Helping You Design the Life You Deserve

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Barbara A. Blocker, LCSW
Certified Relationship and Life Coach

Welcome to Partners By Design Coaching Center! Let me introduce myself! My name is Barbara Blocker and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Coach with over 32 years experience in helping people just like you design their perfect life. I will guide you to get clear about what you want, identify the challenges in your way, and define the goals and action steps that will transform you, your view of life and your belief about what is possible.

If you are in a partnership, I will use my skills cultivated as a therapist and coach to guide you to heal and create a relationship that works, strengthens and thrives over time.

If you are an individual, who wants more, and needs guidance to create the life that leads to joy, success and unlimited possibilities, I will provide guidance and accountability to lead you down the path you create. To learn more click the appropriate button below:

I want Relationship Coaching I want Individual Coaching

Appointments available! Call 352-587-5830


This is not a therapy site. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - don't use this site. These resources can provide you with immediate help.

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Coaching vs. Therapy: The Differences

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Coach, I'm often asked what is the difference between therapy and coaching. It's a great question and very important one!

Psychotherapy is utilized by individuals who come to me for support in dealing with issues that are causing them pain, dysfunction as a result of other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, past traumas, as examples. Our work is more intense, more focused on stabilization, and being able to resume functionality again in life and work situations.

Coaching on the other hand is that next step. You need less support and direction and are ready to take charge of creating things in your life that work better for you. You are able to work autonomously to make the changes necessary to get to a happier, healthier place. You are ready to be held accountable for your actions and to operate at a higher standard than you’ve held yourself to before.

If you are here for Relationship coaching, you may be feeling pain in that area, but in other areas of your life you are functioning well, being successful in work situations, and handling parenting and other life responsibilities well. You have enough health that you can take the tools that I’ll offer and implement them in your world. The result: Incremental improvements that lead to transformation.


From the comfort of your own home, I work with individuals and couples all over the world. I use a private and encrypted messaging platform that provides voice, video and texting from any location via the Internet.

This is not a therapy site. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - don't use this site. These resources can provide you with immediate help.