Dr. Carstens grew up in New Mexico,
and graduated from the University
of New Mexico with a
degree in Psychology. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Connecticut,
receiving a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1975.
First licensed in Iowa, and
then in California, he has practiced in the San Diego area since
1979. Dr. Carstens has worked in public, private practice and managed care
settings. He was affiliated with Kaiser Permanente
for 23 years, where he led the family crisis intervention team and later
managed the emergency psychiatry service. He took early retirement to return to
the full time care of children and families, the work that gives him the
greatest professional satisfaction
He continues his professional education, and eagerly learns
new skills and techniques which he brings into his practice. He is one of only
a very few California psychologists to have
completed advanced clinical training in Collaborative Problem Solving, a
recently developed approach to children with severe anger problems.
As a psychologist, Dr. Carstens does not prescribe
medication, but he works closely with pediatricians, psychiatrists and other medical
specialists in providing the most appropriate and effective modes of combined
therapy.
Dr. Carstens presents frequently to parent groups on topics
related to child rearing and discipline. Concerned by the impact of todays
electronic media on children, he provides guidance to parents on dealing with
TV and the Internet. He is deeply committed to education, and is often invited
to address faculty meetings and school conferences.
Faith is an important part of his life. With Rev. William Mahedy, he is co-author of two books, Right Here, Right
Now: Spiritual Exercises for Busy Christians, and Starting on Monday:
Christian Living in the Workplace. Dr. Carstens has been a long time
contributor to the Catholic News Service, and for fourteen years he wrote a
regular column for youth, Coming of Age. His other publications include professional
articles, religious reflections and poetry.
Dr. Carstens is a member in good standing of the American
Psychological Association and the San Diego Psychological Association.
Dr. Carstens is married to Sandra Brue, an internationally
known artist. Between them they share six grown children and nine grandchildren.
