Hey there, 

Colstyn was introduced to the world of psychotherapy when his childhood adoptive family was court-ordered to attend. He spent his 1st two individual sessions stubbornly, defiantly, and silently sitting on the Therapist’s couch, refusing to speak a word or making eye-contact with the Therapist.  And yet, the Therapist never refused him.  This acceptance was much needed even if he was "a bad kid." 

Colstyn’s work helping others began at 18 when he started working with Developmentally Disabled Adults, Children, and Infants.  He provided job training, independent living skills and adult daily living skills training, coupled with family support.  During this time, he learned much about the various levels of communication, including learning “an infinite amount that isn’t covered in any text book” from his non-verbal clients. 

At 22, he began working at Victor Treatment Centers, Inc. (VTC) in Redding, CA working with Severely Emotionally Disturbed and traumatized children (ages 10-22) in residential care settings. Colstyn was quickly introduced to the resiliency of children and found his passion.  Colstyn served in several positions with VTC first as a Residential Counselor, a Safety Officer, a member of the Crisis Management Team, Residential Services Supervisor, Trainer and Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist.  Upon completing his graduate work, Colstyn was promoted to Clinician.  Colstyn credits much of what he learned from the kids he served for almost 15 years. 

Colstyn earned his AA in Residential Care, his BA in Psychology graduating Magna Cum Laude, and his MA in Counseling graduating with distinction.  

He went on to teach at his Alma Mater for 5 years as a Certified Core Adjunct professor at National University, teaching in both the Bachelor’s and Master’s level courses (Psychology of Religion, Group Therapy, Trauma, and Cultural Diversity).

Colstyn spent 3 years providing Educationally Related Mental Health Services in Shasta County, in the position of Clinician III, serving several local school districts, including Regional Programs (Elementary through High School) that served youth and their families (IEP driven services).

He served 2 years (President Elect and President) on the Redding Regional Chapter of the California Marriage & Family Therapists.  

While working at a rural Federally Qualified Health Care center (FQHC) in Redding, CA Colstyn became a Level II Diabetes Paraprofessional and helped launch the Gender Health Clinic providing integrated care for patients, side-by-side with Medical Doctors, Nurses, Scribes, Visit Coordinators, and Case Managers.  

Colstyn is a Certified Child Development Intervention Specialist, a Certified Cognitive Behavior Therapy Specialist, a Certified Treatment Specialist for Diverse Populations, participated in the Becoming ACE’s Aware in California, completed his Diversity & Inclusion Certificate through eCornell University, and also completed his Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional Training (CSTIP).

Colstyn currently supervises associate MFTs, owns his private practice, and continues to provide trainings and consultations.