Is there a way I can make it so in a forum a user can view his own topics only and the rest of the topics by others aren't seen to that user? I would like staff to view all the topics though.
Yes. You can do this in the admin panel.
Admin CP -> Forums & Posts -> Forum you want -> Permissions -> Set Custom Permissions for Registered -> Check "View only own threads".
If you allow staff to still see all of the threads they will see it (just leave that box unchecked for staff).
Hope this helps.
.
Ah! Thought it was that. Just making sure. Cheers