Psychotherapist Dr. Nadine Macaluso (author of Run Like Hell and former spouse of the real “Wolf of Wall Street”) breaks down trauma bonds, how they form, why they’re so hard to leave, and how to heal.
She explains the cycle of love-bombing → mask-slip → intermittent abuse and the two essentials that keep you stuck: power imbalance and intermittent reinforcement. You’ll hear about gaslighting, cognitive dissonance, C-PTSD, and why many survivors make multiple attempts before they’re finally out.
Most importantly, Dr. Nae maps a path forward: no/minimal contact, an accountability ally, therapy with a clinician who understands narcissistic abuse, and a disciplined return to self through self-care, self-love, journaling, values, and boundaries. Healthy love, she says, is simple: quality of connection + space to be yourself. Peace over drama, always—and recovery is possible from the beginning, middle, or end of the bond.
You’ll learn
Red flags: love-bombing, boundary-pushing, gaslighting, double standards, words ≠ actions.
The psychology of a trauma bond and why it feels like addiction.
How agreeable/conscientious traits can be exploited—and how to protect them.
What C-PTSD looks like after relational trauma.
Practical exit steps: plan for safety, no/minimal contact, and an accountability friend.
Rebuilding: write a relational manifesto, honor your values, choose partners who give you space.