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20 QUESTIONS WITH BUCK BLACK
April - May 2010
This month we feature trucker therapist Buck Black. We were lucky enough to meet Buck on Twitter and find this great man providing an amazing service to those in the industry. Buck's practice is not limited to the trucking industry. We encourage you To contact Buck if you are seeking the help of a professional, or need to talk. Thank you Buck!!
Prior to opening my private practice, I worked for two community mental health agencies where I was a Therapist. I have clinical experience helping adolescents and adults with a wide range of problems including relationship issues, substance abuse, anger management, anxiety, depression, and a variety of sexual problems, including concerns about sexual orientation, gender identity, sex offending, and sexual addiction. I also teach workshops on anger and stress management to corporations.
My educational background includes a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from Indiana University. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Purdue University (Lafayette, Indiana campus), where I double majored in Psychology and Sociology. I also earned a minor in Computer Technology. In addition, I've received training on a variety of clinical subjects including anger management, anxiety, couples counseling, codependency, personality disorders, PTSD, and various types of sexual issues. I continue to learn more about counseling and therapy by participating in anger management workshops and various trainings, as well as reading and lecturing about various topics related to counseling and online coaching. TP: How did you get involved with the trucking industry?
Buck Black: I first became involved in the trucking industry by chance. For some unknown reason, I had several truckers walking into my office who needed help with various issues, like relationship problems, anger, and stress. I quickly learned that they either had to quit their job or take time off from work (which means losing a lot of money) in order to keep therapy appointments. Many truckers just didn't come to therapy because the sacrifice was too great. As a result of seeing truckers either not getting help or losing their jobs, I decided to get involved in the trucking industry by specializing in helping truckers over the phone and Skype. Once I started this, I found myself getting more and more involved in the trucking industry. Working with truckers is a lot of fun for me and I really like the idea that I am providing a service that no one else does (to my knowledge).
TP: What would you like the trucking community to know about you and your services?
Buck Black I recognize that relationships, anger, sadness, and stress are common for truckers and their families. Since truckers are my specialty, I am able to understand many of the challenges that are faced on a daily basis. I also am able to use my therapy skills (I am an LCSW [license number IN 34005584A] to help truckers and their families live a better life. I love technology and how it helps me to communicate with my clients. Skype is a tool I use all of the time because I enjoy seeing my clients (instead of just hearing their voice), which helps me to get to know them a little better. I also like to help my clients save their minutes by offering them AT&T mobile-to-mobile service (assuming the client has a rate plan that allows mobile-to-mobile…and most modern plans do). So, any way I can use technology to make the sessions more available, the better.
TP: Because of the different time zones in the US, please tell us when are you available for your clients?
Buck Black I am available from 10am EST to 10pm EST Monday through Friday. I also do Sunday evenings from 7pm to 11pm EST.
TP: What Trucking trade magazines / websites do your read / visit most?
Buck Black Landline www.LifeontheRoad.com - AskTheTrucker.com - www.truckersteve.org - Various Facebook groups and twitter - I'm always open to suggestion on other good trucker sites/magazines.
TP: What can you be found doing when you have downtime?
Buck Black I fish a lot during the summer. My Dad and I are restoring an old fishing boat from the 1950s so we can fish more. We only have a few dollars invested in it and its great! I also enjoy going walking the trails in state parks around Indiana so I can get some exercise after sitting in my office all day. I'm going to be married this fall, so that is sure to be life changing!
TP: What is the biggest goal you would like to accomplish?
Buck Black I would like to do trucker therapy full time. Currently, I spent around 25% of my time with truckers while working with the general population for the rest of my workweek. I also strive to help truckers to realize that it is OK to reach out to someone else for help. I want to get rid of that mental health stigma.
TP: What prompted you to start Trucker Therapy?
Buck Black Truckers who are over the road need to be able to have access to a therapist. If they want to do traditional therapy in the office, then they will lose their job, lose a lot of money, or simply go without therapy. TruckerTherapy.com provides a solution to that problem by proving access to a therapist (me) on the phone or Skype. The trucker's family may also use the service.
