Heal from Trauma Bonds: An Interview with Dr. Nae, “The ExWife of the Wolf of Wall Street”

Breaking Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso

We had none other than Dr. Nadine Macaluso, also known as “Doctor Nae” to her patients, on the show. For those who might not know, Dr. Nae is the inspiration for Naomi Belfort in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” She survived an eight-year rollercoaster marriage with Jordan Belfort, marked by intense abuse and trauma. After moving to California, she didn’t just stop there – she pursued higher education in her late 30s, earning a master’s in counseling and a PhD in somatic psychotherapy. She now specializes in the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM).

Also, Dr. Nae is the acclaimed author of ‘Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds.’ Dr. Nae combines her incredible educational background and personal experience to help her patients heal from trauma. She is a strong advocate for post-traumatic growth, instilling hope and resilience in those she works with.

Understanding Trauma Bonds

Dr. Nae shared invaluable insights on identifying and breaking trauma bonds. Trusting your intuition is key. Signs like love bombing, early substance abuse, and a lack of curiosity from your partner are red flags. She even has a “pathological lover checklist” in her book to help discern genuine people from manipulators.

Healing and Self-Care

We talked about empathy and self-reflection in abusive relationships. Victims often over-responsibilize, believing they can change the relationship, while perpetrators avoid accountability. Withdrawal from these relationships is tough but necessary. Dr. Nae stressed the importance of professional help and building resilience through therapy and coaching, despite the costs.

Financial Independence & Healthy Love

Maintaining financial independence is crucial. Always know your financial situation and keep personal accounts. We also highlighted the value of calm, consistent love over intense toxicity. Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect and autonomy, not control and manipulation.

Survivors, remember: It’s not your fault. While the abuse isn’t your responsibility, the healing process is. Dr. Nae offers fantastic resources, including free access to the first chapter of her book “Run Like Hell” during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Visit Dr. Nadine Macaluso’s website and follow her on Instagram – @therealdrnadine for more support.

This conversation with Dr. Nadine Macaluso was truly eye-opening. If you haven’t yet, listen to the full episode above and share it with anyone who might need it.

In this episode:

00:10: Introduction
04:00: Professional Focus
14:30: Discussion on Trauma Bonds
14:30: Pathological Lover Characteristics
16:00: Patient Vulnerability
19:15: Empathy and Self-Reflection in Victims
22:00: Impact of Discard in Abusive Relationships
25:00: Cognitive Dissonance
30:00: Gaslighting
33:15: Difference from Stockholm Syndrome
36:45: Isolation and Shame
41:00: Building Resilience
44:30: Withdrawal and Resilience
47:00: Self-Care and Recovery
51:00: Importance of Support
53:00: No Contact Rule
55:00: Rumination
1:00:15: Ignoring Red Flags
1:04:30: Types of People
1:09:00: Healthy Relationships
1:12:15: Autonomy and Control
1:15:45: Practical Advice for Financial Independence
1:19:30: Personal Experiences
1:22:00: Avoidance and Facing Fears
1:25:00: Marriage Dynamics
1:30:00: Changing Roles
1:33:00: Cultural Conditioning
1:36:00: Abuse and Healing
1:38:30: Resources and Support
1:41:15: Closing