"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 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).
Speaker
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.
Educator
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.