Val Walker – Homepage
Author
Consultant
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.
Educator
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.
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 “Words 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
The Loneliness of Unshareable Grief
NEWS: Val is speaking for AARP North Carolina, Thursday, April 6, “Building Community Through Volunteering.” Free, join online or in person. Read more or register here.
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
