#218 Deke Letson: Founder of Veterans Exploration Therapy
Manage episode 445118199 series 2829610
In this powerful episode, veteran Deke Letson shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming PTSD and the struggle to find effective mental health support within the VA system. He exposes the challenges many veterans face with overmedication and inadequate therapy options, highlighting the urgent need for trauma-focused, holistic care. Deke discusses his transition from traditional treatment to wilderness therapy, where he found healing through adventure and outdoor experiences. Veterans Exploration Therapy (VETx), the organization he is now a part of, harnesses the power of nature to create transformative experiences for veterans and their families. VETx offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, snorkeling, and even shark diving, promoting mental health recovery through adventure and connection with nature. By addressing the root causes of trauma, VETx provides veterans with critical resources and support outside the conventional VA system. The program emphasizes early intervention, encouraging veterans to seek help at the first signs and symptoms of mental health struggles. With a focus on healing, happiness, and community, this episode sheds light on the importance of adventure therapy and the positive impact it can have on veterans’ mental health.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Experience as a Veteran
03:11 Challenges with the VA System
08:25 The Importance of Effective Therapy
12:03 The Limitations of Medication
16:17 The Impact of Trauma and the Need for Support
23:15 Stupid Shit and Brain Health
25:27 The Signature Injury of the GWOT Era
27:19 Operating in the 0-50% Range
29:38 From Nonprofit to Reality
31:31 The Healing Starts at Home
34:00 The Importance of Outdoor Experiences
36:02 Adventures in Colorado
38:31 Material Possessions vs. Experiences
41:05 Early Intervention and Seeking Help
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Connect with Deke today!
LinkedIn: Deke Letson
Facebook: Veteran Exploration Therapy
Instagram: vetxtherapy
Website: vetxtherapy.org
Email: info@vetxtherapy.org
Produced by Security Halt Media
Chương
1. #218 Deke Letson: Founder of Veterans Exploration Therapy (00:00:00)
2. Veteran's Struggle With PTSD (00:00:01)
3. Mental Health Struggles Among Veterans (00:12:57)
4. Healing Through Adventure (00:26:13)
5. Outdoor Therapy for Veterans (00:37:42)
210 tập