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 often recognize patterns that clients aren’t ready to hear
• The emotional and psychological toll of watching clients repeat painful cycles
• Why lasting change only happens when you’re ready, not just when someone warns you
• The connection to complex PTSD, relationship trauma, and unhealed emotional patterns
• Why intermittent reinforcement keeps us stuck in unhealthy dynamics

Dr. Barker doesn’t just speak to therapists—he speaks to anyone who’s ever seen the writing on the wall and felt powerless to change the outcome.

🧠 If you’ve ever wondered why you keep repeating certain relationship patterns, or why people don’t change even when they “know better”—this episode will resonate deeply.

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