About Ted

Life is an evolving portrait. 

Today, mine is rich with connection — marked by a deep, trusting relationship with my wife, open and loving bonds with my kids, and a supportive circle of friends. I’m living a materially, spiritually meaningful, and fulfilling life.

But the journey to get here was far from straightforward.

Years ago, an older woman challenged me at a synagogue meeting: “Rabbi, you’re always talking about growth, but my portrait is already painted.” Her words stung and stuck with me. For me, just like art, life is a continuous process of creating and recreating. Didn’t she see this?

I grew up in small-town Texas, enjoying the simplicity and freedom of childhood, in a family where I learned early on that if I was being “too sensitive” or “too boisterous,” I risked losing love. From an early age, I became an expert at adjusting who I was to fit what I believed was expected of me. This pattern of concealing my true self followed me into adulthood, shaping how I showed up in relationships and even in my profession—always trying to be what others wanted while suppressing my deepest needs, desires, and vulnerabilities.

These layers of concealment built up over the years, covering my loneliness and feelings of disconnect. Eventually, I made a decision that shattered everything. I collapsed my life in an instant. I lost my job, community, sense of self, and trust… and hit rock bottom. There were moments of unbearable pain, curled up on the kitchen floor with overwhelming grief and shame, questioning whether life was worth living.

But I knew this was not the portrait I wanted to leave behind for my daughter to remember.

Here’s how my portrait evolved:

And so I finally crawled back into the studio and began to paint again.

I immersed myself in therapy, coaching, men’s work, and intimacy training. I found teachers, mentors, and friends. Over time, I learned to make a new art of my life by owning my mistakes, rebuilding trust in myself and others, and embracing my core desires.

In the process, I discovered what it means to be truly human. 

Today, I’m living a life where I can see a spark of the Divine in myself and others, live with integrity, and create relationships where honesty and vulnerability are not only possible but foundational.

Wherever you are on your journey, know I understand the challenges of hiding your true self. Together, we can create a life that honors you fully - a portrait that reflects your true essence and gives you the courage to be seen.

Let’s paint your next chapter.

My Coaching Style

Love. Wisdom. Possibility. Integrity. Joy.

I listen, coach, counsel, and mentor. I model intimacy in my coaching by seeing my clients at their deepest essence without judgment. I get curious and playful. I challenge and comfort. I become your biggest fan.

We’ll use embodiment practices, mussar teachings, and a host of ancient and modern approaches to get you where you want to go.

And, all the while, I will hold you in a place of love, wisdom, possibility, integrity, and joy.

Certifications

  • Teacher of Sexual Polarity and a Teacher of Masculine Embodiment by the 1000 Hour Teacher Training with John Wineland

  • Coach by The Institute for Social + Emotional Intelligence

  • Coach by No More Mr. Nice Guy, Dr. Robert Glover

  • Mediator by the National Conflict Resolution Center

  • Mashpiah / Spiritual Director by ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal

  • Rabbi by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Additional Studies

  • Erotic Blueprint Breakthrough with Jaiya

  • Manchim with The Mussar Institute

  • Navigating Psychedelics For Clinicians and Wellness Practitioners with Psychedelics Today

  • Positive Intelligence with Shirzad Chamine