually happening is that you’re seeing clearly for the first time. You’re handling things that were avoided or buried. You’re making conscious choices instead of automatic ones.
And eventually, the wardrobe goes back together, but differently. There’s space. There’s intention. There’s awareness of what’s inside. And you’ll know how to keep it tidy.
If you’re curious about what that might look like for you, just get in touch.
About me
My name is Barry Hoffman and I spent much of my professional life in HR leadership, where my focus was always on the human side of business. The belief that no one should carry their heaviest burdens alone is what brought me to counselling.
I hold an MSc in Counselling and have volunteered with the Samaritans for several years. I work with people of all ages and genders, and have particular experience supporting complex emotional distress, trauma, and sexual abuse, as well as the broader challenges that life throws at us. I often work with men and young adults experiencing suicidal thoughts, and people who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma.
My practice is trauma-informed, which means your safety and pace come first, always. I stay up-to-date through ongoing advanced training, because the people I work with deserve nothing less.
I work from counselling rooms in Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire), London and online. I am working towards registration with the BACP and hold up to date professional insurance.
