Holding Space with Dr. Barker

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Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Dr. Christopher Barker

33 episodes

16 hours ago

In this powerful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker welcomes Jackie Briggs, a professional singer whose life changed forever after a devastating car accident left her deaf in one ear. Jackie opens up about her journey through trauma, healing, and rediscovering her mental health after loss. Despite doctors advising her to give up her dream of music, Jackie persevered — earning two master’s degrees and dedicating her life to helping children with hearing loss find connection and j...

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Health & Fitness

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In this powerful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker welcomes Jackie Briggs, a professional singer whose life changed forever after a devastating car accident left her deaf in one ear. Jackie opens up about her journey through trauma, healing, and rediscovering her mental health after loss. Despite doctors advising her to give up her dream of music, Jackie persevered — earning two master’s degrees and dedicating her life to helping children with hearing loss find connection and j...

Show more...

Health & Fitness

Episodes (20/33)

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Finding Harmony After Trauma: Jackie Briggs’ Journey Through Hearing Loss, Healing, and Hope

In this powerful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker welcomes Jackie Briggs, a professional singer whose life changed forever after a devastating car accident left her deaf in one ear. Jackie opens up about her journey through trauma, healing, and rediscovering her mental health after loss. Despite doctors advising her to give up her dream of music, Jackie persevered — earning two master’s degrees and dedicating her life to helping children with hearing loss find connection and j...

16 hours ago

23 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

It’s Never Too Late to Heal from Trauma - Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker

In this powerful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the lifelong impact of trauma and how it shapes our mental health, relationships, and sense of self. Drawing from his clinical experience and supervision discussions, Dr. Barker emphasizes that it’s never too late to heal — whether you’re 20 or 80. He unpacks how unresolved trauma can act like a “virus” in the mind, subtly rewriting your self-perception and life choices. Through the lens of trauma-informed therapy and ...

1 week ago

7 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

What Is “Normal”? Understanding Mental Health and the Bell Curve with Dr. Christopher Barker

In this insightful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a licensed clinical psychologist in New Jersey, explores one of the most common and misunderstood questions in mental health: “What is normal?” Dr. Barker dives into how psychologists define “normal” not as a judgment of worth, but as a statistical and contextual concept — something that changes depending on culture, population, and circumstance. Using the classic bell curve as a guide, he explains how behaviors and emotions...

2 weeks ago

11 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders: Mental Health, Genetics, and the Meaning of “Normal” | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the complexities of autism spectrum disorders through the lens of psychology, genetics, and society. He discusses the difference between correlation and causation, highlighting the genetic factors—such as SHANK2 and FMR1 mutations—and environmental influences like prenatal conditions and chemical exposure that researchers have associated with autism. Dr. Barker also reflects on how our evolving understanding of autism has chan...

3 weeks ago

11 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

From Grad School to the Therapy Room: Real Talk with Haley & Chloe - Therapy On Demand

Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with Haley Novellino and Chloe Quinn—grad students and creators behind @therapy.on.demand—for a candid conversation about becoming therapists while balancing school, internships, work, and real life. They unpack their evolving theoretical orientations (person-centered, psychodynamic, CBT/DBT, mindfulness), the emotional side of internship, and what it’s like to build confidence in session (including the power of silence and using your authentic facial expressi...

4 weeks ago

42 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Understanding Kinks, Paraphilias, and Kink-Aware Therapy | Holding Space Podcast with Dr. Christopher Barker

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a clinical psychologist in New Jersey, explores the world of kink-aware therapy and the psychological perspectives on kinks, fetishes, and paraphilias. He breaks down what defines a sexual interest as a disorder versus when it remains a consensual lifestyle choice, explaining the importance of context, consent, and safety. From fetishism and voyeurism to BDSM dynamics, Dr. Barker highlights how safe, sane, and consensual practices can ...

1 month ago

21 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs, How to Help, & Safety Planning | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker

Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicide, self-harm, and mental health struggles.** In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker (clinical psychologist, NJ) discusses Suicide Prevention Month, how to recognize warning signs of suicide, and practical steps anyone can take to help a person at risk. Dr. Barker explains common indicators (talking about dying, sudden mood changes, giving away possessions, preparing affairs), how to assess risk (directly asking about suicidal tho...

1 month ago

11 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Anxiety vs OCD: Intrusive Thoughts, ACT & EMDR Explained — with “Therapy with Josh”

In this episode of Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker, Dr. Barker sits down with Josh (“Therapy with Josh”), an accredited CBT therapist from Essex, UK, trained in EMDR and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Together they unpack the real differences between anxiety and OCD, why OCD isn’t just “an anxiety disorder,” and how emotions like shame, guilt, disgust, and embarrassment can fuel the OCD cycle. Josh shares how he treats OCD by targeting the “D”—the disorder—and explains w...

