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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 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Mental Health, Genetics, and the Meaning of “Normal” | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker
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 barkerholdingspace@gmail.com
Holding Space For You