Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology,
Argosy University

Master of Social Work,
Adelphi University School of Social Work

BS in Psychology,
St. Joseph’s College

Dr. Coccoma earned her MSW degree from Adelphi University in Long Island, New York and a Doctorate in Education (Counseling Psychology) from Argosy University Sarasota, Florida.

Originally from New York, her social work career included multiple positions from a social worker to Assistant Executive Director at a large child caring agency providing services and program development addressing the mental health needs of children, families and adults. She has taught in MSW/BSW accreditated programs for 15 years in state and private university settings. Additionally, she is an active clinician maintaining a private clinical social work practice providing psychotherapy to adults and families. She has been active member of NASW throughout her career.

Her research focus has been in trauma, trauma informed care, ethics and mental health. She has published in peer reviewed journals and co-authored a book entitled “Trauma Informed Care: How Neuroscience influences Practice” (Routledge Taylor & Francis Group). Additionally, she has lectured on topics including social work ethics, and adolescent mental health.

Coccoma, P. (2014) Transitions and Tradeoffs: A social worker’s snapshot of the  American military family.  Reflections: Narratives of the Social Work Profession.

Coccoma, P. (2013) Comparative Study of Evidence Based Treatment Modalities for Adolescents with Depression. Annals of the    American Psychotherapy Association v. 16 no.1 pg. 84-89

Coccoma, P., Peppers, C., & Molhoek, J. (2012) Creativity and Wikis: Partnering Virtual Team Technology and Social Work Education.  Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. v. 8#2 pg 147- 158

Bruster, B., & Coccoma, P. (2013) Mentoring for Educational Success:  Advancing Foster Care Youth Utilizing Core         Competencies. Journal of Human Behavior and Social Environment.  DOI:10.1080/10911359.2013.764218

Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2012, fall) Social Work and the Community Mentoring Teens: Preparing Their Future. College of Health Professions and Social Work; Social Work Review                 

Coccoma, P., & Anstadt, S. (2011) Considering an Alternative: Interest in use of spiritually based activities as deterrent to substance abuse behavior.  The International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health; 4(3) pp. 247-256

Evans, A., & Coccoma, P. (2014) Trauma Informed Care: How Neuroscience Influences Practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.

Evans, A & Coccoma, P (2016). F.E.A.R.: A Rubric for Understanding Trauma – Informed Care NSAW-FL Annual Conference Orlando, Florida

Evans, A & Coccoma, P (2014). F.E.A.R.: A Rubric for Understanding  Informed Care NSAW-FL Annual Conference Ft. Lauderdale, FL. June 2014. Invited presentation.

Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2011). Mentoring for Educational Success: Advancing Foster Care Youth. NASW-FL Annual Conference Tampa, Fl. 6/11 Presented

Bruster, B., & Coccoma, P. (2012). Mentoring for Educational Success: A partnership between Children’s Network of SWFL and FGCU. Daniel Memorial Conference on Independent Living. Sept 4-7, 2012 Atlanta, Ga.

Coccoma, P., & Evans, A. (2012). Trauma and Recovery: How Neuroscience Influences Interventions. NASW National Conference: The Power of Social Work. Washington, DC July 2012. Accepted

Peppers, C., Coccoma, P., & Molhoek, J (2012). Creativity and Wikis: Virtual Teams and Social Work Education. Poster session presented at: Florida Gulf Coast  University 11th Annual Research Day – April 20, 2012 Fort Myers, Florida. 

Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2011). Mentoring for Educational Success: Advancing Foster Care Youth Utilizing Core Competencies. Mississippi Child Welfare Institute, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mi. Feb 16-17., 2011.

Coccoma, P. & Bruster, B. (2010). Mentoring for Success: A service learning  partnership with independent living foster care youth and social work students Mississippi Child Welfare Institute. Jackson State University Jackson, Mi. Feb. 4 -5, 2010. Presented

Coccoma, P. (2009). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice. NASW South Carolina Annual Conference. Myrtle Beach, SC 3/09 Presented

Coccoma, P., & Evans, A. (2008). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice American Psychotherapy Association Annual Conference. San Diego, Ca. Sept. 2008.

Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, Emerald Coast Unit; NASW Florida Chapter. Panama City , Fl.

Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, Northwest Unit NASW Florida Chapter. Pensacola, Fl.

Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, SW Unit NASW Florida Chapter. Fort Myers, Fl.

Coccoma, P (2016). Trauma Informed Care Panel. Barry University. Fort Myers, Fl.

Coccoma, P. (2015). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of  Social Workers, SW Florida Chapter. Fort Myers, Fl. College of Health Professions and Social Work (2014) Promotion Workshop. Panel presentation. FGCU Fort Myers, Florida

Trauma, Trauma Informed Care

Teletherapy and Covid 19, draft manuscript