Cocktail Therapy

By: Michael Ashenfelter LPC-S & Michael Leach PhD
  • Summary

  • Cocktail Therapy is a refreshing blend of humor, depth, and practical advice as two experienced therapists explore the intricacies of relationships, attachment theory, and pop culture over crafted cocktails.


    Each episode unpacks attachment theory in a fun, relatable way—mixing expert insights with pop culture references to make complex psychology accessible. Through lively conversations, real-life case studies, and actionable advice, Cocktail Therapy helps listeners deepen their understanding of relationships and personal growth.


    Whether you’re a therapist, a psychology enthusiast, or just curious about what makes relationships tick, grab a drink and join us as we shake up the worlds of mixology, attachment science, and pop culture. Cheers!

    © 2025 Cocktail Therapy
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Episodes
  • Breaking Points & The Weight of Attachment | The Bear S02E10 Friends & Family
    Mar 24 2025

    What happens when attachment wounds collide with high-pressure moments?

    In this season finale of The Bear, we witness emotional regulation unravel, collaboration falter, and deep-seated insecurities emerge—all in the chaos of opening night. As tensions peak, attachment wounds become glaringly visible, showing how stress pushes even the most secure relationships to their limits.

    We discuss:

    • Carmi’s downward spiral – fear, self-sabotage, and echoes of his mother’s disorganized attachment
    • Sydney’s growth – stepping into leadership while battling her own insecurities
    • Richie’s transformation – from chaos to collaboration, and the cracks that still remain
    • Tina’s steady presence – a rare moment of emotional grounding in the storm
    • The heartbreak of Donna’s absence – how disorganized attachment manifests in cycles of self-isolation and perceived unworthiness

    This episode asks: How do we slow down, regulate, and repair when stress triggers old patterns? The season ends with ruptures, but also glimpses of earned security, resilience, and the power of repair.

    Pour a glass of something fancy 🍷 and join us as we break down the attachment wounds and breakthroughs in this explosive season finale. 🎧

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    51 mins
  • Collaboration, Vulnerability, and Grief | The Bear S02E09 Omelette
    Mar 10 2025

    What does it take to truly collaborate and trust others?

    In this episode, we dive into the complex dynamics of collaboration, dismissive avoidant attachment, and grief. As tensions rise before the grand opening of The Bear, characters wrestle with competing responsibilities, unspoken fears, and their capacity to lean on others. The episode’s namesake—an omelet—becomes a symbol of care and creativity under pressure.

    We discuss:

    • Carmi's struggle with vulnerability – the weight of divided attention and fear of failure
    • Sydney’s journey – battling her insecurities while rediscovering her capacity to nurture others
    • The importance of collaboration – how offering and receiving care builds attachment security
    • Grieving as a community – Marcus's meaningful dessert tribute and the role of connection in grief
    • Richie’s earned security – honoring others and embracing his place in the family circle

    This episode emphasizes that security isn’t built alone—it takes a community, repeated moments of attunement, and the courage to engage with vulnerability. Through ordinary acts like making an omelet or sharing a laugh, characters begin to reshape their understanding of their roles and their relationships.

    Pour yourself a French 75, sit back, and join us as we break down the art of collaboration and emotional repair in The Bear. 🍋🍾🎧

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    50 mins
  • Bearing Good Fruit & Repairing Relationships | The Bear S02E08 Bolognese
    Feb 24 2025

    In this episode, we explore growth, healing, and relational repair as characters in The Bear begin to embody security and repair past ruptures. Just like a good bolognese sauce, deep relationships take time, patience, and care to develop. We see key characters stepping into earned security, embracing self-respect, and making meaningful apologies.

    We discuss:

    • Ibra & Tina’s reunion – a playful yet powerful moment of repair
    • Richie’s transformation – embracing change with confidence (and a suit!)
    • Apologies in different attachment styles – how entangled and dismissive individuals navigate repair
    • Carmi & Sydney’s tension – repair, or just coexistence?
    • Claire’s security – offering Carmi a different way to see relationships

    This episode highlights how attachment repair happens in ordinary moments—through small acts of care, laughter, and apologies that land. As Richie puts on his suit and steps into his best self, we see how security isn’t just about knowing—it’s about becoming.

    Grab your favorite drink (maybe a smoked old fashioned) and join us as we break it all down! 🍹🎧

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    42 mins

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