Holding Space with Dr. Barker

Dr. Christopher Barker
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health

Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker is a psychology podcast focused on how unresolved complex trauma shapes daily life — from childhood through adulthood. Complex trauma isn’t only about major events. It develops through chronic stress, attachment wounds, emotional neglect, and relational instability. Over time, these survival adaptations can show up as ADHD-like symptoms in children, emotional dysregulation, workplace conflict, burnout, leadership struggles, relationship challenges, and intergenerational family patterns. Through the lens of EMDR therapy, attachment theory, neuroscience, and trauma-informed care, Dr. Barker explains how the nervous system learns to survive — and how healing becomes possible. Each episode offers research-based insight and practical tools for regulating triggers, improving relationships, and moving from survival mode to intentional living. Understanding your story is the beginning. Healing transforms how you live it. Welcome to Holding Space. https://substack.com/@christopherbarkerphd

  1. Leadership, Wellbeing & Self-Awareness: Dr. Audrey Tang on Confidence, Burnout Prevention, and Building Psychologically Safe Workplaces

    6d ago

    Leadership, Wellbeing & Self-Awareness: Dr. Audrey Tang on Confidence, Burnout Prevention, and Building Psychologically Safe Workplaces

    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 Dancehttps://youtu.be/ziykVr_AxDg?si=-cxIuU-2giGV2Z3a Mental Health Matters Podcast & Media Channels:https://mentalhealthmatters.buzzsprout.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@WellbeingMediaStudio Books by Dr. Audrey TangThe 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: info@drchristopherbarker.com

    35 min
  2. Leadership Impact: How Great Leaders Create Culture, Build Trust, and Resolve Conflict with Dr. Stephanie Duguid

    Jun 16

    Leadership Impact: How Great Leaders Create Culture, Build Trust, and Resolve Conflict with Dr. Stephanie Duguid

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

    27 min
  3. Toxic Perseverance: How Unhealed Trauma Drives Our Lives | Michael Scarano

    Jun 9

    Toxic Perseverance: How Unhealed Trauma Drives Our Lives | Michael Scarano

    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-UMLinkedIn: 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.comInterested in being a guest? Email: info@drchristopherbarker.com

    27 min

  4. Jun 2

    Relational Time, Complex Trauma, and the Fear of What Comes Next

    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: info@drchristopherbarker.com

    13 min

  5. May 26

    Systems Thinking in Therapy: A Graduate Student's Journey with Joanna Martin | Holding Space Podcast

    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.comEmail: info@drchristopherbarker.com Follow Our Guest Joanne Martin on TIK & Insta: @lovingherbecoming

    21 min

  6. May 19

    Healing After Trauma: Mental Health & Domestic Violence Awareness

    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: info@drchristopherbarker.comLearn more at: www.drchristopherbarker.com

    14 min

  7. May 12

    Healing From Toxic Workplaces & Emotional Abuse: with Trauma Counselor Aretha Kruger

    In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker talks with trauma counselor and toxic workplace specialist Aretha Kruger, founder of Me But Better Counseling in South Africa. Aretha shares how emotional and psychological abuse at work often spills into our home lives, why you’re not “crazy” for feeling confused or doubting yourself, and how to spot the red flags of a toxic culture. She offers practical tools like documentation (“cover your ass files”), boundary-setting, and quick WhatsApp voice-note support to help you protect your mental health and start rebuilding self-trust. Guest links: Website: www.mebutbettercounseling.co.zaFree guide: 5 Signs You’re Being Emotionally Manipulated – https://arethacounselor.gumroad.com/l/btjqxLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aretha-kruger-5a47b03abEmail: aretha@mebutbettercounseling.co.za

    27 min

  8. May 5

    How Complex Trauma Fuels Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships

    In this solo episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker unpacks how complex trauma and narcissistic abuse intersect in intimate relationships. He explains why survivors with histories of chronic, relational trauma often find the chaos of a narcissistic partner strangely familiar, and how adaptations like hypervigilance, self-blame, and a high tolerance for emotional volatility get exploited—not because survivors are “weak,” but because they were conditioned to survive instability. Dr. Barker breaks down tactics like gaslighting, emotional whiplash, and weaponized vulnerability, and why survivors can start to look like “the unstable one” from the outside even as they are being systematically destabilized. He closes with practical strategies for reclaiming clarity and power—naming the pattern, rebuilding internal reality, regulating the nervous system, reconnecting with safe people, and using boundaries as tools of clarity, not punishment—so that listeners can move toward relationships where their nervous system can finally rest. If you would like to inquire about Dr. Barker being a guest speaker or guest on your podcast please go to: www.drchristopherbarker.com

    14 min
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About

Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker is a psychology podcast focused on how unresolved complex trauma shapes daily life — from childhood through adulthood. Complex trauma isn’t only about major events. It develops through chronic stress, attachment wounds, emotional neglect, and relational instability. Over time, these survival adaptations can show up as ADHD-like symptoms in children, emotional dysregulation, workplace conflict, burnout, leadership struggles, relationship challenges, and intergenerational family patterns. Through the lens of EMDR therapy, attachment theory, neuroscience, and trauma-informed care, Dr. Barker explains how the nervous system learns to survive — and how healing becomes possible. Each episode offers research-based insight and practical tools for regulating triggers, improving relationships, and moving from survival mode to intentional living. Understanding your story is the beginning. Healing transforms how you live it. Welcome to Holding Space. https://substack.com/@christopherbarkerphd

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Christopher Barker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Christopher Barker
  • Show Website
    Holding Space with Dr. Barker