MAPS International MDMA-assisted Therapy Training Program

The Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) jointly offer an exclusive training program in MDMA-assisted therapy.

  • 60 Enrolled
  • Professional
  • Last updated Aug '24
  • English
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Course Description

The MAPS International MDMA-assisted Therapy Training Program, a collaboration between the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University, invites mental healthcare professionals to apply for a unique and highly sought-after training opportunity. Limited to 65 trainees, this comprehensive program consists of online content during October and November, culminating in a week-long in-person residential intensive in the second week of November 2024.

Led by senior MAPS trainers Marcela Ot’alora and Bruce Poulter, this program is designed to equip therapists with the skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively administer MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. As Australia adapts to the TGA rescheduling decision that took effect on July 1, 2023, allowing Authorised Prescribers to prescribe MDMA for PTSD treatment, there is a critical need for high-quality psychedelic therapist training in the country.

The MAPS-accredited training program includes live presentations, video case presentations, enriching discussions, scenario-based learning, self-reflection activities, group activities, online coursework, and creative projects. It aims to provide attendees with the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes for investigational MDMA-assisted therapy, focusing on fundamental processes, therapeutic alliances, and personal growth practices.

Qualified and experienced mental healthcare professionals interested in this training opportunity should apply by September 13th, 2024. The program’s total cost is AUD$7,650, including accommodation and catering for the retreat at the stunning Cleveland Estate, located 45 minutes north of Melbourne Tullamarine airport. Limited subsidized places are available at a 50% reduction for eligible applicants.

The training consists of approximately 90 hours, including asynchronous online material, live online seminars, and the 7-day residential intensive. Trainee candidate interviews will be conducted from August 19th to September 20th, 2024, with offers made on an ongoing basis until September 20th at the latest.

This training is particularly relevant for Authorised Prescribers and their teams working with MDMA, as well as therapists involved in ongoing and upcoming clinical trials. It also provides valuable insights for therapists working with other psychedelic compounds and psychiatric conditions.

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.

AUD$7650

This course includes

  • Modules 4
  • Duration 100 Hours
  • Skills Professional
  • Language English
  • Availability Cohort
  • Certificate No
MAPS International MDMA-assisted Therapy Training Program Course Image