#218 Deke Letson: Founder of Veterans Exploration Therapy

Author: Deny Caballero
Published: Mon 14 Oct 2024
Episode Link: None

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