Val Walker – Homepage

Val writes about breaking out of social isolation and building community. 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 and provides training for nonprofit agencies serving people with disabilities. Certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services as a human rights advocate, she trains staff and clients in advocacy skills to break through social isolation and build community.

Val is a networking and transition coach to help people expand and enrich their professional as well as social networks. Despite COVID-19, we can strengthen our ties and venture into new fellowships and partnerships to build community and a sense of belonging.

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

Latest blog posts for Psychology Today

How Sensitive Are You to Social Media? A Self-test. 

The Fear of Not Measuring Up (in Times of Social Distancing)

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