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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
Trigger Warning: What Does “Triggered” Really Mean? The Power of Language in Mental Health
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In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist specializing in issues like narcissism, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum, kink awareness, and suicide prevention, dives deep into the concept of trigger warnings . He explores how the phrase trigger warning is used and often misunderstood, examining its psychological implications with references to research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology Applied. Dr. Barker discusses how words carry powerful emotional meanings rooted in individual and cultural experiences, sometimes leading to miscommunication or unintended emotional reactions. He contrasts trigger warning with safe space , explaining the subtle but significant effect each has on listeners, especially in therapeutic or academic settings. Dr. Barker emphasizes the importance of checking in with others about their language experiences, advocating for open dialogue and a thoughtful approach to words. The episode concludes with practical insights on improving communication and understanding emotional meaning, vital for both personal growth and effective psychotherapy.
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