Episode 59: Eating Disorders, Psychedelics, and Targeting Cognitive Rigidity with Shel Scott

In this episode of the MAPS Canada Podcast, host Matt Hamel speaks with occupational therapist Shel Scott about the emerging role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of eating disorders. Drawing from her unique perspective as both an eating disorder survivor and a mental health clinician, Shel explores why eating disorders remain among the most challenging psychiatric conditions to treat, and where psychedelic medicines may offer new therapeutic possibilities.

The conversation examines the psychological rigidity, shame, and self-criticism that often characterize eating disorders, and how psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may help foster greater cognitive flexibility, self-compassion, and meaningful behavioural change. Shel also discusses why ketamine has become a particular focus of her work, especially for individuals whose treatment includes SSRIs, and explains why integration, psychotherapy, and everyday routines remain essential to translating psychedelic experiences into lasting recovery.

Beyond the clinical discussion, Shel shares her own recovery journey and reflects on how lived experience shapes her therapeutic approach. She offers thoughtful insights into the role of compassion, appropriate self-disclosure, and peer support in building a strong therapeutic relationship, while emphasizing the importance of meeting clients with both professional expertise and genuine humanity.

The episode also explores Shel's work in psychedelic policy and research through MAPS Canada's EXPAND Study, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve access to evidence-based psychedelic therapies through Canada's Special Access Program. Together, the conversation offers an insightful look at the intersection of clinical practice, lived experience, research, and policy as the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy continues to evolve.

To learn more about Shel’s clinical practice, visit www.prevailingminds.ca

To learn more about MAPS Canada’s Community of Practice (CoP), visit www.mapscanada.org/psychedelic-research-community-of-practice

To learn more about MAPS Canada’s research initiatives, such as the EXPAND Study, visit www.mapscanada.org/research/our-research

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Working with partners in government, business, and the community, MAPS Canada is committed to advancing psychedelic medicine by supporting scientific, multidisciplinary research; advocating for drug policy reform; offering public education; and supporting equitable access to legal and regulated psychedelic medicine in Canada.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) was formed in the US in 1986, in response to the US Drug Enforcement Agency’s classification of MDMA as Schedule 1 substance, and has been developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics since then.

MAPS Canada was founded as a sister organization to MAPS in 2011, and is a registered Canadian non-profit organization. Based in Vancouver and with hundreds of volunteers from across Canada, MAPS Canada is moving forward to become the leading Canadian source of information, resources and advocacy regarding psychedelic medicine and related clinical research, education, and public policy.

Learn More at https://mapscanada.org/about/

MAPS Canada is entirely funded by public donation and your support really makes a difference. Find out about all the ways you can support MAPS Canada’s mission by visiting our donation link https://mapscanada.org/donate/