Hey Heal Squad! We’re back with Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Dr. Nadine Macaluso, psychotherapist, trauma expert, and former wife of the “Wolf of Wall Street.” Dr. Nadine breaks down the psychology of trauma bonds, what they are, why they’re so hard to escape, and the real steps you need to take to leave safely. She explains how intermittent reinforcement keeps people stuck, why “love bombing” is actually manipulation, and how to spot the red flags of a pathological partner before it’s too late. PLUS, we dive into the shame and self-blame survivors carry, how to reframe those beliefs with compassion, and why learning to trust yourself again is the key to healing. Nadine shares inspiring stories of women who not only left toxic love, but went on to build thriving lives and even find healthy love again.This episode will remind you that freedom, clarity, and joy are absolutely within reach. HEALERS & HEAL-LINERS Trauma bonds are designed to keep you stuck. Intermittent reinforcement, love bombing, and devaluation create a cycle that feels like love but is actually control. Love bombing is manipulation. Those over-the-top gifts, sweeping gestures, and declarations of “soulmate love” are tools to hook you fast. Dr. Nadine explains why true love builds slowly, while love bombing is a red flag that signals future coercion and abuse. Shame keeps survivors silent. Releasing self-blame and choosing self-compassion is the first step toward breaking free and healing. The healing shift comes when survivors reframe the story, release self-blame, and embrace compassion for what they endured. -- HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Heal Squad Website:https://www.healsquad.com/ Heal Squad x Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HealSquad/membership Maria Menounos Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com My Curated Macy’s Page: Shop My Macy’s Storefront Prenuvo: Prenuvo.com/MARIA for $300 off EMR-Tek Red Light: https://emr-tek.com/discount/Maria30 for 30% off Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/ Briotech: https://shopbriotech.com/ Use Code: HEALSQUAD for 20% off Join In-Person Heal Retreat Waitlist! https://mariamenounos.myflodesk.com/heal-retreat-waitlist GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadine/?hl=en Website: https://drnae.com/ Download the First Chapter of Dr. Nae’s new book Book mentioned in the episode: https://www.amazon.com/Women-Who-Love-Psychopaths-Relationships/dp/0984172807 ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos’ passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content (published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or http://Mariamenounos.com and http://healsquad.com) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company’s Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.

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