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).

Certified as a human rights advocate by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Val develops and teaches courses on human rights, advocacy, reducing social isolation, and building community.

Val provides engaging and interactive classes for seniors and people with disabilities. Sparking conversation, wordplay, and storytelling, her classes have helped people “re-enter” their social lives by moving forward out of isolating situations.

Val is a contributing blogger for Psychology Today, exploring the topics of loneliness, breaking out of isolation, and building community. Her book, 400 Friends and No One to Call: Breaking Through Isolation and Building Community, was released in 2020 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?

7 Ways to Support a Friend Who’s Been Ghosted

The Loneliness of Unshareable Grief

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