Simona Carniato

A Clinical Psychologist, CBT Psychotherapist, and Behavioral Change Communication Expert, with over two decades of experience, she is dedicated to applying best practices in cognitive and behavioral sciences. Her career focuses on promoting psycho-social health and human rights through evidence-based approaches. Since 2006, Simona has been a key contributor to Behavioral Change Communication, serving as an expert for the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Her impactful work spans educational health programs across Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, and the Palestinian Territories. She significantly contributed to the expert consensus study, “Theories and Techniques of Behavior Change Project,” led by Professor Susan Michie at the University College London (UCL) in 2015. As Co-founder and President of Studioo Onlus (2011-2023), Simona has actively led efforts to promote empowerment and sustainability through media and art. In 2019, Simona authored “The Pervasiveness of Art: How and how much Art Influence Us?” — a book that explores the psycho-social impact of the opening art performance at the Biennale di Venezia in 2017: “Mama Say Make I Dey Go, she She Dey My Back” by Jelili Atiku, using a mixed-method research approach. An accredited member of professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), European Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (EABCT), Italian Association for Behavior Analysis and Modification (AIAMC), and the European Society for Research on Interventions on the Internet (ESRII). Simona’s diverse expertise and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset to any initiative promoting human rights and psycho-social well-being.