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Holding Space with Dr. Barker
Welcome to Holding Space with Dr. Barker—a podcast dedicated to fostering personal growth, emotional healing, and professional development. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Barker, a seasoned psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience, this podcast offers a thoughtful, compassionate space for meaningful conversations about mental health and psychotherapy.
Whether you're on your own path toward greater self-awareness and well-being, or you're a fellow therapist committed to deepening your clinical skills, you’ll find insightful discussions, evidence-based strategies, and expert guidance to support your journey.
Each week, Dr. Barker draws on his extensive training—including a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Radford University, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The New School for Social Research—to explore topics like trauma recovery, emotional regulation, therapeutic techniques, and the art of holding space for others.
Join us for educational series, interviews with leading voices in the field, and practical tools designed to inspire personal discovery and professional transformation.
This is your space for reflection, learning, and connection.
Welcome to Holding Space.
Holding Space with Dr. Barker
Bipolar II vs Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): What’s the Difference? | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker
In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker answers a listener’s question that many people wonder: What’s the difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? While the two are often confused—especially Bipolar II and BPD—they are distinct diagnoses with different origins, symptoms, and treatments.
Dr. Barker breaks down the clinical criteria for Bipolar II Disorder, including hypomania, depressive episodes, and fluctuating energy levels. He then contrasts it with Borderline Personality Disorder, exploring symptoms such as unstable relationships, identity disturbance, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and chronic feelings of emptiness.
Throughout this thoughtful discussion, Dr. Barker emphasizes the importance of not pathologizing normal emotions, avoiding casual misuse of diagnostic labels, and understanding that mental illness exists on a spectrum. He also speaks to the nuance of diagnosis, the impact of early trauma, and the controversial age limits for identifying personality disorders.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating questions about mood instability, emotional regulation, or trying to better understand themselves or a loved one.
📌 Dr. Barker also previews future episodes on self-harm, dissociation, emotional trauma, and therapy resistance in personality disorders.
🎧 Like, comment, and subscribe to join the ongoing conversation—and keep holding space for healing and understanding.
Holding Space For You