Bio
Dr. Araujo’s areas of expertise encompass trauma-informed care and the treatment of complex trauma across the lifespan, with specialized focus on survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Her clinical work includes the assessment and treatment of mood disorders, dissociative identity disorder (DID), and substance-related and addictive disorders. She utilizes evidence-based and integrative approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with trauma-focused applications, Gestalt therapy, and intensive trauma processing modalities, delivered within a holistic and culturally responsive framework.
Dr. Araujo’s work is distinguished by her commitment to advancing equitable mental health practices and addressing systemic barriers impacting underserved and marginalized populations. Her professional contributions extend beyond clinical practice to include leadership, advocacy, and workforce development within the counseling profession. She is actively engaged in shaping counselor education, supervision, and training initiatives that strengthen professional identity, promote ethical practice, and support the integration of research into applied settings, with a strong emphasis on student-centered learning and the development of competent, reflective practitioners. Through her leadership and service, Dr. Araujo contributes to the advancement of trauma-informed systems of care and the continued evolution of culturally responsive counseling practices at both the organizational and community levels.
Education Background
Dr. Araujo holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor (LMHC, QS) in Florida, a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE), and holds certifications in Crisis Intervention by law enforcement and NAMI. She is also certified in sexual assault, with additional specialized training in domestic violence and human trafficking. This comprehensive academic and professional preparation reflects her commitment to advanced clinical practice, ethical leadership, and continued professional development within the counseling profession.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Araujo’s expertise reflects the integration of clinical practice, counselor education, and professional leadership to advance the counseling profession. As a bilingual and multiculturally trained professional, she brings a systems-oriented, trauma-informed perspective that emphasizes ethical, culturally responsive care and workforce development. Her work is grounded in bridging research and practice, preparing emerging counselors to apply evidence-based knowledge in meaningful ways. She is recognized for her contributions to supervision, professional development, and leadership cultivation, as well as for her scholarship on human trafficking and writing in American Counseling Association publications, contributing to increased awareness and advancement of clinical practice in this critical area. Dr. Araujo is actively engaged in academic advisory and committee work, while also contributing to leadership initiatives beyond academia that support professional growth, collaboration, and the advancement of the counseling field.
Research / Accomplishments
Dr. Araujo’s scholarship is distinguished by a commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and advancing culturally responsive counseling practices through qualitative research. Her dissertation examined Cuban immigrants’ experiences of acculturation and coping in the United States. She has contributed to peer-reviewed research as a co-author in the Journal of Counseling & Development, exploring bilingual and multilingual counselor training and experiences, and her work on human trafficking has contributed to the literature in Slavery Today. She has also presented at the American Counseling Association Practice Summit and serves as a Subject Matter Expert Reviewer for ACA Practice Briefs, reflecting her contributions to advancing clinical practice and professional knowledge within the counseling field.
Professional Service - Association Membership
- American Counseling Association | 2016 - Present
- Southwest Florida Human Trafficking Coalition | 2025–Present
- National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE) | 2024–Present
- FCA Association of Child and Adolescent Counseling | 2021–Present
- Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) | 2020–Present
- Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES) | 2020–Present
- American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA) | 2020–Present
- Florida Mental Health Counseling Association (FMHCA) | 2020–Present
- National Society of Leadership and Success, National Louis University | 2019–Present
Scholarship Publications
- Counseling Insider, American Counseling Association |Interview with Samantha Cooper | Collaborative Piece with and Brandi Bynum | The Myths and Truths of Human Trafficking| July 2025
- Counseling in Context, American Counseling Association | Identifying and Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking | 2025
- Counseling Today, American Counseling Association | “From Dream to Reality” Featured Article” | November Edition | 2024
- NAHREP | Naples Powerhouse Magazine | Honored Hispanic Woman and Mental Health Fitness | October 2024 Edition