John Alex
Nadine Macaluso, born Nadine Caridi in 1968 in London, England, spent her formative years moving to and growing up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Her early life was modest; after graduating from John Dewey High School, she entered the workforce to support herself. Despite a glamorous turn later in life, her roots remained grounded — shaped by her single‑parent upbringing and the hustle of Brooklyn. This grounding, combined with her British birth and Brooklyn upbringing, would later craft the identity of the “Duchess of Bay Ridge.” The blend of elegance and grit in her background laid a foundational resilience that defined her later journey.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nadine Macaluso (née Caridi) |
| Other Names | Nadine Belfort, Dr. Nae |
| Date of Birth | 1968 (Exact date not publicly confirmed) |
| Place of Birth | London, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Education | Pacifica Graduate Institute (Ph.D. in Counseling & Somatic Psychology) |
| Occupation | Psychotherapist, Author, Former Model, Internet Personality |
| Years Active | 1990s – Present |
| Known For | Author of Run Like Hell, ex-wife of Jordan Belfort, trauma bond therapy |
| Spouse(s) | – Jordan Belfort (m. 1991–2005) – John Macaluso (m. post-2005) |
| Children | – Chandler Belfort (daughter) – Carter Belfort (son) |
| Book | Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds (2024) |
| Social Media | TikTok: @drnaelmft Instagram: @drnaelmft |
| Residence | California, United States |
| Famous Nickname | “The Duchess of Bay Ridge” |
Modeling Beginnings and Early Career
In her late teens and early twenties, Nadine Macaluso embarked on a modeling career, represented by Elite Petite Management. She appeared in notable ad campaigns for Miller Lite, Seagram’s (notably tied to the 1992 Winter Olympics), and promotions for the Wrigley Company. While modeling brought financial independence, it wasn’t her passion. Introverted at heart, she found the industry’s competitiveness and superficiality draining — a feeling that nudged her toward a more impactful profession later on.
Family Background and Parents of Nadine Macaluso
Nadine Macaluso (née Caridi) was raised in a working-class home in Brooklyn, New York, after being born in London, United Kingdom. While specific details about her parents are limited publicly, it’s known that she was raised primarily by her mother, who played a central role in shaping her early life and values.
- Father: While his name is not widely publicized, Nadine has occasionally alluded to having a strained or absent relationship with her father, which may have influenced her early experiences with attachment and emotional safety.
- Mother: Her mother is described as hardworking and resilient. Nadine credits her mother with instilling independence, encouraging education, and supporting her through her modeling career and personal struggles.
Nadine’s relationship with her upbringing influences much of her therapeutic lens today.
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Spouse: Nadine Macaluso’s Marriages
Throughout her life, Nadine Macaluso has been married twice. Each marriage marked a significant chapter in her journey — one defined by turmoil and the other by renewal.
Jordan Belfort (m. 1991–2005)
Divorced in 2005 following multiple incidents of domestic violence
Met at a party in Westhampton
Married in a lavish Caribbean wedding
Relationship marked by abuse, addiction, and public scandal
John Macaluso (m. post-2005)
He is a father of three from a previous marriage, and they share a blended family
Nadine took his last name professionally
John Macaluso is a former CEO in the comic convention industry
The couple maintains a private life, away from the media spotlight
Nadine has often credited her second marriage as a safe and loving partnership.
Children: Nadine Macaluso’s Role as a Mother
Nadine Macaluso is the proud mother of two children, both from her marriage to Jordan Belfort. She raised them largely out of the public eye, prioritizing their privacy and wellbeing during and after her tumultuous marriage.
- Chandler Belfort (daughter)
- Reportedly born in the early 1990s
- Holds a master’s degree in psychology
- Known to be private and not active on social media
- Works in the mental health or counseling field, following her mother’s path
- Carter Belfort (son)
- Also born in the 1990s
- Studied at Muhlenberg College and is musically inclined
- Has appeared in creative projects and spoken in support of his mother
Nadine’s bond with her children remains strong, and she frequently refers to them as her greatest source of motivation.
