About us
Who is behind Great Relations?
JETTE SIMON
Internationally recognized relationship expert.
Certified Clinical Psychologist (cand. psych. aut.) from Aarhus University, specialist in psychotherapy and supervision. Certified EFT trainer. Head of the Danish Center for Emotion Focused Therapy www.dkceft.dk
DECADES OF EXPERIENCE AND THE LATEST RESEARCH
Jette Simon is a recognized and award-winning relational therapist with extensive and up-to-date theoretical knowledge in psychology and therapies. She has contributed to the development of the largest conference in the U.S. for therapists, coaches, doctors, researchers, and other mental health professionals over the past 25 years.
With over 40 years of experience as a therapist, Jette has introduced several new therapies to Denmark, including Imago couples therapy and EFT therapy. She has authored books and research articles and is featured in her own TV series on DR and podcast series on Podimo.
THE WHOLE WORLD AS A WORKPLACE
Jette Simon’s dedication has made a global impact. She has been invited to train and supervise therapists in couple therapy methods across various continents, from Scandinavia to the USA, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Additionally, she has taught crisis dialogue methods in some of the world’s conflict areas.
FOCUS ON EMPOWERING TOP LEADERS
Jette specializes in using dialogue methods to assist managers and executives in developing strong collaborative relationships, personal growth, and effective leadership skills.
A SPIRITED WEST JUTLANDERS WITH ONE FOOT IN NEW YORK
Jette is a proud West Jutlander who, in her youth, married a Dane. She has also navigated periods of divorce and single motherhood. Her daughter, Signe Simon, is a recognized young psychologist with a successful therapy clinic in New York and the founder of the American website www.LoveLink.co. Signe has also made Jette a grandmother of two.
After living in Denmark and other Nordic countries, Jette spent over 30 years in the USA with her American husband, psychologist Rich Simon, who passed away in 2021. Rich was the founder of www.Psychotherapynetworker.org, a leading magazine and conference for therapists in the USA.
Today, Jette Simon resides permanently in Copenhagen, where she runs a psychology clinic serving clients from around the world. However, she has closed her practice to new clients, making it clear that no new clients will be accepted. This is one reason we offer access to Jette's extensive experience through the Great Relations courses.
Jette’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that people are inherently good and have the best intentions. She maintains that loving contact, empathy, and positive behavior can be relearned if lost.
In discussing her work with couples who are drifting apart or have lost emotional contact, Jette says:
”In the conversation, I pay attention to the patterns the couple has created. Often, there are three paths one can take. You can choose to live as you have been, in which case you'll move further away from each other. You can separate, and typically, you'll bring your dysfunctional patterns into a new relationship. The third option is to wholeheartedly devote three months to work on understanding the complexity of what has created distance in the relationship.
Quote from an article featuring Jette Simon in Kristeligt Dagblad.
VIBEKE HARTKORN
Communication consultant and EFT expert Vibeke Hartkorn has, for 6 years, followed Jette Simon's EFT training in couples, family, and individual therapy. She has also completed Jette Simon’s training in Dialogue First, which focuses on dialogue methods designed for professionals.
THERAPY, COMMUNICATION, AND LEADERSHIP
Vibeke Hartkorn was a recognized journalist for 16 years, most recently serving as an award-winning news anchor at DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation). She now works as a communication consultant and trainer for both Danish and international top management. Vibeke is also recruited for advisory boards and boards of directors, including serving as a chairman.
As a strategic business and communication consultant, Vibeke employs relationship and dialogue methods to support owner-managers and top executives in developing strong collaborative relationships and enhancing their leadership skills.
She has authored two books on impact and one on leadership communication. Additionally, Vibeke has contributed to books on negotiation techniques, job satisfaction, and career and educational choices in the age of technological revolution.
DOWN-TO-EARTH NORTH JUTLANDERS WITH A FOCUS ON PEOPLE
Vibeke was born and raised in North Jutland as the daughter of a Danish mother and a Nigerian father. Though her father returned to Africa, he remained a significant figure in Vibeke's life until his passing. Today, Vibeke maintains her connection with Nigeria through work trips and family visits.
Vibeke’s perspective on humanity is shaped by her childhood experiences with her Danish grandparents, who believed in giving back to their community and approached society’s vulnerable and marginalized with equality and dedication.
MARRIED AND DIVORCED AND MARRIED AGAIN
Like Jette Simon, Vibeke has experienced - and learned from - the challenging art of relationships. In her first marriage, Vibeke shared family life with her husband and his two school-aged children on Mols for nearly 11 years, before going through a difficult divorce. The now grown stepchildren remain important relationships, part of the family, and Vibeke is a step-grandparent to a total of 4 young grandchildren.
Today, Vibeke lives in Copenhagen and enjoys a happy life with her husband of 18 years, Anders Ibsen. The couple travels a lot together to work, experience and seek out new knowledge.
Vibeke owns a series of consulting companies, all aimed at empowering individuals for a good life and unlocking their potential in both their personal and professional relationships. Apart from GreatRelations.dk with Jette Simon, these include consultancy firms www.navigatemetoo.dk and www.hartkorncommunication.com.
Like Jette Simon, Vibeke has navigated the complexities of relationships. In her first marriage, she lived on Mols for nearly 11 years with her husband and his two school-aged children before going through a challenging divorce. The now-adult stepchildren remain important in her life, and Vibeke is a step-grandparent to four young grandchildren.
Vibeke now lives in Copenhagen with her husband of 18 years, Anders Ibsen. Together, they travel frequently for work and personal exploration, always seeking new knowledge.
Vibeke owns several consulting companies focused on empowering individuals and unlocking their potential in both personal and professional realms. In addition to GreatRelations.dk with Jette Simon, her ventures include NavigatemeToo.dk and Hartkorn Communication.
Great Relations vision and mission:
EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE ABOUT WHAT CREATES HELATHY AND STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
At Great Relations, we strive to make essential relationship knowledge accessible and understandable for everyone. By offering reasonably priced courses and free resources, we aim to create a universe that supports all who are interested in learning about healthy relationships. Our mission is to provide foundational knowledge on what defines a healthy relationship, promote vital self-reflection and dialogue, and offer guidance on handling and repairing challenging situations.
We seek to clarify what therapy involves, thereby supporting informed decisions about seeking professional help. The Great Relations universe is designed to serve as both a preventive resource for those heading towards a crisis or life transition and a guide for resolving critical situations, understanding reactions, and mending relationships with the most important people in our lives.
