SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Condrell helps families find happiness
by JESSICA L. FINCH

Dr. Kenneth Condrell has been a clinical psychologist for 35 years and last year had his third book published.

A turning point in the career of psychologist Dr. Kenneth Condrell came when he was doing what he loves - helping youths.

Working with neglected and deprived young boys through a program at the University at Michigan, Condrell said it was during that experience that he decided he wanted to work in psychology, specializing in children.

From there he had a hand in many aspects of psychology, including developing a program for a proposed hospital in Western New York and working as a professor at Buffalo State College, training undergraduate students to work with emotionally disabled children.

After three years at the college, Condrell made another career decision.

"I missed working with families and wanted to go into private practice," he said.

His initial Condrell Center grew to three locations employing 21 psychologists. Today, he has one center.

During the many stages of his career, Condrell became an author, completing three books and published articles. He also has worked as a consultant to Fisher-Price Toys, responding to specific questions from parents and proposing solutions.

He has also been a guest speaker on problems such as bullying that face today's youth and their families.

But it's when he works with families that Condrell is face to face with his mission - to help find a solution for their problems.

"Parents start the session with, 'All I want is for my child to be happy,'" Condrell said, which is addressed in his 2006 book "Unhappy Child: What Every Parent Needs to Know."

During his 35 years as a clinical psychologist, Condrell has aided many children and adults. Through his book, "Be a Great Divorced Dad," Condrell helps men adjust to the new lifestyle with their children.

Condrell has developed a successful approach to dealing with children who aren't always willing to open up about their problems. One of his tricks - cookies and milk.

"I really have a lot of empathy for kids, they relate to me," he said. "They have a connection with me and feel that someone cares and is sympathetic."

The goal of his approach is to have the children talk about why they think they are visiting his office. From there dialogue can open up about the problems at home, in school, or whatever troubles the child might be facing.

And life has been changing for today's child, Condrell said. He added that more children are on medication for anxiety and depression than ever before.

"A lot of parents are hoping the problem can be solved quickly," he said. "But life in the past 25 years has become very stressful. It's a frantic lifestyle."

One of the messages he tells his patients is, "Try to find time to be a family."

By doing so families can begin to address the many ways that a child can get into trouble, especially with the expansion of computers and the Internet.

"I have been working for 35 years and had the opportunity to interact with thousands of kids," he said. "The two best things (parents) can do is to find time to make each child an only child one time a week ... And to educate themselves."

He added that parents of children approaching adolescence should read a book about that stage in life. It is important to stay one step ahead of the child's level, he said.

Condrell is also the author of "Wimpy Parents ... from Toddler to Teen."

Condrell's office is in Stonegate Office Park, Suite 2, 8201 Main St. A Clarence resident, he has lived most of his life in Western New York.

He received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University at Buffalo and completed his graduate work at the University of Michigan. His fellowship took place at Boston Children's Hospital, which Condrell considers a leader in the field of child psychology.

Condrell can be reached at 634-7220 or at kencondrell @adelphia.net. His Web site is www.drcondrell.com.