A clinical psychologist with roots in the community has opened an office in Brantford.
Gregory Knoll, who grew up in Mount Pleasant and attended school in Brantford, has opened Brant Child and Adolescent Psychology Services on Queensway Drive.
"There is a huge demand in this community for the services that I provide but right now, as we speak, there isn't any other clinical psychologist here," said Knoll.
He said he plans to approach local school boards and agencies to make them aware of his services.
A registered psychologist, Knoll earned his doctoral degree in clinical-development psychology at York University. His experience includes working at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
His area of expertise is with children and their families.
Knoll can provide assessments of young people with learning disabilities, as well as those who are gifted intellectually. He provides treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation behavioural therapy, play and music therapy, coping skills and parenting strategies.
He is also available for consultations to community organizations, educational institutions and individuals.
"One of the biggest issues we have to address is stigma," Knoll said. "Parents have to realize that it's OK to recognize and acknowledge a problem.
"We should be able to talk about mental health in the same way we talk about diabetes or any other medical issue."
He said that it's also important to recognize the importance of getting young children and adolescents the help they need early in their lives.
Prior to his doctoral studies, Knoll earned a BA in psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and a diploma in drug and alcohol counselling at Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough.
"I was pretty active in sports growing up and had aspirations of becoming a professional athlete," Knoll said. "I played triple-A hockey and rugby and I'm pretty competitive.
"But when that didn't pan out I went to college and channelLed my energy into something new."
To learn more about Knoll, check out his website at drknollpsychology.ca, contact him by e-mail at info@drknollpsychology.ca or call 1-416-888-4572.
vincent.ball@sunmedia.ca
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