Meeting the “Wolf of Wall Street”
At a house party in Westhampton Beach, New York, Nadine Macaluso met Jordan Belfort, the now-infamous stockbroker behind Stratton Oakmont. Belfort, recently divorced, was drawn to Nadine, and they married in 1991. Their union would eclipse celebrity gossip — trailing with both glamour and intense personal tumult. Macaluso became a central figure in Belfort’s world, transitioning from quiet model to high-profile socialite. Their life together made headlines and ultimately became the subject of a major Hollywood film.
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The “Duchess of Bay Ridge”
During her marriage, the press dubbed Nadine Macaluso the “Duchess of Bay Ridge,” a moniker capturing her poised elegance amidst a chaotic milieu. The nickname stemmed from her British birth, Brooklyn upbringing, and glamorous public persona. Her role in Belfort’s extravagant world accentuated that image — as she navigated lavish parties, yachts, and a level of notoriety few women experience. That aristocratic sobriquet stuck and offered a striking contrast to the darker chapters that would follow.
Extravagance, Yachts, and Public Infamy
The couple’s lifestyle was nothing short of cinematic. They owned a luxury yacht, originally built for Coco Chanel, that Belfort renamed Nadine — a tailored tribute to her. Unfortunately, the yacht sank off Sardinia’s coast in June 1996. Meanwhile, Belfort’s criminal downfall loomed: he attempted to launder millions via Swiss bank accounts using Macaluso’s aunt’s name. As their world grew more public and dangerous, Macaluso was often depicted as part of a lavish tableau that masked deeper turmoil.
Turbulence and Trauma Bonds
Behind the façade, the marriage was deeply troubled. Belfort threw over-the-top bachelor parties involving sex workers and lavish spending prior to their approximately £600,000 Caribbean wedding. He bragged about intimate moments — even on a $3 million mattress strewn with $100 bills. Macaluso later accused him of domestic violence, including being kicked down stairs, infidelity, and heavy substance abuse. Their relationship exemplified trauma bonding — intense connection through a cycle of abuse and intermittent affection.
Divorce and Liberation
In 2005, after years of trauma, Nadine Macaluso and Jordan Belfort divorced. She relocated to California, seeking distance from their tumultuous past. The divorce marked a necessary break from a relationship defined by abuse, greed, and emotional manipulation. It would also become the seed of her later work: transforming personal trauma into therapeutic insight and a mission of healing for others.
Academic and Professional Rebirth
Post-divorce, Nadine Macaluso underwent a powerful reinvention. She pursued advanced education at the Pacifica Graduate Institute, earning both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in counseling and somatic psychology. Specializing in marriage and family therapy, she honed her professional identity as a healer. Her academic journey was both personal and transformative, fueled by the desire to understand and dismantle trauma bonds she had experienced firsthand.
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From Caridi to Macaluso: New Identity
After her divorce, Nadine remarried, becoming Nadine Macaluso. This name change aligned with her new chapter as a therapist and educator. Under the name Dr. Nae, she built a private practice — embracing clinical work and public speaking while stepping into the role of trauma‑bond expert. Her transformation reflected both personal healing and a shift from a former life surrounded by spectacle to one of quiet, intentional impact.
Launching Her Practice & Helping Others
Dr. Nae launched a marriage and family therapy practice offering teletherapy and in‑person sessions, with offices in California, Boca Raton, and beyond. Her work covers a breadth of issues: trauma bonds, complex PTSD, attachment disorders, shame, narcissistic abuse, “dark tetrad” personality traits, mood disorders, and couples therapy. Her style is empathetic yet candid — a reflection of her Brooklyn origins and her academic rigor. She blends humor with vulnerability to guide clients toward resilience and post-traumatic growth.
TikTok & Social Media Influence
Embracing digital platforms, Nadine Macaluso built a significant social media presence — especially on TikTok and Instagram — under the handle @drnaelmft. With hundreds of thousands of followers (and millions of likes as of early 2025), she shares short, insightful clips on trauma bonds, gaslighting, toxic relationships, and healing strategies. Her engaging, compassionate videos aim to educate broad audiences and empower survivors.
Reflections on “The Wolf of Wall Street”
The 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street portrayed Margot Robbie as Naomi Lapaglia — a character based on Nadine Macaluso. In interviews, Macaluso affirmed the depiction’s accuracy: she described the relationship as realistically rendered — raw, intense, and marred by manipulation. Her reflections sparked conversations about abuse, desire, and cinematic storytelling—and underscored her commitment to turning public representation into real-world education.
