Introduction to Psychedelic Medicine

The introductory course provides an overview of the revitalized area of psychedelic research and treatment. Presented by Stanford University, this program connects students with leading experts and practitioners exploring the possible uses of psychedelics in addressing mental health issues and broadening human awareness.

  • 50 Enrolled
  • University
  • Last updated May '25
  • English
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Stanford University
Course Description

The Introduction to Psychedelic Medicine course surveys the reemerging field of psychedelic science and therapy. Offered through Stanford University, this course engages students with pioneering researchers and clinicians investigating psychedelics’ potential applications in treating mental illness and expanding human consciousness.

Lectures provide neuroscientific, clinical, psychological, historical, legal, and cultural perspectives on psychedelics. Students gain direct access to experts leading current studies on psychedelics. Attendees may take the course for one unit, comprising lectures only, or opt for two units which adds a discussion section and project. This exciting overview of psychedelic medicine imparts up-to-date knowledge and firsthand insights into psychedelics’ emerging role in transforming psychiatry, neuroscience, and society.

You will learn:

  • What is Bwiti?
  • Roles in Bwiti initiation/treatment
  • Instruments in Bwiti: ngombe, mogongo
  • What is an Nganga
    • Maboundi/Yombo
    • Maboundi/Yombo
  • Sustainability/reciprocity

You will learn:

  • History of the Fang tradition
  • Dissumba vs. Dissumba Fang
  • Ombwiri/Mbumbayano Fang
  • The kambo
  • State of Fang Bwiti in Gabon
  • Impact of Westerners coming to work with the sacred wood

You will learn:

  • History of the Missoko tradition
  • Various branches of Missoko initiation:
    • Miobe/Mioba
    • Ngonde Na Dipuma
    • Sengedia
  • The impact of logging on the tradition
  • What the future of Bwiti could look like in Gabon

You will learn:

  • History of Dissumba
  • Various branches of Dissumba initiation:
    • Abanji/Mabanji
    • Ilombo
    • Ombwiri
    • Ombudi
    • Loro
  • The ngombe (sacred harp)
  • Healing rituals involved in her tradition
  • Training to serve the wood
    • What does it involve?
    • How long does it take?

instructor-image

Tatayo

Instructor

About Instructor

Tatayo (“Fruit of the Wind”) first arrived in Gabon in 1971 at the age of 21 and became a Gabonese citizen. In 1979, he became the first white person to be initiated into the Bwiti Fang tradition in Gabon. In 1994, he was initiated into the Misokko tradition. As a guide for numerous expeditions and missions, including those of National Geographic, the BBC, and others, Tatayo is considered to have “opened the door” to westerners in Gabon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for start and finish dates/times. This course is currently being offered live and dates/times will change throughout the year.

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This course includes

  • Lectures 10
  • Duration 10 Weeks
  • Skills University
  • Language English
  • Availability Cohort
  • Certificate No

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