What does it take to turn decades of clinical experience into a movement that reshapes therapy around the world? 

Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman joins Michael Fulwiler to share her personal and professional journey behind co-founding The Gottman Institute and co-developing the Gottman Method.

Julie recounts the pivotal decisions that led her from private practice to co-creating a global clinical training business with her husband, Dr. John Gottman. She also opens up about growing up in a family shaped by generational trauma, navigating early challenges in the mental health field, and why she’s always gravitated toward serving clients in deep pain.

Tune in to learn how Julie balanced a mission-driven mindset with the realities of running a business, and why therapists should protect their values even as their practices grow.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• Building a sustainable private practice rooted in service
• How the Gottman Method evolved from research to widely taught clinical framework
• What every therapist needs to remember when navigating visibility and legacy

Connect with the guest:

• The Gottman Institute on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottmaninstitute/ 
• The Gottman Institute on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gottman-institute/ 
• Visit The Gottman Institute website: https://www.gottman.com/ 

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/ 
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter 
• Book a free consult: joinheard.com/consult 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Welcome to Heard Business School

(00:25) Meet Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman

(01:26) How generational trauma shaped Julie’s early life

(03:51) Childhood suicide attempt that changed her path

(05:05) Visiting concentration camps and reclaiming Jewish identity

(06:52) Creating a crisis hotline during the Vietnam War

(13:09) Polio, pain, and finding empathy through suffering

(15:21) Living in India and feeding street children

(17:21) Journey from Kathmandu to grad school in 36 hours

(22:15) Meeting John Gottman and instant recognition

(28:41) Launching the Gottman Institute from a dining table

(31:09) Developing the Gottman Method

(35:53) Working 40 clinical hours while building a business

(42:51) Upholding standards for the Gottman Referral Network

(47:16) Facing constant sexism while building a global brand

(52:39) Rapid-fire questions on legacy, joy, and hope

This episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode.