In this insightful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a licensed clinical psychologist in New Jersey, explores one of the most common and misunderstood questions in mental health: “What is normal?”

Dr. Barker dives into how psychologists define “normal” not as a judgment of worth, but as a statistical and contextual concept — something that changes depending on culture, population, and circumstance. Using the classic bell curve as a guide, he explains how behaviors and emotions that fall outside of “average” aren’t necessarily abnormal or pathological.

Listeners will learn how mental health exists on a spectrum, why distress (not difference) defines pathology, and how being “different” can often mean being extraordinary. Dr. Barker emphasizes compassion, understanding, and the importance of seeking help — whether from a therapist, trusted friend, or loved one — rather than struggling in silence.

This conversation invites you to reframe your self-view: you are normal enough, human enough, and worthy of being understood.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I normal?”, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful answer that might just change the way you see yourself and others.

💬 Connect with Dr. Christopher Barker:
📧 [email protected]

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