East Bay Relationship Center formerly Alameda Couples Counseling

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.

“Growth Takes Two” – Building a Healthier Relationship Together 🫶Not every challenge is a red flag 🚩Some are invitations...
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?

“What Real Red Flags Look Like” – Protect Your Peace🚩Real red flags are not about being imperfect.They’re about patterns...
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.💚

“Red Flag or Growth Area?” – Learn to Tell the Difference🚩Your partner cancels dinner again…Red flag 🚩 or growth opportu...
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.”

YOU STILL HAVE POWERYou can’t force your partner to change—but you can create change.✅ Use softer approaches in tough ta...
07/30/2025

YOU STILL HAVE POWER

You can’t force your partner to change—but you can create change.

✅ Use softer approaches in tough talks
✅ Reconnect through shared joy
✅ Seek professional help, together or solo
✅ Reflect on realistic expectations in love

There is hope. Even when things feel stuck, a single shift—your shift—can start a new chapter.

🛠️ You are not powerless. You are the spark 🎆

#❤️

The Lonely Pursuer - “I’m trying so hard—alone.” Have you ever tiptoed around your partner, heart full of pain, wonderin...
07/29/2025

The Lonely Pursuer - “I’m trying so hard—alone.”

Have you ever tiptoed around your partner, heart full of pain, wondering why you’re the only one fighting for the relationship?
💔 “I was trying SO hard to fix our relationship. All by myself.”
You’re not alone. Many partners feel like they’re the only one holding the relationship together. But before you jump to conclusions, let’s explore why your partner might be pulling away.

It might not be that they don’t care. They may be:
💭 Conflict avoidant
😞 Paralyzed by fear of being blamed
😩 Overwhelmed with external stress
😔 Emotionally withdrawn

What you see as indifference might actually be self-protection.
If you want real change, start by understanding their world.

Empathy doesn’t mean surrender—it means strategy.

❤️

☀️Summertime: The Little Things ARE the Big Things” #🏖️🏕️ Remember: “Making memories” doesn’t have to mean a big trip or...
07/09/2025

☀️Summertime: The Little Things ARE the Big Things” #🏖️

🏕️ Remember: “Making memories” doesn’t have to mean a big trip or perfect plan.
It’s the tiny rituals, silly jokes, and shared glances that build your family’s story. 💬❤️

Psychologist Dr. John Gottman calls this “shared meaning”—the glue of lasting relationships.

✨ So instead of chasing more to do, focus on what makes your family feel like yours:
    •    Taco Tuesdays 🌮
    •    That goofy campfire song 🔥
    •    Inside jokes no one else gets 😂

This summer, lean into the little things. That’s the magic. ✨

🍦🍦🍦

☀️Summertime: Less Pressure, More Presence🏖️☀️ Summer’s meant to be chill, but let’s be honest—it often turns into a whi...
07/08/2025

☀️Summertime: Less Pressure, More Presence🏖️

☀️ Summer’s meant to be chill, but let’s be honest—it often turns into a whirlwind of planning, packing, and pressure.

This year, skip the perfection and focus on connection. 💛
👉 Instead of that “epic” BBQ or picture-perfect trip, try this:
    •    Listen when your kid shares something random.
    •    Sit quietly with your partner without distractions.

Dr. John Gottman calls it “turning toward”—those small, everyday moments that truly strengthen our relationships.

This summer, choose presence over pressure. 🧘‍♀️💬


🍦🍧🍿

The Four Horsemen — The AntidotesWant healthier, happier conversations? 😊 Use these antidotes to outsmart The Four Horse...
06/26/2025

The Four Horsemen — The Antidotes

Want healthier, happier conversations? 😊 Use these antidotes to outsmart The Four Horsemen:

    •    Criticism: Focus on feelings and needs, not character attacks
    •    Defensiveness: Take responsibility, avoid immediate counterattacks
    •    Contempt: Express appreciation and value your partner
    •    Stonewalling: Take a calming break, then re-engage
For example, instead of “You’re so lazy,” say “I feel frustrated about the mess. Can you help me out?”

Pro tip: Slow down, reflect, and respond calmly! 💬

#❤️

Why The Four Horsemen Are Problematic & How to Recognize Them 🐎🐎🐎🐎Not all disagreements are bad, but when negativity esc...
06/25/2025

Why The Four Horsemen Are Problematic & How to Recognize Them 🐎🐎🐎🐎

Not all disagreements are bad, but when negativity escalates, it’s often fueled by The Four Horsemen. 🚫

Conflict becomes destructive when criticism, contempt, defensiveness, or stonewalling take over. The key is mindfulness and awareness—spot the patterns early!  

#❤️

Understanding The Four Horsemen of ConflictEver wondered why your arguments sometimes spiral out of control? 💥 Discover ...
06/24/2025

Understanding The Four Horsemen of Conflict

Ever wondered why your arguments sometimes spiral out of control? 💥 Discover The Four Horsemen—the communication patterns identified by Dr. John Gottman that predict relationship trouble. Recognize criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling before they derail your relationship.  

#❤️

🎉 Tired of the same dinner-and-streaming routine?Research says couples who try new, fun activities together report more ...
06/13/2025

🎉 Tired of the same dinner-and-streaming routine?

Research says couples who try new, fun activities together report more connection, more love, and way less snark.
Adventure bonds us.

So go ahead — take that dance class, build a pillow fort, or sing karaoke like no one’s watching.

Love grows when we laugh together.❤️🤣😜


#❤️

👀 Relationship check-in:Did you turn toward or turn away today?Your partner’s silly meme? That’s a bid for connection — ...
06/12/2025

👀 Relationship check-in:

Did you turn toward or turn away today?
Your partner’s silly meme? That’s a bid for connection — even if it’s about cats 😸

Gottman calls it turning toward, and it’s one of the strongest predictors of long-term love.

Small moments > big speeches.
Be present. Be playful. Be kind.

#❤️

Address

Alameda, CA

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

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