Val Walker – Homepage

Val writes about breaking out of social isolation and building community after a major loss or life transition. 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, March, 2020.)

Val develops curriculums for nonprofit agencies serving people with disabilities. Certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, she writes courses on human rights, advocacy, reducing social isolation, and building community.

Val offers classes and facilitates groups to teach how to comfort people in distress, enrich social engagement, and build community. She also provides online classes for seniors and people with disabilities.

Val is a contributing blogger for Psychology Today, exploring the topics of loneliness, breaking out of isolation, and building community. Her new book, 400 Friends and No One to Call, was released on March 26th with Central Recovery Press. A former rehabilitation counselor, Val teaches and speaks throughout New England and contributes to the Health Story Collaborative in Boston.

Recently interviewed on Global TV Canada’s Morning Show

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

Are You Judgmental of Lonely People? A Self-Test

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