Note: Elke Sengmueller’s waitlist is closed until January 2023.
Elke Sengmueller
Registered Dietitian
I am a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years’ experience working with clients of all ages. Having a strong background in both medical and behavioural nutritional therapy, I am uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of issues. My areas of focus include digestive issues, eating disorders, emotional eating, problematic relationships with food, childhood feeding concerns, mental health and trauma-related eating issues. I have spoken at numerous conferences and workshops, and am a co-author of two publications: Dietitians of Canada: Promoting Mental Health Through Healthy Eating and Nutritional Care: Role of Dietitians (2012), and ASD: The Autism Spectrum Health and Diet Guide (2014).
I completed my honours degree in Applied Science (Human Nutrition) at the University of Guelph in 1996 and completed my Internship at the London Health Sciences Centre (including the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario and the Critical Care Trauma Centre) in 1997. After qualifying as a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario that same year, I began my career focusing on surgical/critical care nutrition and paediatrics in greater Toronto area hospitals. I also opened a part-time private practice. Ever curious about individual, familial and cultural dynamics influencing food intake, I became drawn to the psychology of eating and the role of nutrition for mental health. I gained expertise in these areas through work in provincial eating disorder programs and during several years of work at CAMH in the Eating Disorder and Addiction Clinic, the Borderline Personality Disorder Clinic, and the inpatient units. I ensure my expertise is up-to- date by regularly attending conferences and trainings, taking courses, and being an active member of Dietitians of Canada. I have training in DBT, CBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-focused therapy, and I utilize aspects of these techniques in collaboration with my treatment team.
Clients appreciate my friendly, non-judgemental, compassionate approach and commitment to meeting them where they are at. My style helps clients feel at ease while exploring difficult eating issues. I utilize a non-dieting, Health At Every Size (HAES) philosophy regarding body weight. Weight loss meal plans are not provided. My extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge base reassure clients that their concerns will be considered from a whole-person perspective.
Outside of my clinical work, I am an avid animal lover and advocate, and enjoy cycling, hiking, reading, music, travelling, paper-crafting and exploring ethnic cuisines with friends and family.