Holding Space with Dr. Barker

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 behavior...

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 in...

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-behaviora...

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 discus...

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 ...

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 epis...

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 m...

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...

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 ...

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. ...