Holding Space with Dr. Barker

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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”)
• The personality types most likely to use gaslighting — including narcissistic and controlling individuals
• Signs you’re being gaslit — from constant self-doubt to walking on eggshells
• Steps to protect yourself, rebuild your confidence, and set healthy boundaries
• Why therapy and trusted outside perspectives are key to healing

This is one of the most powerful and relatable conversations yet — whether you’ve experienced gaslighting in a relationship, family, or workplace.

💬 Join the discussion: Have you ever questioned your own reality because of someone else’s words or actions? Share your story in the comments.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube.
📺 Subscribe to Holding Space for more conversations on mental health, relationships, and self-discovery with Dr. Christopher Barker.

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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 joy through sound and song.

Together, Dr. Barker and Jackie discuss:
 🎵 How hearing loss impacts identity and self-worth
 🧠 The mental health challenges tied to trauma, grief, and recovery
 💬 How early intervention and family support can transform outcomes
 💡 The power of perseverance and redefining purpose after life-altering change

Jackie’s story is an inspiring reminder that dreams don’t end when life changes — they evolve. Healing from trauma, rebuilding confidence, and finding new ways to serve others can help anyone rediscover their inner voice.

If you’re navigating your own journey of change, loss, or self-rediscovery — or if you’re a parent supporting a child with disabilities or hearing loss — this conversation will leave you inspired and empowered.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to help others find hope and healing through stories like Jackie’s.

If you are in need of assistance please check out these links:

https://soundstartbabies.org/

https://agbell.org/

https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/

https://www.nad.org/

https://www.handsandvoices.org/

hearing.org

https://www.asha.org

>> Don't forget to email us with questions or comments: [email protected]

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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 EMDR, he explains how revisiting painful memories can help rewrite limiting beliefs like “I’m worthless” or “I’m helpless,” allowing for renewal and transformation at any age.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why healing past trauma remains essential, no matter your age
• How trauma influences identity, confidence, and life decisions
• The process of reframing negative self-beliefs through therapy
• How EMDR helps unlock emotional resilience and self-compassion

Dr. Barker reminds us that mental health recovery is always possible — healing can begin today.

👉 If this message resonates, please like, subscribe, and explore previous episodes on trauma and emotional wellness.

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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 that fall outside of “average” aren’t necessarily abnormal or pathological.

Listeners will learn how mental health exists on a spectrum, why distress (not difference) defines pathology, and how being “different” can often mean being extraordinary. Dr. Barker emphasizes compassion, understanding, and the importance of seeking help — whether from a therapist, trusted friend, or loved one — rather than struggling in silence.

This conversation invites you to reframe your self-view: you are normal enough, human enough, and worthy of being understood.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I normal?”, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful answer that might just change the way you see yourself and others.

💬 Connect with Dr. Christopher Barker:
📧 [email protected]

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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 changed over time, questioning whether the rise in diagnoses reflects increased awareness or potential overdiagnosis. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in research, the influence of epigenetics, and the need for careful, ethical diagnosis.

Finally, he challenges the listener to rethink what “normal” really means—reminding us that normalcy is statistical, not moral or absolute—and how society’s definition of normal shifts over time, especially in the context of mental health.

Join Dr. Barker as he “holds space” for open, thoughtful dialogue about autism, neurodiversity, and mental wellness.
For questions or comments, email [email protected]

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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 expressions). They also explore EMDR—from “spaghetti bowl” memory networks to practical tools like tappers—plus co-regulation, boundaries, and why creative hobbies and simple rituals can help clinicians reset after heavy days. Expect honest stories, useful metaphors, and reassuring reminders that effective therapy starts with a genuine relationship, not perfection.

Guests: Haley & Chloe — IG: @therapy.on.demand
Host contact: Dr. Christopher Barker — [email protected]

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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 be part of healthy relationships, while also addressing when behaviors cross into harmful or addictive patterns.

Listeners will gain insight into why kink-aware professionals matter, how they provide judgment-free support, and why society often misunderstands these topics. This episode balances education, compassion, and real-world examples—helping reduce stigma while creating space for open conversation.

👉 If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future topics, please email Dr. Barker at [email protected]

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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 thoughts, checking for plans, access to lethal means, substance use, and prior attempts), and how to evaluate lethality. He covers safety planning strategies you can use right away — listing three people to call, restricting access to firearms/medication, writing down crisis numbers and hospital contacts, and creating a visible safety plan.

Dr. Barker emphasizes connection, reducing stigma, and following up (referrals and therapy). He names resources to include on safety plans, such as 988 (suicide & crisis lifeline) and calling 911 in emergencies. If you need local treatment options, Dr. Barker mentions Discovery Psychotherapy Center (973-796-3760).

If you have questions, topic suggestions, or want to share something privately, email Dr. Barker at [email protected]

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In this episode of Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker, Dr. Barker sits down with Josh (“Therapy with Josh”), an accredited CBT therapist from Essex, UK, trained in EMDR and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Together they unpack the real differences between anxiety and OCD, why OCD isn’t just “an anxiety disorder,” and how emotions like shame, guilt, disgust, and embarrassment can fuel the OCD cycle.

Josh shares how he treats OCD by targeting the “D”—the disorder—and explains why compulsions create more doubt. You’ll hear practical examples (like checking while driving), clear markers for when everyday quirks tip into disorder, and how defusion (e.g., “I’m noticing I’m having the thought that…”) helps people unhook from intrusive thoughts.

👉 Please LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT, and email Dr. Barker with questions, topic ideas, or to be a guest!

Guest

• Josh — Therapy with Josh, Essex, UK
• Instagram: @therapywith_Josh
• TikTok: @therapywithjosh

#OCD #Anxiety #EMDR #ACT #CBT #MentalHealth #IntrusiveThoughts #Compulsions #Grounding #Breathwork #SelfCompassion #CFT #DBT #TherapyPodcast #HoldingSpace

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In this episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, we dive into the fascinating world of the Mandela Effect — why so many people remember events, quotes, and facts incorrectly. From Darth Vader’s famous line to “Mirror, mirror on the wall,” we explore how false memories spread, why they stick, and what they reveal about the way our minds and belief systems work.

Dr. Barker unpacks the psychology behind memory errors, memes, and confirmation bias, showing how our brains often bend reality to fit our expectations. What starts with pop culture mix-ups has deep implications for how we view politics, relationships, and even ourselves.

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