Experts Explain Trauma | Why You Cling to Toxic Love with Dr. Nadine Macaluso

Why did I fight so hard to keep a toxic relationship alive—when everything in me knew it was hurting me?In this episode on Experts Explain Trauma, Dr. Nadine Macaluso (Dr. Nae) helps us unpack the emotional, cultural, spiritual, and physiological reasons many survivors cling to abusive relationships—often long after they know they should leave.This episode dives into the hard truth: love, addiction, cognitive dissonance, shame, religious guilt, and societal conditioning all make leaving incredibly hard. But there is a path forward—and it starts with self-compassion and education.What You’ll Learn:🔹 Why smart, loving people stay in toxic relationships🔹 How love, trauma, and manipulation create a powerful bond🔹 The role of religious and cultural narratives in staying “too long”🔹 How to stop self-abandoning and rebuild commitment to yourself🔹 The importance of self-compassion in breaking free from shame🔹 Where to start: education, community, and healing resourcesAbout the Expert:Dr. Nadine Macaluso is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in healing from trauma bonds and narcissistic abuse. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, she helps clients reclaim their lives after toxic relationships.About the Expert:Dr. Nadine Macaluso is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in healing from trauma bonds and narcissistic abuse. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, she helps clients reclaim their lives after toxic relationships.Connect with Dr. Nadine MacalusoWebsite: https://drnae.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnaelmftInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrnadine/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealDrNadineContact Info: [email protected] / (310) 612-1113 Book: Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping & Healing fromTrauma Bonds FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS: Download the First Chapter of Dr. Nae’s new book, Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds https://drnae.com/giveaway-book🔔 Subscribe for more weekly insights from trauma-informed therapists and psychologists.