MDMA Therapy Training Program

The course is an in-depth training into the practice of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, with curriculum based on decades of clinical experience.

  • 300 Enrolled
  • Professional
  • Last updated Oct '23
  • English
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Course Description

The MAPS MDMA Therapy Training Program is an innovative and comprehensive course designed to educate mental health professionals on using MDMA-assisted therapy. The program, established in 2012 and operated by MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), has attracted trainees from various countries and cultures, reflecting the growing interest in psychedelic medicine worldwide.

Participants in this 100-hour program engage in diverse learning experiences, including live presentations, video case studies, role play, scenario enactments, self-reflection activities, group and dyad activities, reading, writing, and creative projects. Small groups, facilitated by MAPS trainers, meet regularly to foster a sense of community and support throughout the program.

The course also incorporates experiential learning, as the program believes firsthand experience is invaluable for mental health professionals to effectively support others through MDMA-assisted therapy. Although opportunities to receive MDMA-assisted therapy are limited, efforts are underway to increase access for clinicians training in this modality.

Clinicians working with MDMA-assisted therapy must complete a minimum number of hours of clinical experience and consultation with experienced MDMA-assisted therapy Training Consultants. However, due to the current investigational status of MDMA-assisted therapy, opportunities to practice are limited, and there are no guarantees about the future approval of this treatment.

The MAPS MDMA Therapy Training Program fosters a culture of curiosity, trust in one's inner healing wisdom, and a commitment to addressing mental health disparities in psychedelic therapy. The program encourages clinicians from diverse backgrounds, including those serving marginalized and underrepresented communities, to apply. Through this training program, MAPS aims to cultivate a diverse and inclusive community of mental health professionals dedicated to advancing the field of psychedelic medicine.

This course is for therapists and clinicians that are eligible to be a test site for MAPS' MDMA therapy. The course consists of 5 phases that combine online lectures (14 hours) and 10+ days of in-person training. Scholarships are available.

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.

$2500

$5000

<Including experiential learning

This course includes

  • Modules 5
  • Duration 100 Hours
  • Skills Professional
  • Language English
  • Availability Always
  • Certificate No
MDMA Therapy Training Program Course Image