"This book is a marvel! ...A compendium of real-life stories and useful tips about solving the universal problem of loneliness. I plan to recommend this book widely!" --Jacqueline Olds, MD, Coauthor, The Lonely American, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, and Psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital
"This book is a marvel! ...A compendium of real-life stories and useful tips about solving the universal problem of loneliness. I plan to recommend this book widely!" --Jacqueline Olds, MD, Coauthor, The Lonely American, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, and Psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital
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"With clarity, compassion, and wisdom, Walker teaches the art and craft of comforting others and ourselves. In today's distressed and frenetic world, she does us all a great favor." --Mary Pipher, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Reviving Ophelia and Women Rowing North
"With clarity, compassion, and wisdom, Walker teaches the art and craft of comforting others and ourselves. In today's distressed and frenetic world, she does us all a great favor." --Mary Pipher, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Reviving Ophelia and Women Rowing North
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Author
Val is the author of The Art of Comforting (Penguin Random House) which won the Gold Nautilus Book Award, and 400 Friends and No One to Call (Central Recovery Press). Her next book, Healing Through Wonder, will be released in January 2026 with Bloomsbury Publishing.
Speaker
Speaking nationwide on how to build friendships and community in times of loss, loneliness, and major life changes.
Val Walker Photo: Carrington Crothers
A contributing blogger for Psychology Today and a rehabilitation consultant and educator, Val explores the art of comforting, breaking out of isolation, and building community. Based in Boston, MA, she speaks at Council on Aging centers, agencies for people with disabilities, continuing education programs, medical centers, and hospices.
Providing lively, interactive classes for seniors and people with disabilities. With wordplay, brain teasers, and word games, her “Words Galore” programs spark wit, banter, humor—and, best of all—new friendships.