ABOUT
Fulltime faculty member at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center within the graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Prior teaching appointments at Seton Hall University, Oklahoma City University, and University of Central Oklahoma.
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Oklahoma and Texas licensed Psychotherapist in private practice. Extensive clinical experience providing therapy and supervision in a variety of clinical settings including private, community mental health, drug court, and inpatient hospital settings since entering the profession in 2013.
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Authored on such topics as attachment, trauma, acceptance and commitment therapy, emotion focused therapy, insight oriented therapies, and the transtheoretical model. Advocate for mental wellness, having been featured on podcasts, article interviews, lecture spots, and discussion panels both locally and nationally. Member of the American Counseling Association and Oklahoma Counseling Association.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Fall 2022 – Present
Core Faculty, Texas Tech University HSC
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
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Providing student advising
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Member of multiple committees
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Teaching virtually, asynchronously & synchronously:
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Multicultural Counseling
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Foundations of Counseling & Ethics
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Couples, Marriage, & Family Counseling
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Counseling Practicum
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Counseling Internship
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Psychopharmacology
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Abnormal Behavior
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Spring 2021 – Summer 2022
Adjunct Professor, Seton Hall University
Professional & School Counseling program
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Wrote the standardized curriculum for the Multicultural Counseling and Psychology course
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Teaching courses asynchronously:
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Counseling Theories
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Counseling Skills
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Counseling Practicum
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Counseling Internship
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Spring 2017 – Summer 2022
Adjunct Professor, Oklahoma City University
Applied Behavioral Studies/LPC
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2021 Excellence in Teaching Award for Adjunct Professor of the Year
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Teaching courses onsite and synchronously:
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Multicultural Counseling
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Advanced Counseling Techniques
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Behavior Pathology
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Career Counseling
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Counseling Practicum
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Counseling Internship
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Group Counseling
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Marriage and Family Counseling
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Fall 2019
Adjunct Professor, University of Central Oklahoma
Undergraduate Psychology program
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Courses taught onsite:
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Introduction to Psychology
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Fall 2017
Teaching Assistant, Southern Nazarene University
Licensed Professional Counseling Program
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Course taught in-person:
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Professional Orientation and Ethics
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Summer 2017
Teaching Assistant, University of the Cumberlands
Licensed Professional Counseling Program; Online
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Course taught synchronously
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Theories and Techniques in Treating Addictions
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CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Nov 2020 – Present
Mental Health Therapist and Sole Proprietor
David Pfaff Counseling, LLC
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Providing outpatient clinical mental health therapy to the public and licensure supervision to LPC candidates. Primary theoretical approaches include Acceptance and Commitment, Emotion-Focused, and Insight-Oriented therapies. Areas of focus: emotional regulation, trauma, grief, relationships, attachment, suicidality, self-harm, diversity, inclusion, identity, gender, and substance use.
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Aug 2017 – Jan 2021
Therapist, Center for Counseling and Well-Being
University of Central Oklahoma
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Outpatient mental health therapist providing treatment to university students within a university center for counseling and wellbeing. Services include intakes, assessment, individual and group therapies, and case management. Also provided outreach through advocacy, training, and guest lecturing.
June 2014 – Aug 2017
Clinical Coordinator Children’s Crisis Unit & Therapist
Red Rock Behavioral Health Services
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Directing the day-to-day clinical operations of the Children’s Crisis Unit, an inpatient mental health facility for youth and adolescents experiencing acute mental health crisis. Also, served as a licensed and nationally certified outpatient mental health therapist providing treatment to youth and adults within a community mental health setting.
PUBLISHING
Published:
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Pfaff, D.S. (2025). Book Forward. In M. Mahr (Ed.). The Power of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness: Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling.​ Kendal Hunt Publishing.
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Pfaff, D.S. (2025). Depression and Anxiety: Applying Positive Psychology and Mindfulness. In M. Mahr (Ed.). The Power of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness: Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. Kendal Hunt Publishing.
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Pfaff, D.S., Noble, N., & Winkelman, L. (2025). Integrating Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology in Counseling Treatment. In M. Mahr (Ed.). The Power of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness: Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. Kendal Hunt Publishing.
