Nadine's Journey to Trauma Bond Expertise

Nadine shared her personal journey, including her marriage to the Wolf of Wall Street and her later divorce. She discussed how her experiences led her to pursue a career in therapy & eventually earn a doctorate. Nadine specializes in trauma bonds & betrayal trauma, which she developed after realizing the need for further research in this area. She wrote a book based on her findings, which has been well received.

Nadine's Approach to Complex Trauma

• symptoms
• personality traits
• attachment
• developmental trauma
• reconnect the person with their authentic self, using unconditional positive regard & curiosity
• a need for directness when dealing with women in trauma bonds or those who have just left
• psychoeducation to empower her clients,
• teaching them about the vagus nerve & its role in perceiving safety & danger
• regain their autonomy & overcome the power imbalance often present in trauma bonds

Navigating Toxic Relationships & Co-Parenting Challenges

Nadine shared:

• her personal experience of having her ex-husband arrested, which shifted the power balance in her favor.
• the importance of emotional support & the need for a protective wall, made of several supports
• the re-traumatizing effects of post-separation abuse & the difficulties of mediating with pathological lovers in the family court system.

Pathological Relationships & Self-Care Strategies

• The importance of self-care, therapy, the need for radical acceptance & an understanding that co-parenting with a pathological person is not possible.
• Dr. Christine Cocciola's program, Protected Parents, which helps women dealing with post-separation abuse.

Self-Care &Compassion in Trauma

Nadine discussed the importance of :

• self-care & self-compassion in managing emotional flashbacks & anxiety.
• staying calm & responding to aggressive emails or situations.
• Sandra Brown's book, Women Who Love Psychopaths, discusses the 5-factor model of personality & how certain traits make individuals vulnerable to pathological relationships.

Dealing With Narcissistic Individuals

• Narcissists often target empathetic & caring people, & it's crucial to recognize one's own traits to avoid being a perfect prey.
• The complexities of human behavior & the need to balance labeling & understanding individuals.
• Renee also discussed the intersection of trauma, attachment, & neurodivergence as a potential impact on relationships.

Recognizing Trauma Bonds & Coercive Control

• recognizing the invisible nature of these dynamics
• need for self-care & empowerment
• abuse is never the survivors’ fault
• a journey of building resilience through therapy & self-reflection is encouraged

Our Guest:

Dr. Nadine Macaluso, or Dr. Nae, is the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort's character in "The Wolf of Wall Street." She survived a turbulent eight-year marriage to Jordan Belfort, marked by abuse, greed, & trauma.

Following her experiences, Dr. Macaluso relocated to California. Her journey of trauma & healing inspired her to return to school at age 39, where she earned her Master's in counseling & a Ph.D. in somatic psychotherapy. She further specialized with a two-year postdoctoral training in the Neuro-affective Relational Model (NARM).

As a therapist, Dr. Macaluso combines her education & personal experiences to help others heal from trauma. Her practice focuses on assisting patients in connecting with their authentic selves, fostering confidence, resilience, & agency. Dr. Macaluso firmly believes in the potential for post-traumatic growth, instilling hope in her patients & guiding them to reach their potential in life & love.

Be sure to check out Dr. Macaluso’s new book, “Run Like Hell” & her online community on Circle!

Our Host:

Renee Fleming, therapist & coach, can be found on most social media platforms @Resetwithrenee or www.resetwithrenee.com

Both her free & subscription community & courses can be found on Mighty Networks.