Trucking, Trauma, and Suicide Prevention

Trucking, Trauma, and Suicide Prevention

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we collectively turn our attention to a public health issue that affects every corner of our society. While we often discuss this in the context of teenagers or veterans, there is a demographic that is frequently overlooked, yet they are the lifeblood of our economy. I am talking about the people behind the wheel of the semi-trucks you pass every day on the interstates and the rural highways throughout our state. The Unique Burden of the Road We often look at these massive vehicles and see only the machine, not the…
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Why a Pill Can’t Cure Being Human: The Real Path to Emotional Freedom

Why a Pill Can’t Cure Being Human: The Real Path to Emotional Freedom

We live in a culture that loves a quick fix. If we have a headache, we take an aspirin. If we have an infection, we take an antibiotic. It makes sense that when we feel the crushing weight of anxiety, the dark fog of depression, or the sharp edge of anger, we look for a similar solution. We want the pain to stop. We want to feel "normal" again. And often, the first line of defense offered by the medical community is medication. Medication has its place. It can be a life raft in a storm, keeping your head above…
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Why Letting Go is the Ultimate Form of Self-Care

Why Letting Go is the Ultimate Form of Self-Care

Shedding the Emotional Weight We often move through our lives as if we are collectors. From the time we are young, we begin to accumulate things. We gather possessions, sure, but more importantly, we accumulate habits, beliefs, emotional responses, and coping mechanisms. Over time, these invisible items fill our mental backpacks. Some of them are useful tools that help us survive. But many of them are heavy, outdated, and burdensome. They are the grudges we hold against a family member the anxiety we feel about a job , or the limiting belief that we are not "enough" that started years…
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Why the Real Work of Therapy Happens After You Log Off

Why the Real Work of Therapy Happens After You Log Off

The Other 167 Hours: The 45-minute therapy hour is powerful. It is a dedicated space, secure and focused, where we work together on the challenges you are facing. Whether you are coming from Lafayette for relationship issues, logging in from Indianapolis to work on stress, or connecting from Fort Wayne to get a handle on anger, that time is foundational. But what happens in the 167 hours after you log off? Life does not pause. The triggers, the frustrations, and the patterns we discuss do not wait patiently for our next appointment. You might have that same circular argument with…
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The Imagined Burden: Finding Peace in Lafayette, Indiana

The Imagined Burden: Finding Peace in Lafayette, Indiana

It's a common human experience to feel overwhelmed by worries about what might happen, rather than what is actually happening. Learning how to manage stress is crucial in navigating these challenges. As the saying goes, "We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." This profound truth resonates deeply, particularly in our fast-paced world. For many in Lafayette, Indiana, and beyond, the weight of imagined burdens can feel as real and heavy as any tangible struggle. This isn't to say that real problems don't exist; they absolutely do. But often, the anxiety, fear, and stress we experience are amplified by…
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Why Individual Therapy Works—and Why Online Counseling Might Be Even Better

Why Individual Therapy Works—and Why Online Counseling Might Be Even Better

Sometimes, life feels overwhelming. You might be going through a difficult time, feeling anxious or stuck, struggling with low motivation, or trying to work through relationship or career problems. Individual therapy can be a valuable resource in these situations, helping you understand yourself better. Maybe you're not even sure what’s wrong—just that something feels off. You’ve tried talking to friends, reading self-help books, or distracting yourself, but nothing seems to bring lasting relief. That’s where individual therapy can help. In my practice based in Lafayette, Indiana, I work with adults all across the state who are ready to stop just…
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Why You Keep Repeating the Same Patterns—and What You Can Do About It

Why You Keep Repeating the Same Patterns—and What You Can Do About It

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Why does this keep happening to me?" Maybe it’s time to ask yourself: why do I keep repeating the same mistakes? Maybe it’s the same kind of argument that keeps coming up in your relationship. Maybe it’s the same bad job that drains you. Maybe it’s a cycle of anxiety, anger, or avoidance that plays on repeat. Carl Jung once said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” That’s what this is. This is your brain on autopilot, following scripts you didn’t know were…
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What Sets Buck Black Therapy Apart: Privacy, Accessibility, and Real Support

What Sets Buck Black Therapy Apart: Privacy, Accessibility, and Real Support

When you're looking for a therapist, it's important to find someone who offers more than just empathy—you want real support, proven experience, and a process that respects your time and privacy. Understanding online therapy benefits can be essential in making your choice. Here's how I’ve built my Lafayette-based teletherapy practice to meet those needs. Your Privacy Is Protected All therapy sessions are conducted through VSee Messenger, a HIPAA-compliant, secure video platform designed specifically for telehealth. Understanding the benefits of online therapy, I take confidentiality seriously and follow all HIPAA guidelines to protect your sensitive information, just as if we were…
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