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Holding Space with Dr. Barker
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
Holding Space with Dr. Barker
Latest Episodes
Complex Trauma at Work: Why Trauma Responses Are Misread as Weakness (And Exploited)
In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the hidden impact of Complex Trauma—and why behaviors shaped by trauma are so often misunderstood, especially in workplace environments.Complex trauma isn’...
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How Your Brain Shapes Personality & Trauma Responses | Holding Space On the Road
In this special Holding Space: On the Road episode, Dr. Christopher Barker shares insights from his training in attachment and personality pattern specialization, exploring how our brains shape who we are.Drawing on the work of ...
Complex Trauma at Work: How Survivors Get Exploited (And How to Take Your Power Back)
In this episode of Holding Space, New Jersey psychologist Dr. Christopher Barker breaks down how complex trauma shows up at work and why it’s so often mistaken for weakness instead of survival. He explains how trauma-shaped behaviors lik...
Beyond Celebration: Understanding Women’s Strength and Trauma | Holding Space Ep. 50
In this milestone 50th episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, Dr. Christopher Barker honors International Women’s Day by exploring the intersection of trauma, resilience, and the lived experience of women across cultures. Drawing fr...
How Complex Trauma Impacts Relationships - Holding Space With Dr. Barker
Complex trauma reshapes how the nervous system experiences safety, attachment, and intimacy. But what does that look like in adult relationships?In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Barker explores how chronic relational stress...