Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Childhood trauma doesn't always disappear with time. Sometimes it quietly shapes our sleep, relationships, mental health, and even our physical well-being for decades.

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with physician and integrative healing practitioner Dr. Noushin Hart to discuss her extraordinary journey from surviving childhood sexual abuse and treatment-resistant depression to discovering hope after more than 30 years of searching for answers.

After conventional treatments—including psychotherapy, antidepressants, EMDR, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—failed to provide lasting relief, Dr. Hart began exploring integrative approaches that ultimately transformed her life.

Together they discuss:

• The hidden lifelong effects of childhood trauma
 • Complex PTSD, chronic insomnia, and treatment-resistant depression
 • Why healing isn't always linear
 • The connection between trauma, the nervous system, and physical illness
 • EMDR, MAP (Make Anything Possible), and other trauma healing approaches
 • Integrating traditional medicine with holistic healing
 • Why there is always hope, even after years of suffering

Whether you're a mental health professional, trauma survivor, caregiver, or simply someone trying to better understand the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences, this conversation offers compassion, curiosity, and a reminder that healing can take many different forms.

Guest: Dr. Noushin Hart

Business:
 Healing by Hart

Websites:
 https://healingbyhart.com
https://h2hcc.com

Interested in being a guest on Holding Space?

Email:
 [email protected]

How do trauma, family patterns, relationships, and modern technology shape who we become?

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with intuitive coach and spiritual counselor Laura Hoorweg for a thought-provoking conversation about trauma, authenticity, relationships, healing, and the growing loneliness epidemic. 

Together they explore:

✔ Intergenerational trauma and ancestral patterns
 ✔ Birth trauma, attachment, and subconscious experiences
 ✔ Healing relationship patterns without re-traumatization
 ✔ Emotional abuse, gaslighting, and reclaiming self-worth
 ✔ Why awareness is the first step toward healing
 ✔ Nature as a tool for nervous system regulation and recovery
 ✔ Social isolation, loneliness, and the post-COVID world
 ✔ The impact of social media on relationships and dating
 ✔ Why young adults struggle with connection today
 ✔ Chosen family, community, and creating meaningful relationships
 ✔ Finding your authentic self beneath societal expectations

Laura shares how wilderness, human connection, meditation, movement, and conscious awareness can become powerful pathways toward healing and self-discovery.

Guest: Laura Hoorweg

 Intuitive Coach | Spiritual Counselor

🌐 Website: spiritspeaks2.me
 📷 Instagram: @hoorweglaura
 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/laura.hoorweg
 👥 Community: facebook.com/groups/SpiritSpeaksToMe
 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurahoorweg
 🐦 X: @HoorwegLaura
 ▶️ YouTube: @laurahoorweg

Hosted by Dr. Christopher Barker, Clinical Psychologist.

For speaking engagements, university lectures, conferences, workshops, or media appearances:

📧 [email protected]
 🌐 www.drchristopherbarker.com

Subscribe to Holding Space for conversations about trauma, attachment, mental health, healing, relationships, resilience, and human connection.

Are we pursuing success because it truly matters to us—or because society tells us we should?

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with Tomide Akinola to explore the hidden costs of hustle culture, chronic high performance, burnout, and the pressure to monetize every aspect of our lives.

Together they discuss:

• Why high achievement can become emotionally exhausting
 • The relationship between agency, autonomy, and mental health
 • How productivity culture disconnects us from ourselves
 • Burnout prevention strategies for professionals, students, and creatives
 • The importance of rest, balance, and self-awareness
 • Nervous system regulation and reclaiming control over our attention
 • Social media, digital overwhelm, and living beyond the algorithm
 • Finding meaning outside of financial success

Tomide also introduces Reveal ( https://www.reviel.app/ ), a new app designed to help people reconnect with themselves, reduce digital overload, and cultivate healthier patterns of living.

If you've ever felt trapped in productivity culture, struggled with burnout, or wondered how to reclaim your sense of agency, this conversation is for you.

Guest: Tomide Akinola
Host: Dr. Christopher Barker, Clinical Psychologist

To inquire about Dr. Barker speaking at universities, conferences, organizations, or events:

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.drchristopherbarker.com

Subscribe to Holding Space for conversations on trauma, attachment, mental health, relationships, and the psychology of living well.

What happens after you escape abuse? How do you rebuild a life when trauma has shaped your nervous system, relationships, identity, and sense of safety?

