Biography
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- LCSW, FLORIDA
- EMDRIA CERTIFIED EMDR THERAPIST
- SENSORIMOTOR PRACTITIONER I
- MSW, Barry University
- BSW, Florida International University
Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice
- Founder at EMDR MIAMI
- Traditional EMDR including Attachment Focused EMDR, R-TEP, ASSYST, DeTUR, FSAP
- Sensorimotor
- Inner Child/Parts Work
- Somatic Experiencing
- Gottman Couples Certification I
- Esther Perel’s Training Couple Work
- Emotional Freedom Techniques Couples Work
- Certified Trauma Informed Care Train the Trainer Certification
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Commitment to Trauma-Informed Education
As a trauma therapist and educator, I approach teaching with deep mindfulness and a commitment to trauma-informed practices. Every day, I intentionally use the skills I’ve been trained in to create a classroom environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful of each student's unique experiences.
I believe that learning happens best in spaces where students feel seen, heard, and emotionally secure. I work to ensure that all opinions can be expressed openly, without fear of shame or judgment. I am especially mindful not to create unnecessary fear or conditions that could lead to re-traumatization. Instead, I focus on building trust, fostering emotional safety, and encouraging curiosity.
My goal is to create a space where students can grow, thrive, and remain engaged—where they are not just learning content, but also developing as whole people in an environment that supports their well-being.
Within that process, I also invite them to broaden their understanding of a person-in-environment framework that contextualizes and examines the roots and manifestations of multi-generational transmissions in their own and clients’ lives, while introducing them to practices that promote social justice, restore dignity, and reduce collective suffering for all.
Community Engagement:
- Collaboration with Anti-Trafficking NGO’s
- Quest2Freedom: Anti-Trafficking
- Tree of Life: Anti-Trafficking
- BORN Miami Beach: Women and Trauma
- World Happiness Foundation: Trauma
- Oasis Miami Beach: Women and Trauma
Trauma-Focused Publications, Presentations, Research, Awards
- Zaoui, S. (2018). Humanizing Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking through a Trauma Informed and Person in Environment Lens for Social Work Practitioners. Gender, Sexuality and Peace Education: Issues and Perspectives in Higher Information Age Publishing, Inc.
- Zaoui, S. (2016). The Lighthouse Effect: A therapeutic conversation about childhood sexual abuse and its relationship to commercial sexual exploitation/ human Crime and Punishment in America: An Encyclopedia of Trends and Controversies in the Justice System. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
- NASW Miami-Dade Social Work Educator of the Year 2017
Presentations:
- Zaoui, S. (2025, January 29). 101 Human Trafficking for Nurses. Long Island University (LIU)Brooklyn Campus. Virtual. Brooklyn, New York.
- Zaoui, S.( 2025, January 23). Dismantling Culture’s Influence on Perpetuating Human Trafficking. Miami Shores, Florida. Barry University.
- Zaoui, S.( 2024, December 6). Art Basel Human Trafficking Awareness Project. Miami Beach, Florida. Quest2Freedom.
- Zaoui, S. (2024, November 14). Integrating Sensorimotor Psychotherapy into Practice. Miami Shores, Florida. Professional Development: Department of Social Work, Barry University.
- Zaoui, S. (2024, October 11). A Comprehensive Approach to Working with Fear of Abandonment. Dallas, Texas.
- Zaoui, S. (2023, November 10). Supporting Educators & Practitioners in a Trauma Saturated Culture. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. NACSW.
- Zaoui, S. (2023, January 20). Supporting Educators & Practitioners in a Trauma Saturated Culture. Miami Shores, Florida. JEDI.
- Zaoui, S. (2021, November 21). Using EMDR with Survivors of Sexual Trauma: CSA to CSEC/Human Trafficking. Los Angeles, California. NACSW.