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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
Understanding Kinks, Paraphilias, and Kink-Aware Therapy | Holding Space Podcast with Dr. Christopher Barker
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 barkerholdingspace@gmail.com
Holding Space For You