Welcome to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this episode, Dr. Barker dives deep into a classic and still-relevant psychological concept: Transactional Analysis—and why understanding it might be the key to healthier, more productive relationships.

With over 25 years of experience as a psychologist, Dr. Barker unpacks how we subconsciously shift between three ego states—Parent, Adult, and Child—in nearly every interaction we have, especially in romantic or emotionally charged relationships.

You’ll learn:

• What Transactional Analysis is and why it still matters
• The difference between the Parent, Adult, and Child ego states
• How these states show up in arguments, communication breakdowns, and emotional triggers
• Why emotionally immature parenting can lead to emotional stuckness in adulthood
• How to break the cycle and move toward Adult-to-Adult communication
• How this theory overlaps with concepts like inner child work, DBT, and emotional regulation

💬 Ever feel like you're having the same argument over and over again?
💬 Are you trying to be rational, but your partner is reacting emotionally—or vice versa?
This episode gives you the psychological framework to understand why, and how to shift the dynamic.

📩 Got a question or topic suggestion? Drop a comment or send an email—Dr. Barker welcomes your input for future episodes.

BarkerHoldingSpace@gmail.com

✅ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode helped you understand yourself or your relationships a little better.

Support the show

Holding Space For You

Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this powerful and introspective episode, Dr. Barker explores a unique psychological concept he calls “The Cassandra Dilemma.”

Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Barker shares what he believes is the hardest part of being a therapist—not burnout or long hours—but watching people walk down a painful path you already see coming… and not being able to stop it.

Inspired by the myth of Cassandra—the woman cursed to see the future but never be believed—this episode unpacks:

• How therapists often recognize patterns that clients aren’t ready to hear
• The emotional and psychological toll of watching clients repeat painful cycles
• Why lasting change only happens when you’re ready, not just when someone warns you
• The connection to complex PTSD, relationship trauma, and unhealed emotional patterns
• Why intermittent reinforcement keeps us stuck in unhealthy dynamics

Dr. Barker doesn’t just speak to therapists—he speaks to anyone who’s ever seen the writing on the wall and felt powerless to change the outcome.

🧠 If you’ve ever wondered why you keep repeating certain relationship patterns, or why people don’t change even when they “know better”—this episode will resonate deeply.

📩 Got questions or thoughts? Drop a comment or reach out: BarkerHoldingSpace@gmail.com

✅ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode moved you.

Thank you for holding space with me.

Support the show

Holding Space For You

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the growing use of artificial intelligence in therapeutic settings—and the serious ethical, emotional, and psychological implications that come with it. Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicide, reality distortion, and emotional manipulation.

Dr. Barker critically examines real-life cases where AI-based chatbot companions and AI therapy apps have led to dangerous outcomes, including suicide and delusional thinking. He challenges the idea that AI can replace the human connection, empathy, and shared vulnerability that real therapy provides. Drawing from personal experiences and client stories, Dr. Barker makes a passionate case for why AI cannot replicate the healing power of a genuine therapeutic relationship.

He also touches on the limitations of AI's understanding of reality, how easily it can blur the line between fiction and truth, and why critical thinking and emotional resonance remain uniquely human strengths. With compassion and clarity, Dr. Barker reminds us that while technology can support mental wellness, it must never replace the nuanced, deeply human connection found in therapy.

Support the show

Holding Space For You

In this insightful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker welcomes therapist and former student Irene Sullivan to explore how conflicting attachment styles—especially anxious and avoidant patterns—can disrupt connection in relationships. Together, they discuss the emotional dance between co-regulators and self-regulators, the power of clear communication, and how vulnerability, validation, and presence are essential for relational healing.

Irene and Dr. Barker also touch on parenting through an attachment lens, the difference between guilt and shame, and how to build resilience through emotional awareness and self-compassion. A core takeaway? It's okay to be you—and to ask for what you need.

#AttachmentStyles #RelationshipAdvice #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalResilience #CommunicationSkills #TherapyTalk #HoldingSpacePodcast

Support the show

Holding Space For You

Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker! In this episode, Dr. Barker deepens our exploration of attachment styles—those foundational behavioral patterns that shape the way we connect, love, and relate to others. Building on the previous discussion, he revisits the four classic attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and breaks down their characteristics and origins in early childhood experiences.

Dr. Barker explains how caregivers’ responsiveness influences these styles and how they manifest in adult relationships. He emphasizes the push-pull dynamic between anxious and avoidant partners, the confusion that arises with disorganized styles, and how secure attachments can stabilize otherwise difficult dynamics.

With warmth and clarity, Dr. Barker highlights the transformative power of understanding yourself and your relational patterns. Whether you’re navigating your own emotional landscape or supporting a partner, this episode offers grounding, guidance, and hope for healthier, more connected relationships.

👉 Stay tuned for the next episode, where Dr. Barker will be joined by a fellow therapist to explore real-world clinical cases and deeper therapeutic strategies.

#AttachmentStyles #MentalHealthPodcast #SecureAttachment

Support the show

Holding Space For You

In this insightful episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, clinical psychologist Dr. Christopher Barker explores the psychology of attachment styles—a concept rooted in developmental and relationship psychology that's gained significant attention in recent years. Drawing on foundational research by Mary Ainsworth and Bowlby’s attachment theory, Dr. Barker breaks down the four main attachment styles: secure, avoidant, anxious (ambivalent), and disorganized.

This episode takes a deep dive into the origins of attachment styles in early childhood and their impact on adult relationships, emotional availability, intimacy, and relational conflict. Dr. Barker focuses on secure attachment, explaining how it develops, what it looks like in adult partnerships, and why it's essential for building healthy, trusting, and dependable relationships.

You'll also hear about how mismatched attachment styles—like when a securely attached person is in a relationship with someone who is anxious or avoidant—can lead to communication issues, emotional withdrawal, and trust concerns. Dr. Barker provides nuanced reflections and introduces ideas that will be explored further in future episodes.

Whether you're looking to improve your relationship dynamics, better understand your own attachment style, or simply grow in emotional intelligence, this episode is packed with psychological insight and practical takeaways.

Support the show

Holding Space For You

Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Barker explores the traits of psychopathy, sociopathy, and antisocial personality disorder—shedding light on what these terms really mean, how they manifest in everyday life, and the concept of the "functional psychopath."

From empathy deficits to the challenges of living and working with individuals who exhibit these behaviors, Dr. Barker breaks down complex psychological concepts into real-world understanding. Are all psychopaths criminals, or are some just highly successful professionals?

Tune in for an honest, educational conversation—and don’t forget to send in your questions!

Support the show

Holding Space For You

Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this episode, Dr. Barker explores the idea that many mental health and behavioral conditions exist on spectrums—from autism and bipolar disorder to personality traits and relationship dynamics.
He breaks down the characteristics of autism spectrum behaviors, bipolar type 1 and 2, and even touches on gender identity, alternative lifestyles, and how these spectrums influence therapy and personal growth.
Dr. Barker invites you to think critically, reflect on your own perspectives, and join the conversation. Email your thoughts and questions—let’s hold space together.

Support the show

Holding Space For You