About Us
The Uni
The Benenzon Uni International is a research driven academic institution which derives all teachings from the most diverse disciplines in the world. The scientific committee has created an unprecedented 5-year program which aims to help you evolve into the therapist of the future.
The therapist that humanity needs today. Taking into account the impact of emotional isolation, DNA disruption, unidentified syndormes and mental disorders outbreak as well as digital addictions and human abuse by each other. In a world which suffers the results of continuous war-fare, gender confusion, digital dominance, free access to easy dopamine and all forms of addictions people seem to have lost their direction, inner faith and will to become the best version of themselves. All forms of abuse seem to dominate in a world that accepts the irrational and condemns the noble.
This program aims to provide the education, amuniation, techniques and clarity but most importantly the critical sense to its therapists to move with flexibility, love by embracing each and every patient that crosses its clinical centers’ doorsteps.
Is it easy? No. Is it rewarding? More than anything you have ever done in your life.
But before you apply,
ASK YOURSELF. How badly do I want to help humanity?
If you are unsure you are on the wrong page. If you heart has lit up, then you are at the source of creating a meaningful path for you and humanity.
Welcome!
Mission of Benenzon University International
At Benenzon University International, our mission is to shape the therapists humanity needs today. We equip our students with cutting-edge knowledge and techniques to address modern emotional and psychological challenges. In a world beset by isolation, mental health crises, and digital addictions, we foster empathy, critical thinking, and adaptability. Our goal is to empower therapists to heal and transform lives, creating a better future for all, by first become the best version of themselves.
The Evolution of Benenzon Therapy
The journey of Benenzon Therapy is a testament to the relentless pursuit of understanding and improving human well-being through non-verbal communication. Initially rooted in traditional music therapy, this innovative approach has undergone significant transformations, driven by Dr. Benenzon’s insights and experiences.
In its early stages, Benenzon Therapy incorporated recorded music to communicate with autistic children, breaking through the barriers imposed by the lack of speech. This practice soon extended to group sessions with severe psychiatric patients, where music served as a bridge to unlock deep, regressive emotions. Over time, Dr. Benenzon introduced intermediate objects, such as body-sound musical instruments, into his sessions, gradually shifting the focus from verbal language to non-verbal elements.
The pivotal moment in the therapy’s evolution came when Dr. Benenzon recognized the limitations of verbal communication, especially in cases of coma, autism, and chronic pain. This realization led to the formal establishment of the Benenzon Model in 1999, marking a decisive shift towards a fully non-verbal therapeutic approach. The model emphasizes the use of sensory elements—such as sound, texture, and temperature—to foster communication and emotional expression.
Central to Benenzon Therapy is the concept of Sensory Identity (ISE), which extends beyond sound to encompass all sensory experiences. This multi-layered identity includes Universal ISE, Gestalt ISE, Cultural ISE, and several others, each contributing to a holistic understanding of an individual’s sensory profile. The therapy employs these identities to create a dynamic and responsive therapeutic environment, allowing for constant adaptation and transformation.
Dr. Benenzon’s innovative thinking also led to the development of unique therapeutic principles, such as the theory of gerunds and the concept of no-out behaviors. These principles ensure that therapists engage with patients in a non-invasive, non-hierarchical manner, fostering a horizontal communication process akin to the rhizome concept of interconnected roots.
The rigorous training required to become a Benenzon Therapist includes a comprehensive five-year program, personal therapy, and supervised practice. This training emphasizes the importance of contemplation over observation, integrating the therapist’s personal history with the therapeutic process to create a truly immersive experience.
In essence, Benenzon Therapy represents a profound shift in therapeutic practice, one that values the non-verbal as a powerful conduit for healing and connection. It stands as a testament to Dr. Benenzon’s visionary work and his enduring impact on the field of non-verbal therapy.