1 month ago

26 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

False Memories, Belief Systems & The Mandela Effect Explained | Dr. Barker

In this episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, we dive into the fascinating world of the Mandela Effect — why so many people remember events, quotes, and facts incorrectly. From Darth Vader’s famous line to “Mirror, mirror on the wall,” we explore how false memories spread, why they stick, and what they reveal about the way our minds and belief systems work. Dr. Barker unpacks the psychology behind memory errors, memes, and confirmation bias, showing how our brains often bend reality to fi...

1 month ago

11 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Diagnosis, Labels, and Mental Health: What They Really Mean | Holding Space with Dr. Barker

In Episode 23 of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, Dr. Christopher Barker dives into the complicated world of mental health diagnosis. From bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder to ADHD and depression, he explains why symptoms can overlap and lead to misdiagnosis, and why diagnoses are often misunderstood. Dr. Barker shares over 20 years of clinical experience to remind us that a diagnosis is not an identity — it’s a tool for treatment, insurance, and communication between therapi...

2 months ago

14 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

School Shootings, Trauma, and the Ripple Effect on Mental Health

In this special edition of Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker, we explore the devastating reality of the Minnesota school shooting and its far-reaching psychological consequences. Dr. Barker introduces the concept of the ricochet effect of trauma — the ripple impact of a traumatic event that extends beyond those directly affected, spreading through families, communities, and even across generations. From acute trauma (such as violent events and abandonment) to chronic trauma (neglect, ...

2 months ago

16 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Dissociation & Anxiety: What It Really Means (And Why It Happens)

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker is joined by licensed associate counselor Keilani Noble to explore dissociation—what it is, how it connects to anxiety and depression, and why it’s often misunderstood. They share real-life experiences of dissociation, from moments of sensory overload to coping with overwhelming emotions, and explain the difference between everyday dissociation and rare conditions like Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Dr. Barker and Keilani discuss...

2 months ago

16 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Confirmation Bias Explained: Stop Letting Negative Thinking Control You

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, breaks down confirmation bias—how we tend to focus only on evidence that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring anything that challenges them. Dr. Barker uses a visual "doorway" analogy to explain how negative thinking can reinforce itself over time, leading to patterns that affect self-esteem, relationships, and mental health. He explores how confirmation bias shows up in...

2 months ago

9 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Self-Harm vs Suicidal Behavior in BPD: Understanding the Difference | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker

In this deeply compassionate episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker returns to expand on the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)—focusing on one of the most misunderstood and sensitive topics: recurrent suicidal behavior and self-harm. Dr. Barker draws a clear and vital distinction between suicidal intent and self-mutilation, explaining how self-harm is often a form of emotional regulation, not a desire to die. With clinical insight from over two decades of experience...

2 months ago

13 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Bipolar II vs Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): What’s the Difference? | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker answers a listener’s question that many people wonder: What’s the difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? While the two are often confused—especially Bipolar II and BPD—they are distinct diagnoses with different origins, symptoms, and treatments. Dr. Barker breaks down the clinical criteria for Bipolar II Disorder, including hypomania, depressive episodes, and fluctuating energy levels. He then con...

3 months ago

15 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Emotionally Immature Partners: Signs, Impact & Growth | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the complex world of emotionally immature partners—what emotional immaturity looks like in relationships, how it impacts connection, and what you can do about it. Building on past discussions of emotionally immature parents and psychological development, Dr. Barker breaks down the key traits of emotionally underdeveloped individuals—such as lack of empathy, difficulty with vulnerability, boundary issues, and emotional reactivit...

3 months ago

11 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Break the Cycle: Communicate Smarter with Transactional Analysis

Welcome to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this episode, Dr. Barker dives deep into a classic and still-relevant psychological concept: Transactional Analysis—and why understanding it might be the key to healthier, more productive relationships. With over 25 years of experience as a psychologist, Dr. Barker unpacks how we subconsciously shift between three ego states—Parent, Adult, and Child—in nearly every interaction we have, especially in romantic or emotionally charged relat...

3 months ago

11 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

The Cassandra Dilemma: Why Knowing Isn’t Enough (Even for Therapists)

Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this powerful and introspective episode, Dr. Barker explores a unique psychological concept he calls “The Cassandra Dilemma.” Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Barker shares what he believes is the hardest part of being a therapist—not burnout or long hours—but watching people walk down a painful path you already see coming… and not being able to stop it. Inspired by the myth of Cassandra—the woman cursed to se...

3 months ago

10 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Artificial Inteligence & Therapy

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the growing use of artificial intelligence in therapeutic settings—and the serious ethical, emotional, and psychological implications that come with it. Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicide, reality distortion, and emotional manipulation. Dr. Barker critically examines real-life cases where AI-based chatbot companions and AI therapy apps have led to dangerous outcomes, i...

4 months ago

11 minutes

Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Conflicting Attachment Styles & How to Communicate Through Them

In this insightful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker welcomes therapist and former student Irene Sullivan to explore how conflicting attachment styles—especially anxious and avoidant patterns—can disrupt connection in relationships. Together, they discuss the emotional dance between co-regulators and self-regulators, the power of clear communication, and how vulnerability, validation, and presence are essential for relational healing. Irene and Dr. Barker also touch on parentin...

4 months ago

25 minutes