Val Walker – Homepage
Author
Speaker
Speaking nationwide on how to build friendships and community in times of loss, loneliness, and major life changes.
Photo: Carrington Crothers
A contributing blogger for Psychology Today and the Health Story Collaborative, Val explores the art of comforting, breaking out of isolation, building community, and healing through awe and wonder.
COMING JANUARY 8, 2026
WITH BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING
Healing Through Wonder
How Awe Restores Us After Trauma and Loss
ANNOUNCING a new website devoted to Healing Through Wonder about the book, workshops, storytelling videos, and resource guide: HealingThroughWonder.com
Educator
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.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR HEALING THROUGH WONDER
“Healing Through Wonder, is a powerful work — urging readers to draw upon
their own resilience, particularly a sense of wonder as they cope with loss.
This book is a gift to anyone who is bereaved.” — Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, Senior
Vice-President for Grief Programs, The Hospice Foundation of America, Author,
Disenfranchised Grief, Grief Is a Journey
“Val Walker’s profound journey through trauma and spiritual exploration
is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. This book beautifully captures the resilience
of the human spirit and the transformative power of connection and awe.
A must-read for anyone seeking healing and understanding.” — Shari Botwin, LCSW,
Keynote speaker, Media Contributor and Author of “Thriving After Trauma:
Stories of Living and Healing,” and “Stolen Childhoods: Thriving After Abuse.”
“Healing Through Wonder is a luminous testament to the transformative power
of awe. Blending personal vulnerability with compelling research, this book invites readers
into a journey where wonder becomes a profound source of healing and hope
after trauma and loss.” — Scott T. Allison, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Psychology,
University of Richmond, Editor of Heroism Science and the Encyclopedia of Heroism
Studies, Author, Reel Heroes
“Walker’s personal experience with trauma is both moving and beautifully written.
Her study of awe as a source of healing for herself and others will bring hope, help, and
pave a better future for many.” — Kelsey Crowe, PhD, Co-author, There Is No Good Card
for This, and Founder of Empathy Bootcamp
Psychology Today Blog: 400 Friends but Who Can I Call?
Building Your Social Life with Wonder and Curiosity
When You Earn Less Than Your Friends
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
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
Recommended reading by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