DR. ROLANDO O. BENENZON & BENENZON THERAPY EVOLUTION
Prof. Dr. Rolando O. Benenzon is a pioneering force in the realm of non-verbal therapy. Born with an insatiable curiosity and a deep passion for understanding the human psyche, Dr. Benenzon has dedicated his life to exploring the intricate connections between sound, body, and non-verbal elements. His journey began at the University of Buenos Aires, where he earned his doctorate in 1962, laying the foundation for his illustrious career in psychoanalysis and psychodrama. Dr. Benenzon’s multifaceted talents extend beyond psychiatry; he is also a gifted musician, composer, playwright, painter, and sculptor. These artistic endeavors have significantly influenced his therapeutic practices, leading him to innovate and expand the boundaries of traditional music therapy. In 1966, he established the first music therapy course at the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, a program he directed until 1986. His efforts did not stop at national borders; Dr. Benenzon co-founded music therapy associations across Latin America and Europe, cementing his role as a global advocate for the field. Working extensively with autistic children and severely psychiatric patients, Dr. Benenzon discovered the profound impact of non-verbal communication. His therapeutic sessions evolved to incorporate music as a fundamental tool, leading to the creation of the ISO principle, or Sound Identity. This principle underscores the unique sound identity that each individual possesses, which can be harnessed to foster communication and emotional expression. Dr. Benenzon’s work with diverse patient populations, including those in comas and suffering from Alzheimer’s, led him to challenge the reliance on verbal language in therapy. By 1999, his approach had evolved into the Benenzon Model, which was recognized as one of the five most important music therapy models at the World Congress of Music Therapy in Washington, USA. This model emphasizes the non-verbal, drawing on elements such as water, earth, and fire to reconnect individuals with their ancestral sensory identities. Today, Dr. Benenzon’s legacy is enshrined in the Benenzon Therapy, a non-verbal therapeutic approach that transcends conventional boundaries, fostering deep, transformative connections between therapists and their patients. His contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of therapeutic practices worldwide.
Scientific team
Professor Dr. Rolando O. Benenzon, born in Buenos Aires in 1939, is a pioneering figure in the field of Music Therapy, with a focus on autism, coma patients, and Alzheimer's disease. He holds a degree in Psychiatry from the Medical School of Buenos Aires and has studied Psychoanalysis and psycho-dramatic techniques. Additionally, he is a musician and composer. Prof. Benenzon has been a consultant at the Psychiatric Department of the Municipal Hospital José María Penna since 1966 and has supervised numerous therapeutic communities. He established the first degree in Music Therapy at the University of Salvador in Buenos Aires and has chaired multiple World Conferences on Isolation. He has been instrumental in founding Music Therapy associations across several countries and is a co-founder and Honorary Member of the World Federation of Music Therapy. He has conducted over 1,250 seminars worldwide and has authored numerous influential books on Music Therapy. Prof. Benenzon is also the founder of the Benenzon Music Therapy Foundation and holds various prestigious awards, including "Doctor Honoris Causa" from the School Marcelo Tupinamba in Brazil. His research focuses on the application of Music Therapy in patients with psychosis, severe mental incapacity, and improving the quality of life in clinical settings.
Paola Camber, born on August 8, 1979, in Trieste, Italy, is a distinguished psychologist and music therapist known for her extensive work in psychological and physical disabilities, dementia, depressive syndromes, and behavioral disorders. She holds a specialist degree in Psychology of Organizations from Rome and a diploma as Magister and Supervisor of the Benenzon Model from Buenos Aires. Paola practices at the Association Volo Libero in San Polo di Piave and On Stage – School of Performing Arts in Trieste. She collaborates with public and private institutions, offering rehabilitative support and promoting psychological services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A dedicated educator, she teaches Sound Psychology at the Benenzon International Academy and the Isosinsieme music therapy school. Her work also includes various significant projects such as anti-bullying campaigns and support services for mental health centers. Paola is fluent in English and Spanish, bringing a multidisciplinary approach to her practice that integrates music, psychology, and education to enhance well-being and social integration.
Dr. Konstantinos Aroditis is a distinguished cardiologist with extensive experience in clinical, educational, and research settings. He earned his medical degree from the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki in 1990 and completed his specialization in cardiology in 2000. Furthering his expertise, he obtained a Clinical Hypertension Specialist title from the European Society of Hypertension in 2002 and pursued a postgraduate program in Health Unit Management from the Open University of Cyprus in 2007. Dr. Aroditis is currently completing his doctoral thesis on echocardiographic studies of diastolic function in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Dr. Aroditis holds a position as a Scientific Collaborator at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki and serves as a Scientific Advisor at a Medical Diagnostic Center. His previous roles include Clinical Instructor at the European University Cyprus and positions in major hospitals, where he has supervised medical students, residents, and fellows.
