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 as well as how to support others facing loss, loneliness, and major life changes.

Val provides interactive classes for seniors and people with disabilities called “Wordplay Galore,” sparking conversation, lively word games, lighthearted banter, and new connections.

A contributing blogger for Psychology Today, Val explores the topics of loneliness, breaking out of isolation, and building community. Her first book, The Art of Comforting (Penguin Random House, 2010) won the Nautilus Book Award. Her second book, 400 Friends and No One to Call, was released in 2020 with Central Recovery Press. A former rehabilitation counselor, Val speaks throughout New England and enjoys offering her highly interactive “Wordplay Galore!” classes at senior centers and community education centers.

Interviewed on Global TV Canada’s Morning Show

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

How to Recover from Being Ghosted, Breadcrumbed, or Played

Val recently presented to AARP NC Mountain Region on the topic, “Building Community Through Volunteering.”

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

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

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