Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Send a text In this solo episode of Holding Space , Dr. Christopher Barker explores one of the most profound—and misunderstood—questions in psychology: What is reality, and how do we know it’s real? Inspired by Daniel Young’s book A Trick of the Mind , Dr. Barker examines how the human brain doesn’t simply perceive the world—it constructs it . Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and lived experie...

Send a text In this episode of Holding Space , Dr. Christopher Barker takes a compassionate, science-grounded look at anxiety —what it is, why it exists, and how it can spiral out of control if we don’t change our relationship to it. Drawing from clinical experience and insights shared at the Evolution of Psychotherapy conference, Dr. Barker explains how anxiety begins with a real-world trigger an...

Send a text In this final segment of Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker on the Road , Dr. Barker wraps up an incredible experience at the Evolution of Psychotherapy 2025 Conference in Anaheim, California. In this reflective episode, he shares takeaways from one of the field’s leading voices, Dr. Daniel Siegel, author of the groundbreaking book Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenag...

Send a text In Part 3 of Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker on the Road, Dr. Barker checks in from Anaheim at the 40th Anniversary Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference 2025 — one of the most influential gatherings in the mental health field. In this short but insightful episode, he highlights the importance of continuing education for psychologists and all helping professionals. Dr. Barker...

Send a text As 2025 comes to an end, Dr. Christopher Barker invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and reconnect during the holiday season. In this heartfelt Christmas Special of Holding Space , Dr. Barker explores the deeper meaning of the holidays — remembrance, community, and the simple miracle of human connection. He reminds us that humans are wired to come together — that belonging and toge...

Send a text Holding Space with Dr. Barker continues on the road from Anaheim, California, at the 40th Annual Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference. In this second installment, Dr. Christopher Barker shares key insights from renowned therapist Dr. Terry Real, creator of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) — a transformative approach that brings truth, love, and balance back into relationships. Dr. Barker...

Send a text Dr. Christopher Barker takes Holding Space on the road to Anaheim, California for the 40th Anniversary of the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference — the largest gathering of mental health professionals in the world. In this special on-site episode, Dr. Barker shares insights from dynamic speaker Lynn Lyons, highlighting key discussions on adolescent mental health, social connection, a...

Send a text During the stressful holiday season, psychologist Dr. Christopher Barker explores the timeless wisdom of Viktor Frankl and his groundbreaking theory of logotherapy, which teaches that meaning—not pleasure or power—is our core human drive. Drawing from Frankl’s experiences surviving concentration camps, Dr. Barker breaks down how purpose, attitude, and connection can help us reclaim con...

Send a text In this episode of Holding Space , Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with mental health expert and author Dr. Keith Morgen to explore the powerful connection between hope, resiliency, and mental health recovery . Dr. Morgen discusses why true healing requires shifting from “recovery from ” past trauma or addiction to “recovery toward ” meaning, purpose, and a new identity. Drawing from...

Send a text In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker revisits his powerful “tug-of-war with depression and anxiety” illustration to unpack what happens when mental health struggles start to pull you in. Using a vivid “pit” metaphor, he shows how some people stop resisting and emotionally throw themselves into their depression or anxiety, losing sight of their values and sense of se...

Send a text In this short companion episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker teams up with intern Caesar Salas to demonstrate a powerful visual exercise for anyone who feels stuck in their emotions. Using a cord and an imaginary pit, Dr. Barker shows how depression, anger, or anxiety can feel like an endless tug-of-war that never truly resolves. Instead of fighting the feeling, the exercis...

Send a text Hi, I’m Dr. Christopher Barker, and whether you’re returning or joining Holding Space for the first time, I want to wish you a warm and meaningful Thanksgiving. This holiday may look different for many of us—because of loss, distance, family tensions, or simply the realities of travel and life. However your day unfolds, I hope you can create moments of connection, comfort, and small jo...

Send a text In this special episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker opens up about the unique challenges men face with their mental health, especially during Men’s Health Awareness Month. Citing sobering statistics—like men’s shorter life expectancy and significantly higher suicide rates—Dr. Barker addresses the powerful stigma preventing many men from seeking the help they deserve. Shari...

Send a text In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist specializing in issues like narcissism, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum, kink awareness, and suicide prevention, dives deep into the concept of trigger warnings . He explores how the phrase trigger warning  is used and often misunderstood, examining its psychological implications with referen...

Send a text In this eye-opening episode of Holding Space , Dr. Christopher Barker breaks down one of the most misunderstood — and manipulative — behaviors in relationships: gaslighting . From subtle comments that make you question your memory to full-blown emotional control, gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that can leave you doubting your sanity, your choices, and even your identity....

Send a text 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 —...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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 research...

Send a text 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’...

Send a text 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. Fro...

Send a text 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 mo...

Send us Fan Mail 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, a...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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...