PSD2002 Introduction to Psychedelic Therapies

Discover the principles and practices of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the 12-week PSD2002 - Introduction to Psychedelic Therapies course.

  • 50 Enrolled
  • University
  • Last updated Jan '25
  • English
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Course Description

PSD2002 – Introduction to Psychedelic Therapies provides an in-depth exploration of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), integrating psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and MDMA with psychotherapy. Over 12 weeks, this online undergraduate unit examines the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of PAT for conditions such as depression, PTSD, and substance-use disorders. Guided by experienced practitioners and leading experts, participants will learn about the stages of PAT, screening and safety protocols, and the pharmacological principles underlying these treatments.

Key topics include the mechanisms of altered states of consciousness, ethical considerations, and risk management strategies unique to PAT. Students will also explore therapist competencies, diverse patient care models, and the therapeutic applications of various psychedelic compounds. This foundational unit does not train participants to practise as psychedelic therapists but equips learners with the knowledge to pursue further study in this rapidly growing field.

This course is only available to undergraduate students.

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$0

This course includes

  • Lectures 12
  • Duration 12 Weeks
  • Skills University
  • Language English
  • Availability Cohort
  • Certificate No
PSD2002 Introduction to Psychedelic Therapies Course Image