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Student Assistance Counselor

About Mrs. Beckmeyer

Judith Beckmeyer is a N.J. Certified School Psychologist and NJ Student Assistance Counselor.  She is also a member of the Association of Student Assistance Professionals of NJ.  Mrs. Beckmeyer is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC).  She has been in the education field since 1991 and has instructed at the University level.  Mrs. Beckmeyer maintains a small private practice within her home.  

Student assistance counselor joins staff – The Glen Echo

Recommended Reading List for Parents

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
by Daniel GolemanYear Published: 1997
Everyone knows that high IQ is no guarantee of success, happiness, or virtue, but until Emotional Intelligence, we could only guess why. Daniel Goleman's brilliant report from the frontiers of psychology and neuroscience offers startling new insight into our "two minds"--the rational and the emotional--and how they together shape our destiny.

Through vivid examples, Goleman delineates the five crucial skills of emotional intelligence, and shows how they determine our success in relationships, work, and even our physical well-being. What emerges is an entirely new way to talk about being smart.

The best news is that "emotional literacy" is not fixed early in life. Every parent, every teacher, every business leader, and everyone interested in a more civil society, has a stake in this compelling vision of human possibility.

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Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
by Daniel GolemanYear Published: 2007
Far more than we are consciously aware, our daily encounters with parents, spouses, bosses, and even strangers shape our brains and affect cells throughout our bodies—down to the level of our genes—for good or ill. In Social Intelligence, Daniel Goleman explores an emerging new science with startling implications for our interpersonal world. Its most fundamental discovery: we are designed for sociability, constantly engaged in a “neural ballet” that connects us brain to brain with those around us.

Our reactions to others, and theirs to us, have a far-reaching biological impact, sending out cascades of hormones that regulate everything from our hearts to our immune systems, making good relationships act like vitamins—and bad relationships like poisons. We can “catch” other people’s emotions the way we catch a cold, and the consequences of isolation or relentless social stress can be life-shortening. Goleman explains the surprising accuracy of first impressions, the basis of charisma and emotional power, the complexity of sexual attraction, and how we detect lies. He describes the “dark side” of social intelligence, from narcissism to Machiavellianism and psychopathy. He also reveals our astonishing capacity for “mindsight,” as well as the tragedy of those, like autistic children, whose mindsight is impaired.

Is there a way to raise our children to be happy? What is the basis of a nourishing marriage? How can business leaders and teachers inspire the best in those they lead and teach? How can groups divided by prejudice and hatred come to live together in peace? 

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Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
by James ClearYear Published: 2018
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you'll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.
 
Mrs. Judith Beckmeyer (Student Assistance Counselor)
beckmeyerj@paterson.k12.nj.us  (973)321- 0090 X20906
Office Hours at CJR #9: Thursdays and Fridays (8:15am-3:15pm)

  • The Student Assistance Counselor:

    is a trained, professional counselor who is available to discuss any problem(s) that students or families may be experiencing, such as: relationship or family issues, school problems, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, bullying, grief and loss, low self-esteem, or any other psychosocial issues.

  • Student Assistance Counseling is:

    Confidential:  Students can expect that information shared with the SAC remains confidential (unless a student is being abused, or someone is in immediate danger).  

    Convenient:  The Student Assistance Counselor is available to meet with students during the school day.

    Voluntary: It is the student’s choice to avail themselves of student assistance counseling.  Parents, teachers, or other peers may refer a student to the counselor for an initial meeting, but only the individual student will decide if they will participate on an on-going basis. 

    Interactive: Our S.A.C. interacts quite frequently with students in activities outside of counseling.  She is instructional, as you will see her in the classroom teaching prevention skills in the classroom. Mrs. Beckmeyer also runs a peer counseling group which consists of 7th and 8th graders.

 

Recommended Reading List for Students

Who Moved My Cheese? : An Amazing Way to Deal With Change in Your Work and in Your Life
by Spencer JohnsonYear Published: 1999

Cheese is a metaphor for what you want in life - be it a good job, a loving relationship, money or possessions, health or spiritual peace of mind. And the maze is where you look for what you want - the organization you work in, or the family or community where you live. This book shows how to anticipate change, adapt quickly, enjoy the change and be ready for more, so that you suffer from less stress and enjoy more success in life.

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Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find P

by Matthew SokolovYear Published: 2018

Mindfulness is an evidence-based method for reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing resilience, and maintaining mental well-being. Even short meditations can turn a bad day around, ground us in the present moment, and help us approach life with gratitude and kindness. Practicing Mindfulness was created by the founder of One Mind Dharma. He developed these 75 essential exercises to offer practical guidance for anyone who wants to realize the benefits of mindful meditation.

10 Minutes to Better Mental Health: A Step-by-Step Guide for Teens Using CBT and Mindfulness

by Lee David and Debbie BrewinYear Published: 2020

What can you really do in 10 minutes? You can make a cup of tea or coffee, walk about 0.6 miles and now, with this book, you can improve your mental health.

No matter how busy or stressful your day, with 10-minute steps and quick exercises, you can better understand your experiences and learn how to survive setbacks. The book covers everything from dealing with worry and anxiety and building your confidence, to creating healthy life habits and positive relationships. It includes sections to read, questions to reflect on, video clips to watch and things to try out in your everyday life. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT and mindfulness, it will help you to get the best out of life and become the person you want to be.