In this intimate and essential episode of PsychedelicIQ: Guidance for Guides, Gv Freeman sits down with intimacy and embodiment coach Ted Riter to explore the intersections of psychedelics, sex, intimacy, and trust. With over 30 years as a rabbi and relationship guide, Ted brings wisdom and nuance to working with couples and individuals in altered states. Together, they unpack boundaries, consent, embodiment, trauma-informed facilitation, and what it means to be truly trustable as a guide. A must-listen for practitioners navigating the sacred terrain of psychedelic healing and personal growth. Subscribe for more grounded and practical guidance.

[00:00] Introduction: psychedelics, sex, and intimacy—a complex and necessary conversation

[01:14] Guest intro: Ted Riter’s background as a spiritual leader and relationship coach

[02:42] How Ted works with individuals and couples before, during, and after medicine sessions

[05:11] Somatic work, tantra, and energetic communication in relationship healing

[06:57] What a typical session looks like—beyond just “a day of ceremony”

[09:40] Using psychedelics as a tool—not a solution—for deeper relational work

[11:42] Practicing communication and vulnerability before the medicine

[14:00] Common outcomes: conversations people didn’t know they needed to have

[17:07] Deepening connection and integration months after the session

[20:00] Ted’s personal story: shame, shadow, sexuality, and healing through embodiment

[23:59] From rabbi to relationship coach: intimacy as a form of world-healing

[25:37] Introduction to medicine work: starting with mushrooms and curiosity

[26:24] Clarifying embodiment, sexuality, and intimacy—and how they intersect

[31:42] Sexuality vs. sensuality and understanding energetic boundaries

[35:19] Doing your own work: shame, taboos, and the role of accountability

[38:42] Key questions for facilitators: Where are you untrustable? What are your limits?

[41:55] Creating clear agreements, setting internal and external boundaries

[43:41] The importance of sticking to agreements—even when things get tempting

[45:38] Responding to experienced facilitators wanting to add sexuality work

[47:53] Transference, power dynamics, and the danger of rushing in

[49:54] “Are you ready to be responsible for someone’s life?”

[51:32] Ram Dass and the value of becoming a “somebody” before a “nobody”

[54:26] Can you take someone deeper than you’ve gone yourself?

[57:16] Trauma-informed care, referral systems, and understanding your scope

[59:00] Restorative and transformative justice when something goes wrong

[01:03:45] Integration, DRALA, and bringing sacred meticulousness into the space

[01:07:00] Safety, trust, and the importance of being seen and feeling safe

[01:10:14] Supervision and peer support: why every facilitator needs accountability

[01:13:16] Learning from mistakes and the power of asking hard questions

[01:17:37] Speed round: Why Ted does this work and the most important things it’s taught him

[01:20:13] Can you do this work solo? Yes—with intentionality and the right support

[01:21:43] Group journeys with couples: sacred space, boundaries, and energetic synergy

[01:24:03] Agreements for group work: no sexual penetration or orgasm, underwear on

[01:25:44] Possibility, scalability, and creating safe, healing spaces for couples

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Ted Riter is a guide for those seeking deeper connections to self, others, and Source. Combining over 30 years as a teacher and spiritual leader with his personal journey as a husband, father, and friend, Ted is known for bringing a trustable, playful, and heart-centered approach to personal growth and (re)building relationships.

The post Intimacy and Psychedelics w/ Ted Riter # 14 first appeared on PsychedeliqIQ.