Val Walker MS

About

Val Walker, MS, is the author of The Art of Comforting which won the Nautilus Book Award and was recommended by the Boston Public Health Commission as a guide for families impacted by the Boston Marathon bombing. As a rehabilitation consultant and writer, Walker deeply believes that we can break through the barriers that isolate us by building our confidence in reaching out to create our communities. Her latest book, 400 Friends and No One to Call: Breaking Through Isolation and Building Community, is a candid and comforting guide for isolating times when we have no one to count on.

With a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University, Walker has explored and practiced the art of comforting since facilitating her first support group in 1993. In the trenches of isolated and disadvantaged communities for twenty-four years, she has organized and led support groups for people living with serious illness, disability, grief, and trauma. She contributes to the Health Story Collaborative in Boston and teaches and speaks throughout New England.

Books by Val Walker MS

Recent Posts

3 Myths About Awe and Wonder That Curtail Our Experience

It is our willingness to be wowed—not so much the thing that wows us—that we can claim as a source of strength. Letting go of expectations allows for surprises of awe and wonder.

The Power of Sharing Moments of Awe

When we’re captivated by something greater than ourselves in a moment of awe and wonder, we see each other in a new light.

3 Things to Avoid in Polarizing Times

What can derail a conversation, especially a political or emotionally charged discussion? Being preachy, pushy, and presumptuous.

Easing Loneliness With Wonder, Awe, and Nature

Our awe-inspiring moments with wildlife that take our breath away can restore our sense of belonging in the world, especially when we feel lonely. Wonder opens us to connection.

When You Earn Less Than Your Friends

Friendships don't have to end over a wealth gap. Despite the stigma of talking about money, there are honest, compassionate ways to talk address the elephant in the room.

A Doomscrolling Self-Assessment

We know that uncontrolled preoccupation with news is bad for us; here's a quick self-assessment of how news gets to you, and to your nerves.

5 Myths About Integrity—and 5 Reassuring Truths

Living with integrity doesn't mean we must be heroic, selfless, and saintly. But we can make integrity work for us with small, modest wins every day.

12 Ways to Comfort Friends Who've Had a Rough Year

The holidays offer ways to comfort loved ones who may have survived a year of disappointments and hardship. Even small acts of kindness provide mutual comfort.

7 Myths About Ghosting, and the Truth

Research on ghosting has greatly increased over the past three years. The trends are becoming clearer—and it's time to bust a few myths.

7 Ways to Support a Friend Who's Been Ghosted

Being ghosted can leave us with an ambiguous sense of loss that is often dismissed by others. A friend can listen and validate reactions to this inexplicable, unresolvable grief.