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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
Love, Balance, and the Inner Child: Dr. Barker Explores Relational Life Therapy at the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference (Part 2)
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Holding Space with Dr. Barker continues on the road from Anaheim, California, at the 40th Annual Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference. In this second installment, Dr. Christopher Barker shares key insights from renowned therapist Dr. Terry Real, creator of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) — a transformative approach that brings truth, love, and balance back into relationships.
Dr. Barker breaks down Dr. Real’s concepts of the wise adult, adaptive child, and wounded child, discussing how awareness of these parts can heal emotional wounds and improve communication with empathy instead of anger. He also reflects on powerful takeaways from speakers like Dr. Daniel Amen on brain health and Martin Seligman on positive psychology, all pointing toward a hopeful future in mental well-being.
Listeners are invited to explore how vulnerability, equality, and emotional honesty strengthen relationships and personal growth.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts — and reach out directly to Dr. Barker at BarkerHoldingSpace@gmail.com with topics you’d love to hear next.
Holding Space For You