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Heart and Mind Assessments and Programs
A Native American grandfather told his grandson,"There are two wolves fighting inside all of us constantly - the wolf of
fear and hate, and the wolf of love and peace." His grandson then asked the most important question . . . "Which
one will win, Grandfather?"The Grandfather replied, "The one we feed."
Heart disease is prevalent in our society and continues to be the largest single cause of death in America. For every 1 in 3 people, their 1st cardiac symptom is their last because they fail to survive. As one of those who did survive, I am honored to share a wealth of information with those who might be ready to learn more about the psychological stressors and emotional reactions that contribute to heart disease.
My goal is to help you understand what in your life may factor into your experience of the progression of CHD, and prevent your experience of a cardiac event. If like me, you've already had a heart attack….my goal is to help you achieve a more enriching and joyful life through better health and improved performance. I am prepared to offer you the best screening and information available to the discipline of cardiac psychology and teach you about the best medicine employed in a state-of-the-art research project involving our very own Denver Broncos Alumni.
Assessment Services
Assessment services are available both in Boulder and in Denver at Colorado Heart Imaging.
Executive Stress Evaluation and Follow-up
This service proceeds from Dr. Walker's psychosocial stress evaluation and includes a review of emotional and physical symptoms of stress, assessments of depression, anxiety, anger and hostility reactions to life circumstances, "Type D" personality screening, negative affect and social isolation risk factors. In addition, we will incorporate a face-to-face interview to explore specific stressors, strengths and weaknesses, input from significant others and family members who choose to participate.
This evaluation is conducted using interviews, paper and pencil diagnostics, self-reported measures and other reports. The results are provided in a written report which will be forwarded to your physician upon request including an interpretative consultation with your doctor if requested. A second interview is arranged with an opportunity to focus on the results of the assessments. Family members are invited to attend if you so choose so that treatment recommendations can be made that include those integral to your support system.
If treatment recommendations are made that include referrals, Dr. Walker will follow-up to make sure that there is a goodness of fit for each person-doctor alliance that assures a good collaboration and that the treatment goals are clearly understood by all when addressing the modification of any noted behavioral risk factor. This assessment often qualifies for insurance reimbursement and is guaranteed to be informative, helpful and considerate of each person's capabilities, inspirational needs for motivation and personal goals.
Life Stress Assessments
Dr. Walker is available to conduct life stress evaluations that include a review of emotional and physical symptoms of stress, paper and pencil assessments of depression, anxiety-panic concerns, anger and hostility reactions, "Type D" personality screening, in addition to negative affect and social isolation as risk factors. We will also explore stress mitigating activities and review those strengths that are helpful with respect to your heart health. This evaluation is conducted using paper and pencil diagnostics and a face-to-face review of your results and recommendations for things you can do right now to get yourself back on track.
Life Stress Interview
Dr. Walker can provide a brief consultation for individuals who would like to discuss how their experience of stress may increase their future risk of heart disease or interfere with their overall quality of life. Designed as a one time interview, this hour long session will focus on each patient's experience of stress, assess their coping skills, their strengths and weaknesses, and educate them as to methods and techniques they might employ more effectively in responding to the stress experienced in their lives.
Positive Psychology Assessments
Dr. Walker is available to assist in helping those who care to pursue a more proactive approach toward optimal functioning and life satisfactions goals. The process begins by reviewing assessments that include the "Pillars of a Balanced Life," the VIA Character Strengths Assessment, Fordyce Emotions Questionnaire (of Current Happiness), General Happiness Scale (Enduring Happiness), Satisfaction with Life Scale (Emotions about the Past), and the Approaches to Happiness Questionnaire, all available on-line. A follow-up plan of action is developed in a "coaching" session that enables each person to experience the satisfaction of goal directed personal growth in one or more areas.
Programs, Workshops, and Presentations for Heart & Mind
Lunch Time Presentations
Brown Bag seminars, workshops and presentations are not
only time efficient but particularly good at helping people
develop skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Dr. Walker is
available to present a program in your lunchroom or boardroom
on a variety of topics designed to be cost effective and
time efficient for those employees or groups who attend.
These programs are offered by appointment. Cost depends
on group size, prep time, travel, and location.
Half-Day Programs and Workshops
Patterns of living and working are linked to many common
conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, heart
disease, obesity, and maladies leading to premature aging.
Dr. Walker presents programs that are educational, entertaining,
laced with humor. He diligently provides practical skills,
techniques and methods for addressing a variety of concerns.
In addition, he offers insights into peak performance
and positive psychological states that consistently contribute
and are recognized as factors in happiness. Dr. Walker
will help you identify patterns that can hinder as well
as those that can help, and actively demonstrate effective
strategies for consciously pursuing more productive and
healthy choices. These programs are designed to be offered
in a half day format and are tailored specifically for
each audience involving a fair amount of preparation.
Cost depends on group size, prep time, travel, and location.
Complete Programs and Workshops
Day long intensives are also available and are especially
designed for each group or business depending on their
goals. Dr. Walker takes meticulous care in the preparation
of these day long programs because they must be entertaining
and productive and result in a good return on investment
for each organization. Team Building is one such program,
but the Mental Skills for Peak Performance is also a common
topic. Cost for these programs depends on group size,
prep time, travel, and location.
Please contact me for more information.
Dr. Stephen Walker
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Boulder County Office:
5829 Niwot Road
Niwot, CO 80503
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Cherry Creek Office:
201 Columbine Street, Suite 150
Denver, CO 80206
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Phone: 303-530-4439
Fax: 303-530-4643
Email
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© 2006 by Stephen E. Walker. All Rights Reserved.
Website Design by Annie Hughes for Earthshine Design.
Photos by Louise Hamelin, Charles Pfeil, Delly Carr, Paul Towlen, and Donna Walker, used by permission.
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