Mending fences
Hosted by therapist Nkululeko Mhlongo aka Doctor Better, intervention show Roxic rescues relationships that are sailing straight towards the rocks.
Roxic
Season 1 Tuesdays SABC1 (*191) 18:00
Rather than avoiding conflict, it’s crucial that people establish healthy ways to manage their disputes, which also provides both parties with an opportunity to better understand each other and strengthen their relationship. However, when loved ones constantly clash and fail to create boundaries and they’re on the verge of crumbling, they invite a third party to mediate, which is where intervention show Roxic comes in.
“A participant who believes that they’re in a toxic relationship or friendship writes to the show and we help them resolve their issues,” explains therapist host Nkululeko Mhlongo, who’s better known as Dr Better.
“By the end of the discussion, we’ve gotten to the root of the problem and we’ve offered opposing parties with tools to improve their bond,” adds the therapist, who tells us more about his hosting duties and how he reunites loved ones through care and empathy.
MOMENT OF TRUTH
Derived from the words relationship and toxic, Roxic shines a light on dysfunctional bonds. In the first segment of the show, Dr Better travels to the participant who wrote in and they present their case. Next, Dr Better sits down with the opposing party, who is referred to as the perpetrator to get their side of their story.
After listening to both parties, the host sits them down and they debrief. “The last part of the show is called the confrontation phase, and this is where the participant tells the perpetrator how they have wronged them through their actions and behaviour and caused them pain.” Like in a therapist’s office, Dr Better ensures that both parties say their piece without judgment. When all is said and done and all the tears are wiped away, Dr Better gives both parties advice and skills to navigate future conflict.
“The aim of the show isn’t to call out the perpetrator and just let them be. We hold them accountable for their destructive behaviour and assist them in changing for the better,” says the host. When asked what a healthy relationship looks like from a professional standpoint, Dr Better says it’s grounded in freedom. “The core of a healthy relationship is individuality and equality. People should have their own identities while being part of a relationship and they should be confident to express themselves.”
A NEW LEAF
Dr Better is a psychologist and lecturer, specialising in treating trauma and bereavement, depression and marriage counselling. Considering that Roxic is his first TV hosting job, he went out of his way to prepare before he set foot on set. “I’m used to sitting down at my office, conducting psychotherapy and preparing lecture slides for my students. When I started filming Roxic, I learnt to be in front of the camera, recite opening links and closing links – it’s been a mind-boggling experience, but I enjoy getting out of my comfort zone. I feel more alive,” explains Dr Better. He adds that as the host, he wears two hats: Carrying conversation on the show, and making the parties feel comfortable to share their story. “When the cameras stop rolling, I provide the parties with more therapy sessions. I check in with them so that they continue fixing their issues. We don’t just forget about them.”