In this deeply moving episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with Rosie Maloney, author of Girl Unbroken (HarperCollins, 2016), to explore survival, resilience, healing, and the power of small moments of connection.

Rosie shares her extraordinary journey through severe childhood abuse, foster care system failures, family separation, and bipolar disorder—and how she ultimately broke the cycle of trauma while raising three children in a safe and loving home.

Together they discuss:

• Childhood trauma and its lifelong impact
 • Foster care and systemic failures
 • Bipolar disorder, treatment, and recovery
 • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
 • Breaking intergenerational cycles of abuse
 • Why healing is not linear
 • The importance of being seen, believed, and validated
 • Trauma-informed communities and Children's Justice Centers
 • How small acts of kindness can become life preservers
 • Finding hope after surviving profound adversity

Rosie's message is simple yet powerful:

"Your past does not define your future."

Rosie is the author of Girl Unbroken and speaks to schools, professionals, and survivors about resilience, recovery, and creating lasting change. Follow her growing community on TikTok at @GirlUnbroke.

If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need hope today.

📚 Guest: Rosie Maloney
📖 Girl Unbroken (HarperCollins, 2016)
📱 TikTok: @GirlUnbroke

🎙 Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker

Dr. Christopher Barker is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and author helping people understand trauma, attachment, relationships, and emotional healing.

📧 Contact: [email protected]
🌐 Hire Dr. Barker for your next speaking engagement: www.drchristopherbarker.com

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with renowned psychologist, leadership consultant, author, TEDx speaker, and wellbeing expert Dr. Audrey Tang for an insightful conversation about leadership, confidence, resilience, workplace wellbeing, and the power of self-awareness.

Drawing from her work in organizational psychology, coaching, public speaking, and community wellbeing initiatives, Dr. Tang explains why many workplace wellbeing programs fail, how leaders can create psychologically safe environments, and why sustainable performance begins with confidence and agency—not perfection.

Together, they explore burnout, resilience, trauma-informed leadership, workplace culture, the dangers of over-identifying with diagnoses, social media's impact on mental health, and why self-awareness may be the single most important skill for personal and professional growth.

If you're a leader, therapist, coach, entrepreneur, HR professional, or someone seeking greater wellbeing and purpose, this conversation offers practical insights for creating healthier organizations and more meaningful lives.
______________________________________

About Dr. Audrey Tang

Dr. Audrey Tang is a psychologist, leadership consultant, wellbeing trainer, TEDx speaker, author, coach, media contributor, and host of the Mental Health Matters Podcast. Her work focuses on confidence, resilience, emotional wellbeing, leadership development, and helping individuals and organizations thrive.

TEDx Talk:
Appreciating Our Bodies Through Dance
https://youtu.be/ziykVr_AxDg?si=-cxIuU-2giGV2Z3a

Mental Health Matters Podcast & Media Channels:
https://mentalhealthmatters.buzzsprout.com
https://www.youtube.com/@WellbeingMediaStudio

Books by Dr. Audrey Tang
The Leader's Guide to Wellbeing (2023)
The Leader's Guide to Resilience (2020)
The Leader's Guide to Mindfulness (2018)
Be A Great Manager Now (2016)

*AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
______________________________________________

Connect with Holding Space

Website: www.drchristopherbarker.com

Interested in being a guest on the podcast or having Dr. Barker appear on your show?

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with leadership culture strategist, educator, and author Dr. Stephanie Duguid to explore the powerful connection between leadership, communication, workplace culture, and human well-being.

Drawing from decades of experience in education, organizational leadership, and workplace culture development, Dr. Duguid shares why effective leadership is not about titles, authority, or rigid policies—it is about communication, authenticity, and the ability to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Together, they discuss how communication shapes culture, why workplace stress and burnout often show up through behavior, and how leaders can strengthen trust through emotional intelligence, active listening, and authentic connection. Dr. Duguid explains why great leaders must learn to "wear their own shoes" rather than imitate others, how organizations can intentionally create healthy cultures, and why conflict should be approached with curiosity, grace, and respect rather than avoidance.

The conversation also explores trauma-informed communication, the hidden impact of workplace dynamics, the importance of psychological safety, and how small changes in language, body language, and environment can dramatically improve difficult conversations.

Whether you're a business leader, educator, entrepreneur, therapist, manager, or someone interested in creating healthier relationships and stronger teams, this episode offers practical insights for leading with purpose, compassion, and authenticity.

