Breaking Free From Trauma Bonds & Reclaiming Your Life with Dr. Nadine Macaluso

In this episode of In Heels with Keni Silva, Keni sits down with therapist, trauma expert, bestselling author, and former model Dr. Nadine Macaluso—known as Dr. Nae—for a candid conversation about trauma bonds, toxic relationships, shame, and what it actually takes to leave and heal. Known to many as the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street, Dr. Macaluso transformed her own experience in a destructive relationship into a career helping others understand the psychological patterns that can make unhealthy relationships so difficult to escape. Keni and Dr. Macaluso unpack what a trauma bond actually is, how it develops, and why someone can recognize that a relationship is hurting them and still struggle to walk away. They explore manipulation, shame, complex PTSD, the loss of self-trust, and the emotional and physiological patterns that can keep people attached long after they know something is wrong. Dr. Macaluso also shares what healing can look like after leaving: recognizing patterns, rebuilding trust in yourself, reconnecting with your identity, and learning to create healthier relationships moving forward. Drawing from both her personal experience and her work as a therapist, she shares insights from her book, Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing From Trauma Bonds. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered why it can be so difficult to leave an unhealthy relationship—and how to begin finding yourself again once you do. ⭐ Loved This Episode? If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or gave you a new perspective: • Tap Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode • Leave a 5-star review — it helps this show reach more women who need these conversations • Share this episode with someone who needs permission to keep standing • Follow @KeniSilva_ and @InHeelswithKeniSilva on Instagram • Watch video clips and full episodes on @InHeelswithKeniSilva, Youtube, McCordlistTV, Roku • Learn more about Divorce As An Opportunity and Keni’s work at Kenisilva.com