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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
Finding Harmony After Trauma: Jackie Briggs’ Journey Through Hearing Loss, Healing, and Hope
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