TP: How long have you been offering your truckers services?
Buck Black I have been doing trucker therapy for over a year on the phone and Skype. I have been talking with truckers and learning about the culture for more than six years.
TP: Is your service all phone and internet based? Or can drivers see you in your office?
Buck BlackDrivers are welcome to come to my office at Heartland Clinic, which is in Lafayette IN (Just off I65 near the 172 mile marker). I have met truckers face-to-face after several phone sessions and I always enjoy it!
TP: Some people are hesitant or nervous to talk to a therapist. Any words to ease the anxiety of calling?
Buck Black Talking with a therapist is probably much more common than you think. There are a lot of people who talk with therapists, but never tell anyone. Don't be shy about contacting therapists for some assistance. No one is able to handle all of life's problems all by themselves! I invite truckers and their families to call me or email me though my website. I want everyone to know that they can talk with me to learn about what I do and to see if it looks like I can be of help. Of course, an initial phone call to figure out if I can be of help is free.
TP: How important is one's diet to combat depression or anxiety on the road?
Buck Black Diet plays a large role in how one feels. Caffeine and sugar are two main items to make sure you don't over consume. I know it's hard to eat better, especially when you are on the road. Just remember that diet does matter and increasing exercise a bit (by even walking a couple of extra laps around your truck) can be very helpful.
TP: Are your services limited to drivers?
Buck Black No. I see individuals, families, and teens. My in-office clients come from various backgrounds. My specialties are Anger Management, Stress Management, and Relationships.
TP: In your opinion what is the biggest obstacle truck driver's face today?
Buck Black I think the biggest obstacle for the trucker is lack of respect. Trucks are often viewed as something that is in the way, truckers are viewed as social outcasts, and overall, it is getting harder and harder for the trucker to simply make a living.
TP: What one thing would you change with the industry if you could?
Buck Black I love to see truckers make a good wage and have benefits that allow them to have time to be home with their families and live life.
TP: What advice would you give new drivers?
Buck Black I would tell new drivers to prepare themselves for the isolation of the road. Make sure you have a good network of friends and family. Also, make sure that you have a good cell phone with a good plan, as well as internet access. The more you can use technology to keep in touch with others, the better off you will be. Also, make sure you are finding some time to exercise a bit and eat some quality food. Isolation, lack of exercise, and a diet of fast food is the trifecta for depression, stress, and being miserable!
TP: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Buck Black A 10 year prediction is always difficult. I'll certainly be a major player in making mental health services more accessible to truckers and doing what I can to help improve the quality of truckers' lives.
TP: Where do you see the trucking industry in 10 years?
Buck Black I see it getting better as the economy strengthens and there is more freight to haul. However, there will probably be more regulations than ever. I am hopeful that conditions will improve overall.
TP: What's next for Trucker Therapy?
Buck Black The next thing? I would say that it would be reaching out to families of drivers. I've got a sizable client base of truckers, but it is more difficult to get in contact with the families at this point. I know it would also be helpful for the families to discuss their difficulties in coping while their loved one is out on the road.
TP: What's next for Buck Black?
Buck Black Me? Well, I want to continue to live the good life of doing what I do and finding time to enjoy my family, go fishing, and hopefully take a few trips out west to see the desert (I love going out west!).
TP: If someone is interested in utilizing your services how can they contact you?
Buck Black Email me though my website: www.TruckerTherapy.com Call me at 765-807-6778
TP: Did we forget anything? If you have anything to add here is the place!
Buck Black To help my mission of getting mental health services to truckers, I would love to be the trucker therapist for the Ice Road Truckers show. Wouldn't that be the ultimate way to raise awareness and decrease stigma?
Buck we can't thank you enough for taking the time to do our 20 questions spotlight interview. Please if your out there and need someone to talk to remember Buck's information and give him a call!! You can also find Buck on Twitter @buckblack or @truckerstherapy and Facebook.
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