Topics Covered:

• Leadership communication
• Workplace culture and organizational health
• Psychological safety
• Authentic leadership
• Conflict resolution with grace
• Trauma-informed communication
• Burnout and workplace wellness
• Emotional intelligence
• Team dynamics and trust
• Creating culture on purpose

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Duguid:
www.drstephanieduguid.com

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Duguid:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstephanieduguid/

Check out her flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17HEqfv6D0EFTK8b_aEfH4XkMvU-i1sAa59w9l1gfDT0/edit?usp=sharing

Interested in being a guest on Holding Space or inviting Dr. Christopher Barker to speak or appear on your podcast?

Contact:
[email protected]

Learn more about Dr. Christopher Barker:
www.drchristopherbarker.com

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker talks with Dr. Michael Scarano—former physical therapy assistant, chiropractor, and medical doctor—about his powerful concept of “toxic perseverance.” Drawing on decades in healthcare, his own trauma history, and the loss of a close friend to suicide, Dr. Scarano explains how unprocessed trauma and the subconscious mind can quietly drive perfectionism, overworking, imposter syndrome, shame, and chronic emotional pain.

Together, they explore why so many “high-functioning” people are suffering underneath their success, how complex trauma, ADHD, and lifelong self-criticism can shape identity, and why men in particular struggle to face vulnerability. Dr. Scarano shares how his own breaking point led to a deep self-audit, new language for understanding his patterns, and his upcoming book and TEDx talk on toxic perseverance. Dr. Barker adds a psychodynamic and attachment-informed lens, highlighting the role of the subconscious, the mind–body connection, and what therapists can do to humanize the therapy room and build safer, more authentic relationships with clients.

This conversation is for anyone wondering why they “push through” at all costs, feel stuck in shame and overdrive, or sense that old trauma is still running the show. It’s especially relevant for clinicians, coaches, and helpers who want a more nuanced, human-centered way of thinking about trauma, mental health, and resilience.

Learn more about Dr. Michael Scarano:
TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/m_OO6sJ7-UM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-scarano-m-d-087b19139/
Website: https://www.michaelscaranollc.com/

Learn more about Dr. Christopher Barker and Holding Space:
Website: https://www.drchristopherbarker.com
Interested in being a guest? Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores how complex trauma shapes the way we experience uncertainty in relationships. Introducing the concept of “relational time,” he explains why small moments—like a delayed text or a shift in tone—can quickly feel like rejection, loss, or danger. Through a guided exercise, listeners learn how the nervous system predicts outcomes based on past experiences and how healing begins by staying present in moments that feel uncertain instead of rushing to conclusions.

This episode is a powerful resource for anyone interested in mental health, mental health awareness, trauma healing, attachment theory, anxiety, overthinking, emotional regulation, and relationship patterns. If you’ve ever felt your mind jump to the worst-case scenario, this conversation will help you understand why—and how to begin changing that pattern.

Learn more about Dr. Christopher Barker:

https://www.drchristopherbarker.com

Interested in being a guest? Email: [email protected]

Join Dr. Christopher Barker in conversation with Joanna Martin, MFT graduate student, executive functioning coach, and mental health content creator from Southern California. Joanna shares her transformative experience volunteering at the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference, where she connected with industry leaders like Lynn Lyons, Terry Real, and Elliott Connie.

Discover how systems thinking revolutionizes therapy practice, the reality of being a master's-level clinician, and practical insights on building an online community of therapists and students. Perfect for aspiring therapists, current grad students, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in relational work and family systems therapy. Learn about navigating clinical training, the power of affirmations in therapy, and how thinking systemically changes everything from client work to watching TV shows.

🎯 WANT DR. BARKER AS A GUEST SPEAKER OR INTERESTED IN BEING A GUEST?

Visit: drchristopherbarker.com
Email: [email protected]

Follow Our Guest Joanne Martin on TIK & Insta:

@lovingherbecoming

In this powerful episode, Dr. Christopher Barker explores what healing after trauma really looks like, especially for survivors of domestic violence during Mental Health Month. Listeners will learn how prolonged relational danger reshapes the nervous system, why trauma-informed care and trauma-focused mental health support are essential, and how tools like Victims Voice can help survivors safely document abuse and be heard. This conversation raises domestic violence awareness, reduces stigma around mental health, and offers validation, education, and hope for survivors, loved ones, and professionals committed to trauma-informed healing.

For speaking engagements, workshops, or to invite Dr. Barker as a guest speaker—or if you would like to be a guest on our show—reach out at:

[email protected]
Learn more at: www.drchristopherbarker.com