Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy and Counseling with Buck
Notice of Privacy Practices and How I Keep My Clients Safe
Why did I become a therapist?
I discovered early on that I naturally connect with others through listening and supporting, which I genuinely enjoy. Since late elementary school, I’ve envisioned building a private practice where I could make a meaningful difference. I find a lot of fulfillment—and even joy—in my work, and I sincerely hope my clients experience that same sense of progress and satisfaction. It’s especially rewarding to serve the community of my hometown, Lafayette, Indiana.
In my practice, I enjoy helping with couples counseling, sex therapy, sex addiction counseling aka sexual compulsivity and anger management, as well as stress management. I teach a lot of coping skills, communication skills, and help people change their thinking and behaviors.
Why Choose Buck Black as your Therapist?
Professional Skills and Expertise
Couples Therapy
| Therapy with Buck | Therapy in General | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Expert in online couples therapy, intimacy, and sexual health. | General relationship issues. |
| Certs | Basic licenses, limited teletherapy focus. | |
| Approach | Evidence-based methods like CBT and Gottman Method. | General frameworks, less specialized. |
| Unique Value | Expertise in virtual sex therapy, anger, and alternative lifestyles. | Broad counseling focus. |
Sex Therapy
| Therapy with Buck | Therapy in General | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Sexual health, intimacy, and alternative relationships via teletherapy. | General emotional health. |
| Training | AASECT-certified sex therapy expertise with online emphasis. | Limited sexual health training. |
| Unique Value | Open, nonjudgmental online counseling for sexual concerns. | Basic sexual health support. |
Stress Management Therapy
| Therapy with Buck | Therapy in General | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Reduce stress through online tools, mindfulness, and CBT. | Broad mental health support. |
| Client Issues | Work stress, burnout, caregiving challenges, and chronic stress. | Anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. |
| Unique Value | Practical, teletherapy-friendly techniques and resources. | General therapeutic approaches. |
Anger Management Therapy
| Therapy with Buck | Therapy in General | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Control anger with CBT, emotional regulation, and relaxation. | Broad mental health focus. |
| Client Issues | Outbursts, frustration, and conflict resolution. | General mental health challenges. |
| Unique Value | Structured teletherapy for anger-specific goals. | Limited anger expertise. |
Online Therapy Benefits
Online counseling is now 100% of my services and the good news is that I have 21 years experience! I started out with phone and then I added video when it became more mainstream and higher quality. Teletherapy is working out really well. Most of my clients really enjoy the convenience. I have noticed a significant improvement with video/audio quality since the beginning of the pandemic as people are getting better devices and internet. If you are worried about the quality, I would urge you to give online therapy a try and use your newest mobile device while you make sure you are close to your wifi router. Old devices and weak wifi seem to be the most common problems with our online therapy sessions. Remember, if the connection fails, then we can just use the phone.
I was introduced to the world of teletherapy by helping people over the phone at the Crisis Center in Lafayette Indiana, where I volunteered for over 500 hours. Since I have been working in this realm for 21 years, I am very comfortable with it and prefer it due to the flexibility it offers. Read more about my long history with online counseling and see how much it has improved over the years.
Medication vs. Counseling
Education and Experience
My educational background includes a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Indiana University in 2005. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 2003 (West Lafayette, Indiana campus). I double majored in Psychology and Sociology and minored in Computer Technology. In addition, I’ve received training on a variety of therapy, counseling and mental health subjects including anger management, anxiety and stress management, couples counseling, financial counseling, and various types of sex therapy. I continue to learn more about counseling and therapy by participating in mental health workshops, as well as reading and lecturing about topics related to counseling and online therapy. As you can see, I have a passion for mental health!
Book Counseling Appointment Online
Buck’s Therapy and Mental Health Licenses / Certifications in Indiana
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Number (Indiana): 34005584A [Verify]
Telehealth Certifications (Indiana): TH0002041 and TH0002042
Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC) (Indiana): 87000233A [Verify]
Certified Financial Social Work Counselor
Certified Sex Therapist, AASECT (CST) [Verify]
Organizations I work with in Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, Indiana
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) West Central Indiana
Mental Health America Wabash Valley Region
Purdue University Cancer Resources
On the personal side, I grew up in the Lafayette, Indiana area and have spent the majority of my life here. When I’m not seeing clients, I can usually be found at local festivals and traveling for work and fun. My wife and I enjoy international travel and we are working toward all seven continents. We have two left! We also have just a few states left before we reach all 50.
