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Welcome to Holding Space with Dr. Barker—a podcast dedicated to fostering personal growth, emotional healing, and professional development. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Barker, a seasoned psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience, this podcast offers a thoughtful, compassionate space for meaningful conversations about mental health and psychotherapy.
Whether you're on your own path toward greater self-awareness and well-being, or you're a fellow therapist committed to deepening your clinical skills, you’ll find insightful discussions, evidence-based strategies, and expert guidance to support your journey.
Each week, Dr. Barker draws on his extensive training—including a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Radford University, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The New School for Social Research—to explore topics like trauma recovery, emotional regulation, therapeutic techniques, and the art of holding space for others.
Join us for educational series, interviews with leading voices in the field, and practical tools designed to inspire personal discovery and professional transformation.
This is your space for reflection, learning, and connection.
Welcome to Holding Space.
46 Episodes
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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 Teenage Brain. Dr. Barker discusses how Siegel’s research bridges neuroscience and human connection, explaining how ...
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 explains how learning never stops in psychology — and how connecting with top experts, attending workshops, ...
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 togetherness are vital to our mental and emotional wellness. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or spendin...
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 breaks down Dr. Real’s concepts of the wise adult, adaptive child, and wounded child, discussing how awarene...
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, and the pitfalls of getting “TikTok therapy.” He explores how disconnection is fueling a surge in anxiety and ...
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 control and resilience even in life’s darkest moments. This inspiring episode of Holding Space dives into how to...
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 his work in mental health counseling, addiction treatment, and co-occurring disorders, Dr. Morgen explains how in...
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 self. Through a live example with Gabby, Dr. Barker highlights why constant fighting isn’t the answer—but neith...
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 exercise illustrates what happens when you simply let go of the struggle and view the problem from a new angle. Dra...
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 joys. Honor loved ones you miss, adapt traditions as needed, and remember that Friendsgiving and chosen family ...
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. Sharing his personal journey with depression and anxiety, he discusses the “wounded healer” perspective and emphas...
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 references to research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology Applied. Dr. Barker discusses how words carr...
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. Dr. Barker explores: What gaslighting really looks and sounds like (and how it’s often disguised as “concern”)T...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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