# Sheila Babendir, EdD, LPC Dean College of Social and Behavioral Sciences 1. Biography 2. Research 3. Teaching 4. Industry Experience 5. Media Biography ## About Babendir Sheila Babendir, EdD, LPC, is a professional counselor, counseling educator and visionary leader with a rich and diverse background in the fields of mental health, integrated healthcare and academia. With a doctorate degree in counseling psychology and a passion for fostering positive change, she has dedicated their career to the betterment of individuals and communities. In her current role as Dean, Dr. Babendir oversees all aspects of the counseling program including curriculum development, faculty management, programmatic operations and adherence to accreditation standards. As a counseling educator, she brings an experiential approach to the classroom, inspiring the next generation of counselors to integrate theory with practical skills. Through mentorship, she empowers students to navigate the complexities of the counseling profession with cultural competence, empathy and a commitment to social justice.  > My teaching philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive learning environment that blends theory with practical application. **Sheila Babendir**Associate Dean Dr. Babendir has practiced in a variety of mental health venues over the past two decades with a plethora of populations. She has worked with geriatrics, children, families and the seriously mentally ill.  She has worked in the school setting, community behavioral health setting and the medical clinics. In the arena of integrated healthcare, Dr. Babendir has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between mental and physical health, recognizing the interconnectedness of both. Her work in the private practice medical field with the embedded model of integration led to a patient-centered approach that addressed the holistic needs of individuals. Dr. Babendir is committed to advancing the counseling profession as evident through active engagement in professional organizations, conferences and initiatives that promote the evolution and relevance of counseling in our communities. Dr. Babendir received a Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University in 2008 and a Master of Science in Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology from University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1995. > My teaching philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive learning environment that blends theory with practical application. **Sheila Babendir**Dean Research ## Research interests: - Clinical supervision and leadership  - Integrated healthcare ## Research publications: - Babendir, S. M. (2010). Effectiveness of a psychosocial treatment program for pediatric bipolar disorder in improving self-esteem and reducing problematic behaviors. Retrieved from[https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/vistas_2010_article_09.pdf?sfvrsn=5b1beef8_11](https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/vistas_2010_article_09.pdf?sfvrsn=5b1beef8_11)  Teaching ## Sheila Babendir teaches all courses in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, including:  - [CCMH/504: Individual and Family Development Across the Life Span](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh504.html) - [CCMH/506: Personality Theories and Counseling Models](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh506.html) - [CCMH/515CA: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh515ca.html) - [CCMH/510CA: Multicultural Issues in Mental Health Counseling](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh510ca.html) - [CNSL/503R: Residency I](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/cnsl503r.html) - [CCMH/525: Research Methods for Mental Health Counselors](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh525.html) - [CCMH/535: Psychometrics](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh535.html) - [CCMH/544: Introduction to Clinical Assessment](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh544.html) - [CCMH/548: Psychopathology: Advanced Clinical Assessment](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh548.html) - [CCMH/551: Individual Counseling](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh551.html) - [CCMH/558: Crisis Intervention and Trauma](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh558.html) - [CNSL/513R: Residency II](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/cnsl513r.html) - [CMHC/551: Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/cmhc551.html) - [CCMH/522: Psychopharmacology](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh522.html) - [CCMH/540: Career and Vocational Counseling](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh540.html) - [CCMH/561: Dependency and Addictions](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh561.html) - [CCMH/565: Family, Couple, and Child Counseling](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh565.html) - [CCMH/568: Group Counseling](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh568.html) - [CNSL/523R: Residency III](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/cnsl523r.html) - [CCMH/592: Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh592.html) - [CCMH/597A: Internship A](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh597a.html) - [CCMH/597B: Internship B](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/ccmh597b.html) Industry Experience ## Credentials: - Licensed Professional Counselor, Arizona  ## Professional associations and boards: - Arizona Counseling Association, President (2015, 2022, 2023)  ## Pro bono:  - Provided pro bono counseling to medical providers during COVID pandemic  Media ## Articles:  - Managing ADHD: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment [Integrating AI into MBA Curriculum White Paper March 26, 2026 • 15 minutes](/media-center/thought-leadership/perspectives-findings/2026/integrating-ai-into-mba-curriculum)[Sheila Babendir Named Dean Press Release January 20, 2026 • 2 minutes](/press-release/sheila-babendir-named-dean.html)[Trauma-Informed Education: A Pathway for Relief, Retention, and Renewal White Paper August 29, 2025 • 15 minutes](/media-center/thought-leadership/perspectives-findings/2025/trauma-informed-education)[View Academic Leadership Team](/about/academic-leadership.html)