Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict Into Connection

Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD, and John Gottman, PhD, have established themselves as prominent figures in relationship research and couples therapy. Their work combines academic research with clinical practice, leading to the development of evidence-based approaches to relationship intervention.

John’s educational journey progressed from a bachelor’s degree in mathematics-physics at Fairleigh Dickinson University through master’s degrees in mathematics-psychology (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1964) and clinical psychology-mathematics (University of Wisconsin, 1967), culminating in a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Wisconsin in 1971. This mathematical foundation influenced his approach to relationship research, as he applied mathematical modeling and statistical analysis to predict relationship outcomes. His background in mathematics proved particularly valuable in developing the coding systems used to analyze couple interactions in their research laboratory.

Julie earned her BA in psychology from Colorado College, followed by an MEd in community mental health counseling from Northeastern University. Then, after a year of service work in India and Nepal, she completed her MA (1981) and PhD (1985) in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. Her clinical expertise in trauma and its effects on relationships complemented John’s research methodology, leading to a more comprehensive approach to couples therapy.

The Gottmans established The Gottman Institute in 1996, which serves as a center for research, training, and couples therapy.