Edwin Depner

Edwin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York who specializes in trauma informed and whole person psychotherapy. ‍ Adopted by a family outside of Seattle, Edwin was malnourished, neurodivergent and suffered hearing loss. At first Doctors were sure his life would be short and regularly reinforced the significant limitations he would experience if he did survive. Not only did he defy the odds, Edwin's natural ability for counseling was visible from an early age, though his passion for working with people conflicted with the limitations that were imposed on him by well-meaning professionals. ‍ After high school, Edwin explored trades and while he achieved certifications in Culinary Arts and Emergency Medical Services, then later a Bachelor’s degree, he found himself largely unfulfilled. He found more fulfillment in an hour of listening to the countertop installer talk about the struggles in his marriage, than the other 39 hours of managing as many as 200 doors as a building manager in Seattle. ‍ Wrapping up 15 unrewarding years across three industries, Edwin and his wife Jennifer took off on an adventure sabbatical, living out of their car, driving around Canada and the US for a year. When they drove into New York in early 2016 the city quickly captivated them and they couldn't bring themselves to leave. Now they can't imagine being anywhere else. ‍ Edwin has since graduated with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling and has been licensed by New York State in addition to being certified as a Highlands Consultant and completing training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Edwin has also previously served as Board Member of a nonprofit which works to overcome stigma and provide hope through storytelling.