The interpersonal relations in the RuPaul’s Drag Race stratosphere can always be complex, but now we’re getting the professional perspective in the new WOW Presents Plus series “Sissy That Psyche”. Licensed psychotherapist Dr. Matthew Brinkley, his fiance David Brandyn and his bestie Dvaughn Neville, break down iconic (and emotional)Drag Race moments and offer best practices to “navigate conflict with in-person guests and callers who find themselves in similar situations”. I sat down to chat with the cast of Sissy That Psyche and they dished with me on how they deal with their own interpersonal relations and what Drag Race moments they found most emotionally charged.
Michael Cook: How did the three of you come up with the idea for Sissy That Psyche?
Dr. Matthew, David, Dvaughn: The most amazing part about the show coming together, was that it was not our idea at all. Fenton Bailey met us at DragCon and said that we should keep in touch to work together in the future. We then had a meeting with WOW Presents Plus, pitching them various show ideas, then they presented the idea of Sissy That Psyche to us. It was amazing since it combined mental health, reality TV, and having fun which is what we literally already do. It was such a great fit!
MC: Dr. Matthew and David, how do you each handle navigating conflict with each other?
Dr. Matthew: When there is an issue I need to bring up with David, I do my best to be as honest and compassionate as possible because he needs to be able to hear what I’m saying. If I’m yelling or talking in a way that won’t be received, nothing will get resolved. I also remind myself that even if what I’m saying may cause David to have a reaction, to trust that he will be able to handle it, take care of himself, and that he has always received and respected when I address issues between us. I also remind myself that conflict in our relationship is inevitable and resolving it makes our relationship stronger.
David: I handle conflict with Matthew by first remembering that we are a team. When there is conflict, we must fight it from the same side rather than be each other’s opposition. Second, I get curious about the problem under the problem. Listening for emotional needs under the surface of a conflict helps them move forward with empathy and understanding. And third, I make sure to sprinkle lots of kisses and hugs throughout speaking about the conflict, as one of Matthew’s love languages is physical touch.
MC: Dvaughn, what was the most enjoyable breakdown to offer from the history of RuPaul’s Drag Race and why?
Dvaughn: My favorite scene to breakdown was Divina (DeCampo) vs. The Vivienne. The title of the episode was ‘Talent Not Being Valued’. I just really personally connected to that and I was able to open up about it in the episode.
MC: What conflict have you seen on Drag Race that seemed to be handled in a truly positive way?
Dr. Matthew, David, Dvaughn: Taking it back to Drag Race UK, there was a conflict on the recent season involving Banksie. Banksie utilizes a similar tool we cover in the episode called ‘Sissy Space’. Things were getting heated in Untucked and she stepped away to cool down. This allowed her to re enter the space more centered and the temperature in the room went down.
Follow WOW Presents Plus on Instagram
All Photos Courtesy-WOW Presents Plus
