Dr. Lourdes Araujo Celebrates Milestones in Counseling Leadership and Advocacy

May 9, 2025

Dr. Lourdes Araujo, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at Grand View University and current President of the Florida Counseling Association (FCA), has recently marked significant professional milestones that highlight her steadfast commitment to the counseling profession and to the communities she serves. Her involvement in national platforms and her continued advocacy for mental health have solidified her reputation as a leader in the field of counseling.

In April 2025, Araujo had the privilege of representing the Florida Counseling Association (FCA) at the American Counseling Association (ACA) Annual Conference. As part of her role as FCA President, Araujo had the honor of formally welcoming ACA to Florida, emphasizing a message of unity, resilience, and the collective strength of mental health professionals in the state. Her words set the tone for an event that focused on healing, innovation, and community.

Dr. Araujo also co-presented a session titled "Lifespan Resilience: Utilizing Creative and Complementary Interventions for Trauma Recovery," which brought forward innovative and holistic approaches to trauma recovery across the lifespan. The session was met with an encouraging response from attendees, reflecting Araujo’s deep expertise and dedication to trauma-informed care.

In addition, ACA awarded $10,000 to the Florida Counseling Association in recognition of its efforts to advance professional development and outreach initiatives. This grant will directly support the work of FCA in providing resources and education to counselors throughout the state.

Another key achievement for Araujo came in May 2025, when she was featured in the Counseling Today national publication, the flagship magazine of the American Counseling Association. The article, titled “Identifying and Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking,” focuses on trauma-informed strategies and the collaborative care needed to support survivors of human trafficking. (Citation: Araujo, L. (May 2025). Identifying and Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking. Counseling Today, 68(3), p. 16. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association)

Araujo has long been a vocal advocate for trauma-informed care, and this feature highlights her ongoing work to address the complex challenges facing vulnerable populations. In the article, she emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive and ethical counseling practices when working with survivors, and the need for collaboration across agencies to provide holistic care.

The publication of the article in Counseling Today not only reflects Araujo’s ongoing advocacy for trauma-informed care but also highlights the alignment of her work with the values of Grand View University and the Florida Counseling Association. Both institutions share a commitment to promoting ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsive care in all areas of counseling practice.