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Werries, J., Pfaff, D.S., & Bender, S. (2024). Attachment, Developmental Concerns: Trauma Treatment. In C. Stark, J. Tapia, K. Rogalla, & K. Bunch (Eds.), Professionals' Guide to Trauma-Informed Decision-Making. Springer Publishing.
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Pfaff, D.S. (2020). A Quantitative Study: The Indirect Effects of Implicit Bias on the Relationship Between Participant Social-Group Affiliation and Emotional Experiences (Publication # 30568618) [Doctoral dissertation, University of the Cumberlands]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Manuscripts accepted:​​​
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Pfaff, D.S., & Mahr, M. (2025). Sickle Cell & Hemophilia. In M.G. Brodwin et al (Eds.). Medical, Psychosocial and
Vocational Aspects of Disability (Sixth Ed.). Elliot & Fitzpatrick Inc.
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Pfaff, D.S. (2025). Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. In B. Owenby (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Mental Health Training.
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Pfaff, D.S. (2025). Emotion Focused Therapy. In B. Owenby (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Mental Health Training.
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Pfaff, D.S. (2025). Transtheoretical Model Stages of Change. In B. Owenby (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Mental Health Training.
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Pfaff, D.S. (2025). The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment. In B. Owenby (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Mental Health Training.
MEDIA
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November 2024: Blog Article interview: Grief During the Holidays, by Sarah Sales, TTUHSC Daily Dose. Link: https://dailydose.ttuhsc.edu/2024/december/shp-grief-and-holidays.aspx
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August 2022: Podcast interview: Why I Became a Therapist & Educator. The Why I Network, hosted by Kojo Thompson. Link: https://www.thewhyinetwork.com/271490/11089383-why-i-became-a-therapist-with-dr-david-pfaff
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October 2021: Podcast interview: Adverse Childhood Experiences. Relatively Normal, hosted by Marc Piasant, Season 4 (84). Link: https://anchor.fm/marc-paisant7/episodes/Relatively-Normal---S4---Ep84---Childhood-Trauma-with-Dr--David-Pfaff-e1891fb
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September 2021: Podcast interview: Problematic Substance Use & Addictions. In the Weeds, hosted by Jacob Phelps. Link: https://anchor.fm/intheweedsokc/episodes/Addiction-and-or-Problematic-Substance-Use-e17cdvh
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August 2021: Podcast interview: Relationships and mental health. In the Weeds, hosted by Jacob Phelps. Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7dbnKF0U4CGzxm1cIeKmwX
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June 2021: Podcast interview: Depression and coping. In the Weeds, hosted by Jacob Phelps. Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0mMQSm9pYo5qYAtWen0sQ8
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May 2021: Podcast interview: Anxiety and coping. In the Weeds, hosted by Jacob Phelps. Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/4D271AI2BJmKqhnDezntGn
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February 2021: Podcast interview: Suicidality and prevention. Relatively Normal, hosted by Marc Piasant, Season 3 (62). Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hm2hqWxuSj27T7cKEOTXj
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January 2021: Article interview, Suicidality and prevention. Blunt Therapy, authored by Randy Withers. Link: https://www.blunt-therapy.com/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide/
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January 2021: Article interview, Motivation and self-care. MyFitnessPal, authored by Julia Malacoff. Link: https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/clever-ways-to-convince-yourself-to-work-out/
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December 2020: PhD Dissertation Study, A Quantitative Study: The Indirect Effects of Implicit Bias on the Relationship Between Participant Social-Group Affiliation and Emotional Experiences. Link
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May 2020: Podcast interview: Mental health stigma. Relatively Normal, hosted by Marc Piasant, Season 2 (33). Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Og9iUXxpcIvZHd0oqlJ6n?si=nyShb-SuQ-69NsWueVypkg​
CONFERENCES &PRESENTATIONS
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June 2024. Emotion/Emotionally Focused Therapy 101: An Introduction to EFT. NorthCare Behavioral Health. 3hr CEU. NorthCare Behavioral Health.
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April 2024. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 201: From approach to application. 3hr CEU. NorthCare Behavioral Health.
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Jan 2024. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 101: From paradox to approach. 3hr CEU. NorthCare Behavioral Health.
