Holding Space with Dr. Barker

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 [email protected] with topics you’d love to hear next.Support the showHolding Space For You

Dr. Christopher Barker takes Holding Space on the road to Anaheim, California for the 40th Anniversary of the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference — the largest gathering of mental health professionals in the world. In this special on-site episode, Dr. Barker shares insights from dynamic speaker Lynn Lyons, highlighting key discussions on adolescent mental health, social connection, and the pitfalls of getting “TikTok therapy.”He explores how disconnection is fueling a surge in anxiety and depression, referencing expert Michael Yapko’s ideas on how depression can spread through social networks — and how human connection, empathy, and feedback are essential in countering it. Dr. Barker’s passion for psychology and lifelong learning shines through as he sets the stage for deeper upcoming episodes from the conference floor.Listeners are encouraged to like, subscribe, and share to help grow the Holding Space with Dr. Barker community. Dr. Barker also invites listeners to send topic suggestions or questions to [email protected] tuned for Part 2 from Anaheim — featuring more firsthand insights, trending mental health topics like borderline personality disorder, and Dr. Barker’s interactive whiteboard sessions coming soon!Support the showHolding Space For You

During the stressful holiday season, psychologist Dr. Christopher Barker explores the timeless wisdom of Viktor Frankl and his groundbreaking theory of logotherapy, which teaches that meaning—not pleasure or power—is our core human drive. Drawing from Frankl’s experiences surviving concentration camps, Dr. Barker breaks down how purpose, attitude, and connection can help us reclaim control and resilience even in life’s darkest moments.This inspiring episode of Holding Space dives into how to apply Frankl’s philosophy to modern therapy, emotional wellness, and everyday challenges—especially for those facing depression, anxiety, or burnout as the year ends.If you’re struggling to find peace and purpose amid stress or grief, this episode offers insight, compassion, and practical guidance for rediscovering meaning in the middle of suffering.Got Questions? Email Us: [email protected]#ViktorFrankl #Logotherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #DrChristopherBarker #HolidayStress #FindingMeaning #PsychologyPodcast #HoldingSpace #Mindfulness #DepressionHelp #AnxietyRelief #PurposeDrivenLife #TherapyTalks #Resilience #EmotionalWellnessSupport the showHolding Space For You

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with mental health expert and author Dr. Keith Morgen to explore the powerful connection between hope, resiliency, and mental health recovery. Dr. Morgen discusses why true healing requires shifting from “recovery from” past trauma or addiction to “recovery toward” meaning, purpose, and a new identity.Drawing from his work in mental health counseling, addiction treatment, and co-occurring disorders, Dr. Morgen explains how individuals often rely on substances or maladaptive behaviors to escape emotional pain—behaviors that ultimately weaken (“atrophy”) their natural coping abilities. Effective therapy, he argues, requires building hope as the foundation for resiliency, allowing clients to face discomfort, rewrite old narratives, and develop healthier ways to coexist with challenges rather than avoid them.Dr. Barker and Dr. Morgen discuss the myth of instant change (“the magic wand”), why progress in mental health is nonlinear, and how learning to tolerate discomfort is essential for long-term stability. They connect these themes to existential psychology, addiction recovery models like the 12 steps, and the vital role of meaning-making in mental health. The episode closes with Dr. Morgen’s work as a professor, researcher, and author on addiction and trauma—offering listeners deep insight into how hope fuels growth in all areas of mental health.>>>EMAIL US: [email protected] the showHolding Space For You

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: [email protected] the showHolding Space For You