Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Send a text 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 ev...

Send a text 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 eve...

Send a text 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 pa...

Send a text 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 oft...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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 underdevelop...

Send a text 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 —...

Send a text 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 y...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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 vulnerab...

Send a text Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker ! In this episode, Dr. Barker deepens our exploration of attachment styles —those foundational behavioral patterns that shape the way we connect, love, and relate to others. Building on the previous discussion, he revisits the four classic attachment styles— secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized —and breaks down their char...

Send a text In this insightful episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker , clinical psychologist Dr. Christopher Barker explores the psychology of attachment styles —a concept rooted in developmental and relationship psychology that's gained significant attention in recent years. Drawing on foundational research by Mary Ainsworth and Bowlby’s attachment theory, Dr. Barker breaks down the four main...

Send a text Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Barker explores the traits of psychopathy, sociopathy, and antisocial personality disorder —shedding light on what these terms really mean, how they manifest in everyday life, and the concept of the "functional psychopath." From empathy deficits to the challenges of living and working with...

Send a text Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this episode, Dr. Barker explores the idea that many mental health and behavioral conditions exist on spectrums —from autism and bipolar disorder to personality traits and relationship dynamics. He breaks down the characteristics of autism spectrum behaviors , bipolar type 1 and 2 , and even touches on gender identity , alte...

Send a text In this episode of Holding Space , Dr. Christopher Barker is joined by intern Julia Bellotti for an honest conversation about the differences between stress , anxiety , and panic attacks . Julia shares a personal story of navigating a panic attack while driving, and together, they discuss simple, effective techniques for managing overwhelming feelings—like deep breathing, grounding exe...

Send a text In this eye-opening episode of Holding Space , Dr. Christopher Barker explores the psychology of phobias—from how irrational fears are formed to how they can be effectively treated. With examples ranging from a child’s fear of John Wilkes Booth to the classic "Little Albert" experiment, Dr. Barker breaks down the behavioral roots of fear using real-life cases and foundational theories...

Send a text In this episode of Holding Space , Dr. Christopher Barker explores why trying to eliminate uncomfortable emotions like anxiety or depression may do more harm than good. Drawing on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and Zen philosophy, he invites listeners to reframe their relationship with feelings by embracing them instead of resisting them. With p...

Send a text Dr. Christopher Barker explores how trauma can be biologically passed through generations — and how embracing imperfection is key to healing. From stress hormones to attachment styles, this episode of Holding Space dives into how we’re shaped by the past, but not defined by it. Healing begins with understanding, acceptance, and honest conversation. Support the show Holding Space For Yo...

Send a text In this deeply insightful episode of Holding Space , Dr. Christopher Barker explores the often-misunderstood connection between trauma and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Dr. Barker unpacks how narcissism can develop as a defense mechanism when trauma fractures a person’s sense of identity — leading to a constructed image they will do anything to protect. From the myth of Narc...

Send a text In this episode of Holding Space , Dr. Barker explores the versatile world of integrative therapy for trauma, emphasizing that “one size doesn’t fit all.” Drawing on his psychodynamic roots in object relations, he explains how early caregiver bonds shape later relationships and why a broad therapeutic toolkit—CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing—is essential. Listeners...

Send a text In this episode of Holding Space , Dr. Barker explores the multifaceted nature of trauma, with a focus on complex trauma that often begins in childhood. He explains how repeated exposure to traumatic experiences—such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and other interpersonal stressors—can lead to long-term psychological effects, including severe PTSD, dissociation, and symptoms like...

Send a text In this episode, we explore different therapeutic approaches to trauma, focusing on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) —a widely recognized treatment for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other trauma-related disorders. We discuss how EMDR works, the science behind it, and why proper training is essential for therapists who practice it. Additionally, we introd...

Send a text In this episode of Do It , psychologist Christopher Barker introduces his new series, Holding Space . With over 15 years of experience in psychology and teaching, Christopher explores what it means to "hold space"—being fully present and supportive without judgment.  This first episode dives into the complex topic of trauma: what it is, how it impacts the mind and body, and why everyon...