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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
Finding Harmony After Trauma: Jackie Briggs’ Journey Through Hearing Loss, Healing, and Hope
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this powerful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker welcomes Jackie Briggs, a professional singer whose life changed forever after a devastating car accident left her deaf in one ear.
Jackie opens up about her journey through trauma, healing, and rediscovering her mental health after loss. Despite doctors advising her to give up her dream of music, Jackie persevered — earning two master’s degrees and dedicating her life to helping children with hearing loss find connection and joy through sound and song.
Together, Dr. Barker and Jackie discuss:
🎵 How hearing loss impacts identity and self-worth
🧠 The mental health challenges tied to trauma, grief, and recovery
💬 How early intervention and family support can transform outcomes
💡 The power of perseverance and redefining purpose after life-altering change
Jackie’s story is an inspiring reminder that dreams don’t end when life changes — they evolve. Healing from trauma, rebuilding confidence, and finding new ways to serve others can help anyone rediscover their inner voice.
If you’re navigating your own journey of change, loss, or self-rediscovery — or if you’re a parent supporting a child with disabilities or hearing loss — this conversation will leave you inspired and empowered.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to help others find hope and healing through stories like Jackie’s.
If you are in need of assistance please check out these links:
https://soundstartbabies.org/
https://agbell.org/
https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/eis/
https://www.nad.org/
https://www.handsandvoices.org/
hearing.org
https://www.asha.org
>> Don't forget to email us with questions or comments: BarkerHoldingSpace@gmail.com
Holding Space For You