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Becoming an Author: Run Like Hell
In 2024, Nadine Macaluso authored and published Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds. The book combines her clinical expertise with deeply personal insight. Addressing the emotional complexities of trauma bonding, it offers readers practical strategies for recognizing manipulative patterns, breaking free, and pursuing healing. The title signals urgency — urging readers to act when trapped in toxic ties.
Insights from Run Like Hell
In her writing, Dr. Nae stresses the paradox of love: “We are never so defenseless against suffering as when we love.” She explores how trauma bonds often begin with promises of tenderness but devolve into cycles of control. She draws attention to how traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy exploit emotional vulnerability. Practical tips include recognizing red flags, understanding reinforcement cycles, setting boundaries, building support systems, and pursuing self‑compassion on the path to recovery.
Podcast Appearances & Media Presence
Dr. Nadine Macaluso has appeared on various podcasts and in media outlets — including Newsweek, The House Magazine, and others — where she shares her story and therapeutic expertise. She’s recognized not only as Belfort’s ex‑wife but as a resilient survivor and educator. In interviews, she speaks candidly about trauma bonds, the healing process, and reclaiming one’s voice after abuse. Her message focuses on transformation, empowerment, and the potential for post‑traumatic growth.
Healing, Advocacy, and Empowerment
Nadine Macaluso embodies the “wounded healer” archetype: someone who transforms personal suffering into support for others. By openly discussing her past and blending it with clinical insight, she empowers survivors to break free from emotionally manipulative relationships. She advocates for awareness, boundary-setting, and the dismantling of toxic dynamics — challenging cultural stigmas around abuse and recovery. Her advocacy is rooted in authenticity, informed by lived experience and psychological expertise.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Today, Nadine Macaluso stands recognized not for her famous marriage but for her transformative role in mental health. She forged a unique path: from model and high-society spouse to trauma-informed therapist, author, and educator. By focusing on trauma bonds, she fills a niche in mental health not often discussed publicly. Her voice reaches thousands via her book, social media, and clinic — turning past adversity into powerful tools for healing.
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Internal Linking Suggestions
If placing this article on a website or blog, consider linking to relevant pages such as:
- The book’s sales or author’s landing page (“Run Like Hell” book page)
- Therapy services page (e.g., offerings for trauma bonds treatment)
- Blog posts on trauma bonding, narcissistic abuse, or gaslighting
- Media appearances or podcast interview transcriptions
Conclusion
Nadine Macaluso is a remarkable example of resilience and reinvention. Born in London and raised in Brooklyn, she rose from modeling and marriage to one of Wall Street’s most infamous figures, only to rebuild herself as a trauma therapist, author, and advocate. Her academic accomplishments, therapeutic practice, social media presence, and Run Like Hell serve as monumental contributions to awareness and recovery from toxic relationships. Her journey — from “Duchess of Bay Ridge” to compassionate guide — offers hope and healing to countless survivors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Nadine Macaluso?
Nadine Macaluso (née Caridi) is a British‑born American psychotherapist, author, internet personality, and former model. She is the ex‑wife of Jordan Belfort and now specializes in trauma bond therapy.
2. What inspired her to become a therapist?
Her traumatic experiences during her marriage — including abuse and manipulation — led her to study counseling and somatic psychology, transforming pain into professional purpose.
3. What is Run Like Hell about?
Run Like Hell (2024) is her therapist’s guide to recognizing, escaping, and healing from trauma bonds, combining personal narrative with clinical strategies.
4. How does she help people today?
She runs a therapy practice (teletherapy and in‑person) specializing in trauma bonds, narcissistic abuse, complex PTSD, and couples therapy. She also creates educational content on TikTok and Instagram.
5. How accurate was The Wolf of Wall Street portrayal?
She has commented that the film’s portrayal of her and her relationship was accurate, and she uses that platform to discuss unhealthy relationships and recovery.
6. What is a trauma bond, according to her?
A trauma bond involves attachment through cycles of abuse and intermittent affection — she describes how charm, manipulation, and emotional dependency create these bonds.
7. Where did she study therapy?
She obtained her master’s and Ph.D. in counseling and somatic psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.
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