🪖 A Different Way To Treat PTSD? Combat Veteran Speaks on Healing, Faith, and Purpose

West Palm Beach, Fl - In a powerful Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, listeners are introduced to a man whose life mission is transforming how people think about trauma, healing, and post-traumatic growth.

Dr. Matthew Burke, a Combat Veteran, author, and Ph.D., opens up about his personal battle with PTSD, his journey toward recovery, and how he’s helping others reclaim their lives through an approach that challenges convention.

His story raises an important question: Is this a different way to treat PTSD? One rooted in faith, purpose, and nature.

🎧 You can listen to the full episode for free on their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

🌍 From the Battlefield to Building a Mission

Dr. Burke served 13 years in the U.S. Air Force, completing four combat deployments before his life took a drastic turn. The invisible wounds of combat left deep scars, not only on him but also on his family.

“I didn’t fully understand how much my experiences had affected me until I came home,” Burke shared. “The trauma doesn’t just stay on the battlefield; it follows you into every part of your life.”

Determined to reclaim his health, Burke sought a more effective way to heal, one that didn’t rely solely on medication or traditional talk therapy.

That journey led him to found 10 CAN Outdoors, an organization designed to help Veterans, first responders, and families recover from trauma by reconnecting with nature and faith.

🎓 Education, Experience, and Purpose

Dr. Burke’s academic and professional journey is as impressive as his military service. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration (Emergency Management), an M.A. in Youth Ministry, and a B.S. in Criminal Justice.

He’s also the author of Saving Heroes and Raising Outdoorsmen,two great books to check out.

“Many assume that anything ‘Christian’ equates to religion,” Burke explained. “But that’s not what we do. Translated, our mission is about Hope (Christian), Excitement (Adventure), and Collaboration (Network). Hope is the most powerful weapon against suicide, but it must be backed by structure and sustainable growth.”

💭 Is There a Cure for PTSD?

For decades, PTSD has been viewed as one of the most difficult conditions to treat. Standard approaches rely heavily on therapy, medication, or experimental treatments.

But Dr. Burke began asking a different question: Is there a better way to heal?

“10 CAN didn’t believe there was a cure for PTSD, not until we saw people start to truly change,” he said. “Once we combined outdoor adventure, peer support, and spiritual readiness, the results were undeniable. Healing doesn’t have to be clinical or confined to an office. It can happen out in the world, through connection, challenge, and faith.”

About 10 CAN, Inc.

Founded by Dr. Burke, 10 CAN, Inc. (Christian Adventure Network) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, adolescent development, and conservation.

The organization serves military and first responder families, impoverished women, and youth through outdoor recreation, education, and rehabilitation programs.

“The name 10 CAN was divinely inspired,” Burke said. “It represents the ten elements of life essential for balance and wholeness. Think of it like a ten-spoke wheel, if one spoke is broken, the whole thing loses balance. Life is the same way.”

Their programs blend faith-based values with inclusive, non-denominational support, using the outdoors as both sanctuary and classroom, a place to rediscover self-reliance, perseverance, and purpose.

“At 10 CAN, we view healing as something active,” Burke added. “Our ministry is action-oriented, adventurous, and bridges the gap between the Church and warriors. Faith is vital to healing moral wounds. Without it, only temporary relief occurs.”

🏕️ Outdoor Therapy in Action

The 10 CAN experience is more than outdoor recreation, it’s a path toward rediscovering joy, identity, and purpose.

Programs include hunting, fishing, farming, and survival training, but each activity represents something deeper: the process of rebuilding confidence and reconnecting with self and spirit.

“We’re proving that healing can be fun when the battle’s already won,” Burke said with a smile.

The results are powerful. Participants report lower suicide risk, stronger family bonds, and renewed meaning in life. Through partnerships with mental health organizations, 10 CAN also provides specialized therapy and crisis support, creating a comprehensive model of care that unites mind, body, and spirit.

📊 Why PTSD Deserves New Thinking

PTSD affects millions, not just Veterans.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 7% of Veterans will experience PTSD in their lifetime, compared to 6% of adults in the general population. Among female Veterans, that number rises to 13%.

For first responders, the numbers are even more staggering. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 1 in 3 first responders will develop PTSD at some point during their careers.

Behind every statistic is a person, a soldier, officer, firefighter, or paramedic, fighting invisible battles long after their visible ones have ended.

“You can’t heal trauma by treating only one piece of it,” Burke said. “True recovery happens when you reconnect with yourself, with others, and with creation.”

💚 A Message of Hope

Dr. Matthew Burke’s story reminds us that trauma doesn’t have to define a person’s life. Healing can be found in movement, community, and faith.

🎧 Listen to his full interview on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, now streaming on their website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

“Healing is not about forgetting what happened,” Burke said. “It’s about learning to live, and thrive, after it.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or suicidal thoughts, help is available.
📞 Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, 24/7 support.