His research interests focus on cardiac function and hypertension, with numerous publications and presentations at international medical conferences. Dr. Aroditis is fluent in Greek and English and is committed to advancing the field of cardiology through his clinical work, teaching, and research.
Antonio Pitrelli is a distinguished pedagogist and a certified Magister and Supervisor of the Benenzon Model of Music Therapy. He completed his higher education at the University of Bologna, where he specialized in Pedagogy and further pursued advanced training in music therapy at the University of Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina. With extensive expertise in percussions and drumming from Music Academy 2000, Antonio currently teaches "Pedagogy of Music" at the Benenzon International Academy.
His professional journey includes roles as a psychology instructor and support educator across various educational institutions in Bologna and Imola. Antonio has significant experience working as a socio-educational operator in integrated psychiatric communities and high-autonomy settings for minors, organizing and conducting therapeutic and educational activities. Additionally, he collaborates with several associations, including the National Association of Parents of Autistic Subjects (A.N.G.S.A.) and Volhand, where he leads music therapy projects.
Antonio is also an active participant in international conferences and workshops, contributing as a lecturer and organizer. He has published works on the application of music therapy in educational and therapeutic contexts and is recognized for his skills in creating musical instruments. His dedication to integrating music therapy within diverse therapeutic settings underscores his commitment to enhancing emotional expression and social inclusion through non-verbal communication.
Maria Petridou is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher based in Nicosia, Cyprus. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cyprus, where she was a member of the Developmental and Psychopathology Lab under the supervision of Dr. Kostas A. Fanti. Her research focuses on the psychological impacts of skin disorders, psychopathy, and conduct problems in children and adolescents. Maria has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her work at numerous international conferences. She has worked as a research associate and lecturer at the University of Cyprus and the European University of Cyprus, contributing to various European projects aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing among vulnerable populations. In her private practice, she provides individual and group therapy, focusing on resilience and mental health. Maria is also involved in several volunteer initiatives, supporting refugees and migrants through creative activities and psychoeducational seminars.
Ramanidis Saveli, known as Akis, is a highly skilled Medical Laboratory Technologist with a B.Sc from the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and an M.Sc in Molecular Biology from the University of Cyprus. With extensive experience in haematological, biochemical, immunological, and microbiological analyses, he currently serves as a Hospital Laboratory Technologist at the Haematological Laboratory of Nicosia General Hospital. Akis has also held supervisory and teaching roles at Frederick University, demonstrating his expertise in laboratory management and education. He is an authorized Bioingeniør in Norway and is fluent in Greek, Russian, and English, with ongoing studies in Norwegian. Akis is known for his diligence, accuracy, and ability to work under stress, both independently and in teams. His interests include music, sports, reading, traveling, history, photography, and cinema.
Christina Christofi is a distinguished artist and art educator with a MA in Fine Arts from Birmingham City University and a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and Science of Art from the University of Ioannina, Greece. Her academic work delves into the phenomenon of color, examining its psychological and optical aspects through the theories of Newton and Goethe, and their influence on artists like Kandinsky and Bridget Riley. Christina has received multiple awards for her artwork, including a third-place award in the Cyprus art competition "Places, Faces, and Memories of the occupied Cyprus."
Christina's professional career includes teaching positions at various institutions, such as the University of Cyprus and the Benenzon International Academy. She has been an active participant in numerous exhibitions, both solo and group, across Europe and the United States. Notably, she represented Cyprus at the Art Camp Andorra, organized by the UNESCO National Commission. Her curatorial experience includes projects like "Visions of Existence" and the interactive art event "Let's Play Art in the Park."
A prolific writer, Christina has contributed to several art publications and magazines, exploring contemporary art issues and artists' profiles. She is a dedicated art tutor, providing lessons on global platforms and engaging in volunteer work to teach art to individuals with psychological disorders and disabilities. Her work not only showcases her artistic talent but also her commitment to using art as a means of education and social integration.