John M. Gottman, Ph.D., and Julie Schwartz Gottman, Ph.D., are the founders and directors of the Gottman Institute and the Relationship Research Institute in Seattle.

The bestselling author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work and The Relationship Cure, among other books, John Gottman is a professor of psychology, an elected fellow of the American Psychological Association, and the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. His research and findings have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Time, the bestselling book Blink, and in the broadcast media.

Julie Schwartz Gottman established the Gottman Institute's Marriage Clinic and serves as its clinical director. A clinical psychologist, she is in private practice in Seattle, where she and John live.

Joan DeClaire is a writer specializing in psychology, health, and family issues.