Val Walker – Homepage

Val writes about breaking out of isolating life situations by building community, friendships, and a sense of belonging. She is the author of The Art of Comforting which won the Nautilus Book Award in 2011, and 400 Friends and No One to Call (Central Recovery Press).

Val speaks nationwide on how to build friendships, fellowships, and community in times of loss, loneliness, and major life changes.

Val provides lively, interactive classes for seniors and people with disabilities. With word games, trivia, and brain twisters, her “Words Galore” programs spark wit, banter, humor—and, best of all—new friendships.

A contributing blogger for Psychology Today, Val explores the topics of loneliness, breaking out of isolation, and building community. A former rehabilitation counselor based in Boston, Val speaks throughout New England and offers her highly interactive “Words Galore” classes at senior centers, assisted living communities, and community education centers.

Psychology Today Blog: 400 Friends but Who Can I Call?

How to Recover from Being Ghosted, Breadcrumbed, or Played

Recognition for The Art of Comforting: What to Say and Do for People in Distress (Penguin Random House, 2010)

Nautilus Book Award, Gold Medalist, Grief and Loss Category, 2011

Penguin Random House featured title, There’s A Book for That: Hope, Healing and Doing Good

Coalition of Visionary Resources Book Award, First Runner Up, 2011

Recommended by the Boston Public Health Commission in their Guide for Survivors of the Boston Marathon Bombing

Recommended Reading by the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center