What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 6:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 6:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 6:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 6:30pm Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm

East Bay Relationship Center formerly Alameda Couples Counseling

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Alameda, CA
East Bay Relationship Center formerly Alameda Couples Counseling

East Bay Relationship Center, the private practice center of Sinead Smyth, Licensed Marriage and Fam

I've chosen as associates licensed therapists who are highly skilled and experienced. We share a common vision of the vital importance of building and maintaining strong, healthy relationships to create strong foundations for individual, couples and families to be happy and succeed.

09/26/2025

Handling Conflict Without Losing Connection🙌🏻

Conflict is normal—but how you handle it matters. Try these Gottman-inspired approaches:
💬 Softened Start-up: Begin gently, not defensively.
👂 Listen to Understand: Reflect back what your partner is saying.
🕰️ Regular Check-ins: Talk about issues when emotions are calmer.

These strategies turn conflict into opportunities to grow closer.

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09/25/2025

3 Simple Communication Habits for Couples

Strong partnerships are built one conversation at a time. Try these habits to deepen your connection:
1️⃣ Active Listening – Listen to understand, not just to reply.
2️⃣ “I” Statements – Share your feelings without blame.
3️⃣ Take Turns – Let each person fully express themselves.

🫶 These small shifts reduce conflict and create space for real understanding.

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09/24/2025

Why Communication Is the ❤️ of a Relationship

✨ In every relationship, is the foundation that keeps partners connected. When we listen, share openly, and respect each other’s differences, we build trust, intimacy, and a stronger bond.

💡 Remember: A relationship thrives when both people feel heard, valued, and understood.

🔑 Key takeaway: Strong communication = strong connection.

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09/19/2025

Thriving as Parents AND Partners

Yes, can be tough on your relationship. But it can also bring you closer than ever! 💖 Here’s how to turn the challenges into a deeper connection:
✨ Shared Purpose – Raising a child together gives you a joint mission that can unite you as teammates, not opponents.
✨ Empathy – Parenthood expands your capacity for selflessness and understanding, benefitting your partnership in the long run.
✨ Intentional Connection – Protect your relationship with daily rituals: 15-minutes of uninterrupted conversation, scheduled ‘couple time,’ and showing gratitude.

Remember: Parenting is a team sport. When you work together, your bond grows stronger, and your kids will see what a healthy relationship looks like. 💪

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09/17/2025

Parenthood Can Impact Emotional & Sexual Intimacy

Let’s talk about the emotional and s*xual shifts that happen when you become parents. 💕

When you’re juggling sleepless nights and endless baby care, it’s easy to put intimacy on the back burner. Dr. Gottman’s research highlights that emotional availability can drop, and s*x often becomes a distant memory (especially for moms!). 😓
Before kids: Deep dinner talks, spontaneous affection, and shared dreams.
After kids: Quick check-ins and scheduled intimacy.

What to do?
✔️ Prioritize small moments of connection (a quick kiss, a conversation during a diaper change).
✔️ Understand each other’s needs and limitations, and lean on the Gottman “stress-reducing conversation” to keep your relationship strong. 🗣️
Remember: These changes are TEMPORARY, but they can make your bond even stronger. 💑

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09/16/2025

The Struggles Every Parent Couple Faces

Parenthood comes with incredible joy... but also some major challenges for your relationship. 😴 From sleepless nights to diaper duty debates, here’s how children impact relationships and what you can do about it. 💑

Dr. John and Julie Gottman’s research shows that nearly 66% of couples experience a decline in satisfaction in the first 3 years after a baby arrives. But don’t worry—this is normal. Understanding these changes can help you manage them and stay connected with your partner! 💬

💡 What you might notice:
    •    Emotional intimacy takes a hit.
    •    Intimacy (both emotional and s*xual) declines.
    •    You start seeing each other more as parents than partners.

It’s a huge shift! But with understanding, this phase can strengthen your bond. 🙏🏻💚

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09/05/2025

Love, Space & the Future

Living together doesn’t mean losing yourself. 🪴💭 Talk about:
    •    Alone time & privacy needs 🕰️
    •    Guests & social life at home 🥂
    •    Long-term plans (marriage, kids, or just seeing where love takes you) 💍

Moving in is a hopeful step — the more intentional your conversations, the smoother your journey.

#❤️

09/04/2025

Finances & Chores — The Real Talk🗣️💚

Love is sweet, but bills and dishes are real. 💸🍽️ Before moving in together, talk honestly about:
    •    Splitting rent & expenses 💰
    •    Financial goals & habits 📊
    •    Dividing chores fairly 🧹

It’s not about being romantic 24/7 — it’s about creating a strong foundation so your love can thrive without unnecessary stress. 💕

#❤️

09/03/2025

The Big Step — Moving In Together

Thinking about moving in with your partner? 🏡✨ It’s exciting, but it can also feel a little scary. Before you pack the boxes, ask these key questions:
    •    What does moving in together mean for us?
    •    Are we both emotionally ready?
    •    How will this change our relationship dynamic?
Couples who talk through these questions build stronger, more intentional partnerships. ❤️

08/08/2025

“Growth Takes Two” – Building a Healthier Relationship Together 🫶

Not every challenge is a red flag 🚩Some are invitations to grow. 🌱

Healthy relationships aren’t perfect—they’re intentional.
✅ Different conflict styles? Talk about them.
✅ Miscommunication? Practice new tools.
✅ Emotional mismatch? Learn each other’s languages.
When both partners show willingness to grow, love deepens.

🌟 Progress > Perfection

🧠 Learn, unlearn, grow—together.
💬 What’s a growth area you and your partner are working on right now?

08/07/2025

“What Real Red Flags Look Like” – Protect Your Peace🚩

Real red flags are not about being imperfect.
They’re about patterns that harm and don’t change.
🚫 Silent treatment
🚫 Contempt (eye-rolling, name-calling)
🚫 Guilt trips or control

These aren’t quirks. They’re signs of emotional immaturity or abuse.
👉 If you’re walking on eggshells…
👉 If they mock your feelings…
👉 If you feel like YOU are the problem...

It’s time to stop minimizing and start protecting yourself.
You deserve a partner who works on things WITH you—not against you.💚

08/06/2025

“Red Flag or Growth Area?” – Learn to Tell the Difference🚩

Your partner cancels dinner again…
Red flag 🚩 or growth opportunity 🌱?
Not every uncomfortable behavior is a dealbreaker. But knowing which ones are is crucial.

🔥 Red Flags = repeated harm, emotional manipulation, unwillingness to change.
🌱 Growth Areas = missteps met with accountability + a desire to grow.

🎯 If it happens once and they listen, it might be growth.
If it happens often and they blame you? That’s a flag.
💬 Save this post for when your gut says “something feels off.”

Address

1335 Park Avenue , Ste A
Alameda, CA
94501

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 6:30pm

Telephone

+15107480640

Website

https://www.eastbayrelationshipcenter.com/

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