Holding Space with Dr. Barker
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 U...
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 relationships.
You’ll learn:
What Transactional Analysis is and why it still mattersThe difference between...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 see the future but never be believed—this episode unpacks:
How therapists...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, including suicide and delusional thinking. He challenges the idea that AI can replace the human connection, empathy, and shared vulnerability that real therapy provides. Drawing from pe...
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 parenting through an attachment lens, the difference between guilt and shame, and how to build resilience through emot...
Roots of Attachment Style Theory
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 characteristics and origins in early childhood experiences.
Dr. Barker explains how caregivers’ responsiveness influences these styles and how they manifest in adult relationships. He emphasizes the push-pull dynamic between anxious and avoidant partners, the confusion that arises with dis...
Understanding Attachment Styles: Secure, Anxious, Avoidant & Disorganized | Holding Space with Dr. Barker
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 attachment styles: secure, avoidant, anxious (ambivalent), and disorganized.
This episode takes a deep dive into the origins of attachment styles in early childhood and their impact on adult relationships, emotional availability, intimacy, and...
Understanding Psychopathy, Sociopathy, and Functional Psychopaths | Holding Space Podcast
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 individuals who exhibit these behaviors, Dr. Barker breaks down complex psychological concepts into real-world understanding. Are all psychopaths criminals, or are some just highly successful professionals?
Tune in for an ho...
Are We All on a Spectrum? Understanding Autism, Bipolar, and Beyond | Holding Space Podcast
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, alternative lifestyles, and how these spectrums influence therapy and personal growth.
Dr. Barker invites you to think critically, reflect on your own perspectives, and join the conversation. Email yo...
Stress vs. Anxiety: Knowing the Difference & Calming the Storm
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 exercises, reframing thoughts, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. Whether you’re facing daily stressors or intense moments of anxiety, this episode provides helpful insights to better understand and cope with these emotional challenges.
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From White Rats to Real Life: Understanding Phobias and How to Unlearn Fear
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 from classical conditioning. He discusses generalization, reinforcement, and exposure therapy as essential tools in unlearning fear, and even draws connections to complex human behavior patterns in toxic relationships.
Whether you...
Embracing the Feeling: Mindfulness, Values & Acceptance
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 personal stories, practical metaphors (yes, even tigers and strawberries), and reflections on values, Dr. Barker offers tools to help you live with more honesty, integrity, and presence—even in the face of emotional discomfort.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, curious about AC...
Epigenetic's, Trauma, and Learning to Accept Yourself
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.
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Holding Space For You
Trauma-Induced Narcissism: The Mask, The Mirror, and the Wound
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 Narcissus to modern psychological theories, this episode dives into the emotional complexity behind narcissistic behaviors, including rage, control, gaslighting, and trauma bonding.
He also discusses the challenges of engaging narcissistic individuals in therapy, the toll these relationships take on t...
Tailoring Trauma Healing: The Power of Integrative Therapy
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 will learn how integrative therapy honors the mind‑body connection, addresses stored trauma in physical sensations, and leverages a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and empathy. Dr. Barker illustrates how cognitive restructuring combats distortions like “always/never” thinking, how mindfulness practices (even...
Navigating Complex Trauma: Understanding Dissociation, PTSD, and the Journey to Healing
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 derealization and depersonalization. Dr. Barker discusses how these experiences can leave individuals feeling disconnected from their bodies and emotions, often manifesting in a range of responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. He also touches on how these trauma responses can affect brain deve...
Understanding Trauma Therapy: EMDR, Internal Family Systems & DBT
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 introduce Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic model that helps individuals understand their inner world by recognizing different parts of the self, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a technique originally developed for borderline personality disorder...
Welcome To Holding Space: Intro To Trauma
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 everyone's experience of trauma is valid. Christopher discusses acute and chronic trauma, the brain’s response, common symptoms, and the importance of acknowledgment in healing. He also introduces EMDR therapy and highlights the need for supportive envir...
