Edward Yates, (he/him/his), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW)
Edward has a BA from Lesley University (2011) and his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College School of Social Work (2019). Edward started his social service and social work career providing therapeutic mentoring and outreach services to young Boston area people who were transitioning from residential treatment to their home communities. Before working at Lesley, Edward provided mental health services to LGBTQIA youth of color and their families through a community services agency in Jamaica Plain. Edward also provided free outpatient therapy to LGBTQIA youth of color who were at risk of being trafficked or involved in sex work.
Edward’s approach to counseling is centered around mindfulness while empowering students to drive their experience during each session. He approaches each session with compassion and curiosity to gain an understanding of the student's unique self and experiences. Edward has been trained and has a passion for restorative justice which also influences the approach to his practice. Some areas of focus are trauma work, impacts of acculturation, family and relationship dynamics, anxiety, and depression. Edward is bilingual (Spanish and English) and part of the 1.5 generation. Edward’s family immigrated from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts at the age of 7. This has influenced Edward’s passion and focus of cultural humility when interacting with students and the University community to gain an understanding of their unique self and experiences. On his time off you can find Edward meditating, gardening, playing and creating music, and doing creative projects.