Why does Edwin say his idea make more sense than most psychologists?

Edwin gives Cole a lot of practical advice. He tells Cole, among other things, to not drown himself in self-pity.

Don't drown in self-pity," Edwin said. "You have more than most people. There's a whole box of your mom's letters waiting for you back in Drake. She knows you can't have mail, but she still writes every couple of days anyway."

By the end of the story Cole understands how important Edwin's advice to him was.

"You know, the stuff you just told me makes more sense than all the weird things the counselors and psychologists have told me in school and at the detention center."

thank you