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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
Letting Go Without Giving In: Mental Health, Depression, and Anxiety
In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker revisits his powerful “tug-of-war with depression and anxiety” illustration to unpack what happens when mental health struggles start to pull you in. Using a vivid “pit” metaphor, he shows how some people stop resisting and emotionally throw themselves into their depression or anxiety, losing sight of their values and sense of self. Through a live example with Gabby, Dr. Barker highlights why constant fighting isn’t the answer—but neither is total surrender—and explains how to acknowledge difficult feelings without letting them completely take over your life. This short, reflective episode is perfect for anyone working on their mental health, wanting to feel less overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, and hoping to reconnect with what is truly important instead of getting stuck in endless struggle.
Email Us: BarkerHoldingSpace@gmail.com
Holding Space For You