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Nov 2023. Attachment, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Best Practices. 7hr CEU. Restore Behavioral Health.
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Oct 2023. Family and Relationship Therapy: A Primer for APRNs. Kramer School of Nursing APRN Program, OKCU.
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June 2021. Setting Boundaries & Self-care. Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, Oklahoma City, OK.
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Jan 2020. Self-care and stress management during the pandemic U.S. Social Security Administration.
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Oct 2020. Mental wellness and stigma in the workplace. World Mental Health Day, Root Insurance Company, national meeting, Atlanta, GA.
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Feb 2016. Updated - Examining the intensifying concern of Caucasian hate groups within the US using a multidisciplinary psychological approach. Oklahoma Counseling Association Mid-Winter Conference.
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Feb 2014. Examining the intensifying concern of Caucasian hate groups within the US using a multidisciplinary psychological approach. Oklahoma Counseling Association Mid-Winter Conference.
PEER REVIEWS
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Nov 2024. The Inter-Relatedness of Trauma and Substance Use and the Social Determinants of Health. Article for Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly.
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August 2024. Becoming a School Counselor. Book for Cognella, Inc.
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June 2024. Common Therapeutic Factors in Group Therapy for Substance Use Disorders. Article for Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly.
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Apr 2024. The Mind Delusion, How It Arises and Why it’s Here to Stay. Book for Cambridge University Press.
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Mar 2024. Knowledge Doesn’t Exist & Other Thoughts on Critical Thinking. Book for Cambridge University Press.
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Jan 2024. Forgiveness, Resentment, Well-Being, and College Student Substance Use in Southern Appalachia and West Texas. Article for Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly.
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Dec 2023. Makerspace Counseling for Health and Wellness: Creativity in Action. Book for Cognella, Inc.
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Jan 2023. Staying ALERT to Suicide: A Clinician’s Guide to Suicide Assessment and Healing from Client Suicide. Book for Roman & Littlefield Publishing.
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Mar 2022. Modern Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy. Book for Roman & Littlefield Publishing.
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May 2017. Theories & Therapies, Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy in Context and Practice (3rd ed.) Book for Rita and John Sommers-Flanagan (authors)
COMMUNITY
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​March 2022: Consultant and subject matter expert. Psychological support for Ukraine, virtual​​​
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August 2021: Preceptor for the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program, Oklahoma City University.​​
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April 2016: Discussion panel member and subject matter expert. OKC Civic Center production of ‘night, Mother. Suicidality and mental health crisis prevention.
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May 2015 – January 2017: Facilitator for Strengthening Families Program. Red Rock Behavioral Health & Oklahoma Department of Human Services. ​​
AWARDS
2021 Excellence in Teaching Award
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Center for Excellence in Learning and Education, Oklahoma City University
2012 & 2013 Innovation Award
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University of Oklahoma Outreach
EDUCATION
December 2020
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Cumberlands
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Major: Counselor Education & Supervision
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CACREP accredited
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Graduated Chi Sigma Iota
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Dissertation topic - “A quantitative study: The indirect effects of implicit bias on the relationship between participant social group affiliation and emotional experiences.”
May 2014
Master of Education, Oklahoma City University
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Major: Applied Behavioral Studies/Licensed Counseling
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Graduated High Honors & Phi Kappa Phi
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Capstone research- The social, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology of membership in Caucasian hate groups.
May 2003
Bachelor of Arts, University of Oklahoma
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Major: Anthropology, Minor: Psychology
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Area of focus and capstone research in Cultural Anthropology
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
May 2023 – Present
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Texas #91590
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
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April 2018 – Present
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Board Approved LPC Supervisor, OK
Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health
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December 2015 – Present
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), OK #5943
Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
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American Counseling Association
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Oklahoma Counseling Association
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Oklahoma Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development
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Alpha Eta National Honors Society, Faculty
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Chi Sigma Iota National Honors Society, Counseling Academics & Professionals.
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Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society
CONTACT
Dr. David Pfaff, PhD, LPC​
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Office phone: 405-509-5081
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Email: dapfaff@ttuhsc.edu
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Mail: 3545 NW 58th, STE 870, Oklahoma City, OK, 73112